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Cassi Carver-Interview & Giveaway with the Author

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Cassi Carver-Interview with the Author

The Reading Cafe would like to welcome new author Cassi Carver. Cassi’s new release in The Shadow Slayer’s series- SLAYER’S KISS is now available.

TRC: Hi Cassi and welcome to The Reading Cafe. We will start with some bio information.

Name: Cassi Carver
Residence: Southern California
Marital Status: Married
Children: 4 children

TRC: Will you please tell us about yourself?

Cassi: Yes! I’m a full-time writer and a proud member of the Romance Writers of America, San Diego chapter. When I discovered writing as an adult, I knew I’d found something I could happily spend the rest of my life doing.

TRC: What was is like for you, growing up? Were you raised in the California area?

Cassi: People probably think warm, sandy beaches when they think Southern California, but I was actually raised in a rural area. I rode horses, shot guns, and was obsessed with critters of all varieties. My room was like a petting zoo.

TRC: Were your parents supportive of the choices you made? When and how did you become interested in writing?

Cassi: I started writing from a young age, and my parents loved to read my stories. My first novels were ten page choose-your-own-adventure stories, and my parents convinced me they were great works!!

TRC: Many writers bounce ideas and information with either a family member, a friend or another writer. With whom do you vent or bounce off ideas?

Cassi: When it comes to my stories, I’m a lone wolf. Heehee. Okay, not really. I don’t bounce ideas off many people, but I have a few trusted women in my local RWA chapter who I turn to in a bind for ideas andadvice—especially my critique partner, the fabulous author Melissa Cutler, debuting this year with Harlequin Romantic Suspense and Kensington. Yes, I’m a proud book aunty.

TRC: Is your husband involved with your writing process?

Cassi: Umm…he has ideas. Many ideas. I’ve learned to nod and smile when it comes to the writing, but he has great business sense and I often go to him with questions on marketing strategies. I’m sure he’d tell you he’s the inspiration for every steamy hero I create.

TRC: How were you notified that SLAYER’S KISS was to be published? What was your reaction when you saw your first published book?

Cassi: I was fortunate in that Slayer’s Kiss had several offers. It was the first book I’d submitted, but not the first book I’d written. (There are a couple “special” books under my bed that may never see the light of day.) Having Samhain as my publisher has been a wonderful experience. They are so supportive and easy to work with. Seeing Slayer’s Kiss out there in the world has been a dream come true!!

TRC: Where you involved in the selection of the cover?

Cassi: Samhain allows authors a lot of say on the cover. I fill out a detailed art form and then the artist gives back a preliminary design. I give feedback on that, and we adjust until the artist, the editor, and I think it’s just right. Samhain has an incredibly talented art department!

TRC: The first book in your new Shadow Slayers series is called SLAYER’S KISS. Will you tell us about the premise of the story? (see review below)

Here’s a blurb! 

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…

TRC: How many books do you have planned for this series?

Cassi: Three will be coming out this year, and I have at least a few more planned after that. I’m working on another series right now as well, so I’ll have to see how the readers receive the Shadow Slayers series. If people are enjoying the world, I’ll keep writing. But I would never leave readers hanging. There will be a final book when the time comes—hopefully in the distant future—and it will be packed full of happy!!

TRC: Will Gavin, Julian and Kara be the principle characters throughout the series? Will each successive novel involve a different hero and heroine?

Cassi: Because this series is urban fantasy, Kara will remain the primary heroine. I can’t see her falling in love with anyone besides Julian and Gavin. That love triangle is messy enough and keeping her plenty busy. As for the novellas, like the one coming out in December, those will be paranormal romance novellas focusing on a different hero and heroine in the same world who find their happy ending.

TRC: The first book in any series is usually filled with plenty of background information to let the reader know about the overall premise of the series. Was it difficult to blend the premise of SLAYER’S KISS with the background information required for the readers?

Cassi: Ha! Yes, it was! I try to go easy on backstory, mostly because I find it boring to read and so do most readers. I prefer action and romance. There was a point in Slayer’s Kiss where the copy editor was confused, so I had to go back and add some world-building explanations. Some reviewers found that part slow, and others appreciated being able to more easily understand Kara’s species. Because this is a continuing series, the next books won’t have so much background info. You’ll have to start with book one for lessons in Demiáre breeding!

TRC: Will you tell us something about the premise of SHADOW RISING (book 2), to be released September 25th 2012, in the Shadow Slayers series?

Cassi: Oh, my goodness! The blurb is just being finalized now, and I wish I could share it! I have to say that my editor really enjoyed Slayer’s Kiss—that’s why she bought it—but she loved Shadow Rising. In book two, Kara is finally over her mating heat and she’s learning what it means to be a Demiáre in control of herself and her choices.

Someone she loved and lost is back, but he’s not the same man he was before. In this book, Kara begins to understand what it really means to love and put others before herself. And of course, all that mushy stuff happens while lives are on the line and asses are being kicked… Oh, and we get to briefly visit the Shadowland! Which is by far some of the most fun writing I’ve done. You also have a novella scheduled for a December 2012 release.

TRC: Have you started writing the novella, and if so, will you tell us about the characters and premise?

Cassi: Oh, yes! The novella, tentatively titled The Silverwing’s Sorceress, is Jaxon’s story. I’m almost finished with it! I can’t tell you who his lady is, but by the end of Shadow Rising, you’ll have an idea! The Silverwing’s Sorceress coincides with the last four days of Shadow Rising.

TRC: You classify your writing style in the erotic-paranormal genre. There is always a fine line between erotic and pornographic. Where do you believe the line should be drawn with regards to writing erotic storylines? Do you believe there is a fine line between erotic and pornographic writing?

Cassi: Slayer’s Kiss is erotic urban fantasy. Because urban fantasy revolves around the same heroine in every book, they tend to be on the tame side, sexually. I wanted to see what would happen if I injected edgy passion into traditional UF.

I had a great time writing Slayer’s Kiss, but I’ve seen that it’s definitely hard to keep up that level of sexuality in subsequent books—Kara can’t remain in perpetual heat. I think her sexual experiences are deeper and more emotionally profound in book two. As for the difference between erotic fiction and pornography…this can be a difficult subject, especially when you come from a conservative family. But it’s always seemed simple to me—pornography is pictures or videos of naked people engaging in sex acts. Erotic fiction is simply words on a page.
No matter your opinion on pornography, it’s easy to see the difference between watching real human beings having sex versus piecing together words that create the experience only in your own mind.

Most readers of erotica aren’t using it for nefarious purposes. In fact, many women will tell you that spicy romance novels actually improve their libido and their marriages.

TRC: Under the circumstances, with erotic novels, there is a ‘parental warning’ or ‘content warning’, but many young adults (under 18) have access to most novels, especially now that ebooks are so readily available. Do you have any comments with regards to young adults and teens reading erotic novels? What would I tell teens in regards to reading my books?

Cassi: Uh…please don’t. I think reading erotica might give a young adult a skewed idea of what true intimacy is. When you’re older, you are better able to process what is reality and what is fantasy.

TRC: Have you ever considered writing a Young Adult series?

Cassi: Truthfully? Never. It would drive me crazy if my hero and heroine were never able to consummate their relationship. I write books with consenting adults who can explore where their passion takes them.

TRC: What are you currently working on?

Cassi: Currently, I’m editing Shadow Rising, finishing The Silverwing’s Sorceress, and beginning a brand new paranormal romance series! My life is never dull.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Cassi: Just that I had a lot of fun, and I’m so glad you invited me here today!!

LIGHTNING ROUND
Favorite Food: Cheesecake

Favorite Dessert: Cheesecake. Hey—it’s a real food!

Favorite Movie: The Boxer, with Daniel Day Lewis

Favorite TV Show: TRUE BLOOD—Woot!! Woot!!

Last Movie that you saw: I can’t remember the last, but my favorite recent movie was “This Means War.” It was hilarious! I saw it twice!!

Dark or Milk Chocolate: There is no such thing as bad chocolate, but milk.

Last book that you read: Nalini Singh’s Visions of Heat

White or red roses: Red

Last vacation destination: A cabin overlooking lake Cuyamaca.

Ideal evening getaway: I’m always dragging my husband to the Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego. I’d like to eventually get a studio apartment there where he and I can get away for the weekend! (But we only live 15 minutes away right now, so we make do.)

Thank you Cassi for answering our questions. The Reading Café wishes you the best of luck with your writing career. Keep us informed about upcoming releases and any new books or series that you have planned.

LINKS:
Website: Cassi Carver
Amazon Kindle: Slayer’s Kiss
KOBO: Slayer’s Kiss
B&N NOOK: Slayer’s Kiss

******************GIVEAWAY*******************

Cassi is offering an ebook copy of SLAYER’S KISS to one lucky eligible member at The Reading Cafe.

1.  Open to all registered members.  If you are not a member, please register using one of the social log-ins or using the log-in tab at the top.

2.  Please post a comment and say hello to Cassi.

3.  Contest is open internationally.

 

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SLAYER’S KISS by Cassi Carver-a review

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SLAYER’S KISS by Cassi Carver-a review


SLAYER’S KISS by Cassi Carver

SLAYER’S KISS is the first novel for new author Cassi Carver, and the introduction to her new series The Shadow Slayers. Released February 2012, Slayer’s Kiss follows part-time bartender, part-time custodian and part-time ‘witch’ Kara Reed on her nightly jaunts into the seedy underside of life on the street, but when 2 very sexy and gorgeous men move into the apartment next door, Kara knows her life will never be the same. Written in the erotic, adult paranormal genre, Slayer’s Kiss offers the reader a chance to experience a little mystery, a little romance and a little eroticism between the pages of Carver’s first novel.

25 year old Kara Reed and her BFF Abbey are witches, or at least Kara believes she is a witch. With her ability to sense evil, the duo set out on nightly patrols hoping to locate a serial rapist who marks his victims with intricate tribal carvings. Always on the hunt for evil, Kara and Abbey scour the neighborhoods, searching and sensing evil, no matter the cost. And the cost may be too high.

Trying to make ends meet, Kara works as a part-time custodian in a moderate apartment building, where she soon meets the ‘otherwordly’ Gavin-tall, strong and oh, so sexy, and there is a definite attraction between the couple. But Kara’s attempts to persuade Gavin to indulge in her fantasies are met with hesitation and rejection. And to add to an already frustrating evening, Kara’s dreams are haunted by a ‘dark’ lover, with wings.

As the story progresses, Gavin acquires a new room-mate Julian, who is more than willing to play along with Kara’s fantasies, but the reality of the situation is much deeper than just a casual night of excitement. Julian and Gavin are fallen angels, who must guard and protect the ‘King’s’ daughter before she reaches her ‘sexual maturity’—and that daughter, unbeknownst to herself, is Kara. And a condition of that guardianship, is not to engage the female in sexual relations.

Like many supernatural storylines, Slayer’s Kiss reveals an ancient and tribal civilization of the Demiare-where there are too many men and not enough women as potential mates, and therefore the rites and rituals for potential bed-mates adheres to strict guidelines, and at other times-sexual competitions. But Julian’s need and desire for Kara outstrip his sense of duty, and he risks everything and everyone to make the King’s daughter-his own.

With the knowledge that Julian and Gavin are not only fallen angels, but sexually- driven to bond with Kara, she is presumptuous in her regards to their cultural morals and laws. When she is introduced to the island community, where her familial heritage is revealed, Kara makes a grievous mistake that could both humiliate and end the life of a fallen friend, and destroy a love that had only started to burn.

Slayer’s Kiss was an easy read. Although classified as erotic paranormal, I was prepared for the worse, but was pleasantly surprised when the sex scenes were not as sexually charged or as  aggressive  as I have read from other storylines and authors. The premise surrounding fallen angels, was nothing new, but the story and background information was different-a good different. I like the direction Cassi has chosen for her ‘angels’.

Cassi introduces several males with potential storylines, as well as divulges enough background information about the characters that doesn’t overwhelm, as can many introductory novels. There were spots where I questioned the direction of the plot, seeming to perhaps get lost in the overload of information, but Cassi quickly collected her thoughts, and brought the story back to the surface. Kara’s collection of old friends and new, will be brought back together in Cassi’s next instalment in The Shadow Slayer’s series—Shadow Rising in September 2012 and a novella at year’s end. I have no problem recommending Slayer’s Kiss.

Reviewed by Sandy

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