Rituals & Runes Anthology presents Cara North Author Interview!

 

We’ve got the magic...and it’s Rituals & Runes!

This amazing collection from Shifters Unleashed including tales from the hottest bestselling authors in paranormal romance and urban fantasy is coming Fall of 2o22, and you don’t want to miss it!

To find out more about the anthology, please welcome Cara North to our author interview series, as she discusses Beasts of Magic.

 

Author: Cara North

 

Book: Beasts of Magic

 

R&R: You have several wolves and a heroine on the cover of your book. Please describe what sort of supernatural beings you have in your story and their roles.

 

Cara: Beasts of Magic is a dark, new adult, beginning to a reverse harem two-book series. In this story, we meet our leading lady, a witch by birth with no training who causes all sorts of problems. In addition, we meet Ghost and Shadow, the two shapeshifters. They are from her past, one when she was younger, the other her high school sweetheart. Both of them have broken hearts and she was the hammer that smashed them, so neither want to be there, but alas, they are. Her mistake opens up a dark realm and all sorts of creatures exist there and they have to survive and try to fix it.

 

R&R: How twisted, dangerous, and fun!

 

How does magic come into play in the story?

 

Cara: She is an inexperienced witch who is very powerful and makes a lot of mistakes in this story. First unknowing, then because she doesn’t fully get it, and finally, she comes around and starts to control her magic.

 

R&R: It’s great to see a character develop over time, and even better when it's through their special gift.

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

 

Cara: The theme is essentially overcoming obstacles.

 

R&R: They sure seem like they have a lot of obstacles to overcome, so this ought to be engaging.

 

What was the highlight of writing this book?

 

Cara: Having a female lead who may be physically smaller and weaker, but magic evens the playing field in a fight for her making her sometimes stronger and more imposing than her reluctant guardians.

 

R&R: We can dig that neat juxtaposition. Makes great tension!

 

If your book was to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it?

 

Cara: Jake Gyllenhaal…don’t really know or care who else. LOL. He is my muse, so some part of those wolves have a Gyllenism to them. Yes, I made up that word. LOL.

 

R&R: Hot!!

 

How do you develop your plot and characters?

 

Cara: Characters pop into my head and usually bring a basic beginning to a plot with them. I listen, I ask questions, and I let it play out in my head like a movie and just try to keep up as I type.

 

R&R: Lively! Many of us authors have a similar experience.

 

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

 

Cara: As Cara North? I have several anthologies coming up: Jocks,  Mr. October, Fiesta Nights to name a few; and my second in the Crossbow University series: Holly which is another dark, college, reverse harem, contemporary romance.

 

R&R: That's great you have so many wonderful books coming out.

 

Would you rather ride a bike or a horse everywhere you went?

 

Cara: Wow. This really takes some thought. LOL. I suppose since I live in the woods and in the mountains a horse, but if bike is slang for motorcycle then because it may still be cheaper to feed and I wouldn’t have to peddle. Really appreciating my car right now thanks to this question. :)

 

R&R: That was a funny question! Lol! And we love the twist you put on it. Very smart.

 

Wonderful of you to join us today. Find out more about Beasts of Magic and how to get your copy below.

 

Book blurb:

 

It could be the house I inherited, the family secrets I am learning about, or the two wolves that haunt the woods surrounding me. According to the book I found, it's because I was the product of an unsanctioned union. All I know for sure is that I am in big trouble and the two men I have to count on, don't want to be here with me. They will have to get over it. I will have to accept it. I don't want to lose my heart...or my life, but everything is a risk, and Gambling Season is upon us.

 

Excerpt:

 

“Whew.” I let out a breath as I grabbed the handle on my luggage and started up the walkway toward the house my Aunt Helen had left me in her will. I didn’t really know the woman, but her timing for bestowing this gift was spot on.

These heels were killing my feet. The sound of the wheels scraping along the pavement and the occasional clack and jolt as they rolled over a crack reminded me that I had been walking for a while. I needed a sip of my soda.

I stopped and looked up at the sky above me. Crap! I forgot my phone when I grabbed my drink. I looked back and could feel my eyes go wide with disbelief. This made absolutely no sense whatsoever. The car looked very far away from me. I looked at the house and it appeared to be closer. My feet insisted I could head back to the car when I had on better shoes and was well hydrated. I had to be experiencing some sort of heat exhaustion. The porch appeared only a few steps away, yet I kept walking toward it and still hadn’t reached the stairs.

 

Author Bio:

 

Cara North is one of three pseudonyms. I write a variety of romance genres to include paranormal, contemporary,  fantasy and so many subgenres. I am a USMC veteran, a writing coach for a university, and I have a podcast called Creative Writing With Dr Nagle. Check it out! I write Young Adult as September North, and in 2023 my non-romance fantasy stories by Echo North will launch.

 

Where to find her:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorCaraNorth

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

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/caranorthauthor

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/caranorth_author/?hl=en

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20650398.Cara_North

BookBub : https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cara-north

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/september-north

Amazon Author Page Cara :  https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B002BLLE1U

TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdht9Kg1/

Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/musesandsirens

My Website: https://www.creativewritingwithdrnagle.com/

 

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