RELEASE DAY! Shadow Rising by Cassi Carver (Interview+Giveaway)

I am so excited to welcome Cassi Carver on the blog today! Her books are spicy and she's super awesome. I met her twice already and got to hear her read from her book. I strongly suggest checking them out! Today, book two of the Shadow Slayers series comes out and I've got all the details for you!

Title: Shadow Rising
Series: Shadow Slayers, #2
Author: Cassi Carver
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Release Date: September 25, 2012
Pages: 237
Buy Here: Amazon (Kindle)

Blurb:

Her lover is back from the dead…but now there’s hell to pay.

When Kara Reed learns her bondmate, Julian, is truly dead, and that Gavin has seemingly skipped town, she figures things have hit rock bottom. But soon, a string of bizarre accidents has her doubting those closest to her. And to make matters worse, the demon-king’s brand carved into her best friend Abbey’s stomach is deteriorating by the day.

Then a powerful coven of witches issues Kara an ultimatum. Bring them the blood of a true fallen angel—the only thing that will heal Abbey—or die. Kara would do anything to help her friend. Problem is, the only fallen angel she’s seen lately is the disoriented black-wing who attacked her scouts. One who looks suspiciously like Julian. Getting his blood might be easier if he was more interested in kissing her than killing her.

Caught between a coven of vengeful witches and a murderous dead lover, Kara must deliver the blood, heal the slow poison of Abbey’s brand, and save Julian from being consumed by the Abyss. But to do this, she may need the help of the one man she swore never to trust again…Gavin.
Warning: This book contains an angry demon returning from the dead, a clan lord hiding a terrible secret, and a hunted heroine cracking open a can of whoop-ass. Watch out for creepy kitties, exploding bad guys, and some very sudsy shower sex.

Interview

1. How did you come up with the idea for Shadow Slayers?

Hi, Arianne! I’m so happy to be visiting your blog today! Slayer’s Kiss is super spicy—more for readers of erotica than for traditional urban fantasy fans. I did this because I felt that was an area of urban fantasy that hadn’t been fully explored. I think it’s helped people who enjoy spicy reads to take a chance on urban fantasy—but no doubt it’s also boggled some traditional urban fantasy brains!

2. Did you title your own books? 

I come up with a list of titles, but the publisher has the last word.  So far, we’ve kept all my titles. But I do get asked about book one and why it’s named Slayer’s Kiss! The answer is simple, I wanted something that said this book is sexy and action-packed urban fantasy—thus “slayer” and “kiss.” I had no idea it was helpful if the title tied into something in the book!! Now I name them according to an important plot point. That’s working great. :)

3. How did you come up with character names?

I make a list of names I like and try to see which fit best with the characters I’ve chosen. I thought it was working well until my critique partner pointed out that all my men’s names, both heroes and villians, ended with the letter “n”! At first I thought maybe I had a hidden obsession that had finally come to light. But think about it, how many men’s names do you know that end in “n”? Lots, right?? I could have happened to anyone! 

4. What do you do when you have a writer's block?

For me, writer’s block is a sign that something is off about the story. When I’ve figured out what the story is really about, the writing comes easy. So when I’m stumped, I have to sit back and think about where I veered off the path, or what’s not working for a particular character. When that happens, I usually have a little mini epiphany that solves the problem and gets me back on track! :)

5. Any unforgettable or strange fan experience?

Well, honestly, this series involves a love triangle, and that has been a challenge! I do get readers who are angry that the heroine chose one man and not the other, and that sort of thing. What’s funny is, there is almost an even split in which hero readers like. But once they root for one, they get really irritated with the other hero and want him out of the picture! It doesn’t bother me, because I take that as a sign that they care about the series and it’s very flattering that my writing can inspire that reaction!

6. Anything you would like to ask our readers?

Yes, I would like to know what was the most recent book they’ve read! And I’d like to pick at random one person who comments to win book one and two of The Shadow Slayers—both Slayer’s Kiss and Shadow Rising!

Thanks for having me, Arianne! I had a lot of fun with this interview and I’d love to hear from some readers in the comments below! :)

Hugs, Cassi

Title: Slayer's Kiss
Series: Shadow Slayers, #1
Author: Cassi Carver
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Release Date: February 14, 2012
Pages: 247
Buy Here: Amazon (Paperback)

Blurb:

When the past flies in your face, clip its wings.

Kara Reed is a supernatural failure. But where her magic falls short, her fists get the job done. The criminal element doesn’t stand a chance once she hits San Diego’s dark streets.
When two smoking-hot tenants move in next door, she thinks her love life might finally be heating up. Just being near Gavin and Julian is enough to make her want to offer her body on a platter.

Gavin and Julian know it’s only a matter of time before the truth comes out. They’re fallen angels sent to watch over the king’s daughter, one of the last females of her kind. Trouble is, she doesn’t seem to think she needs watching—unless they’re watching her shimmy out of her clothes.

No matter how tempting her guardians, Kara’s not about to let anything stop her from tracking down a sadistic killer who carves into his victims and leaves them for dead. Even when she realizes her target may be the very scourge of heaven from which her angels swore to protect her…

Warning: Contains a kick-ass heroine with a foul mouth, a kind heart and a raging libido, and two fallen angel warriors who wouldn’t have her any other way. Watch out for sex in the clouds, a magical island of hedonism and a love triangle that gives new meaning to the term “hot-wings”.

Giveaway

Giveaway ends October 26, 2012. Good luck!
Thank you Cassi for sponsoring the giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Arianne