Tag Archives: Rachel Carrington

Rachel Carrington – Guest Post: Are You Listening?

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Rachel Carrington – Guest Post: Are You Listening?

Guest Post-Black and Blue

Are You Listening?

Audio Version #2

Reading. You love it, or you probably wouldn’t be here reading post right now. There’s just something indescribable about escaping into the words and living an imaginary life through the hero or heroine. Now close your eyes and imagine hearing those words come alive.

Picture your favorite book. Wouldn’t you want a chance to listen to those characters tell you the story while you drive to the grocery store? Instead of putting the book aside so you can focus on the road, you could continue the journey.

Do you get sick at even the thought of reading while you’re a passenger in any type of moving vehicle? Pop in a pair of headphones and enjoy the trip to the Highlands or the epic battle between good and evil.

Fortunately for those of us who have a reading addiction, audio books enable us to do the work we need to do while still getting in our reading time. So whether you’re mopping the floors or folding the laundry, you can still follow along with your favorite vampire, ghost, or detective. And hearing a warm, masculine voice or an engaging feminine one act out scenes in your ear can certainly make the task much more pleasurable.

So, are you listening?

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VAMPIRE CURSEDVAMPIRE CURSED

Cursed to live alone. Existing as cold, soulless vampire. His life is no longer his own.

Nathaniel, Duke of Lehr, has been waiting for someone to love, a woman to break the witch’s curse that holds him captive within the walls of his own home. For only unfettered, unconditional love will sever the ties binding him to a reality he abhors.

Abby’s been drawn to Castle Lehr for a long time. She wants an interview with the elusive owner, a chance for a big break in journalism. But the story isn’t one she can write about in the newspaper.

One moment, one connection, is all it takes for Nathaniel to realize his heart will be forever bound to Abby’s, but could she ever trust a vampire much less love one?

Also available in audiobook: http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=pd_rsp_…

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Vampire ForgottenVAMPIRE FORGOTTEN

Vampires Destined Series

Three vampires. Separate destinies. All desiring a woman to love them for who they are not what they are.

ALL TITLES ARE STANDALONE AND DO NOT NEED TO BE READ IN ANY ORDER.

Vampire Forgotten
Book II

Forgotten in the mountains of Romania. Forced to live a life he didn’t choose. Suffering the daily pain of loneliness. Spending an eternity without the touch of a woman’s hand.

Though damned as a vampire, Rhad Valentine has been given what some might call the gift of psychic sight. He sees it as a constant reminder of real life going on without him—a life he cannot live.

Mischa Bonovich is on a desperate mission to find her missing sister, Rianna. Led to the mountains of her homeland by the faint call of Rianna’s voice, Mischa needs Rhad’s gift and his strength.

Wild hunger, both foreign and welcome, drives Rhad to his knees. He’d never held a woman so soft. Kissed one so responsive. And in spite of his inner protests, he’ll do anything to help her. Anything to feel just one more touch of her hand.

In the dark forests of Romania, Rhad’s desire won’t be quenched until he tastes what only Mischa can offer, but first, he must save her from a man who has nothing to lose. A man who holds a deadly secret that could tear Mischa from Rhad’s arms before love can happen.

Also available in audiobook: http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_1?…

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About The Author:

I started writing years ago, and my first attempt was a contemporary romance that will never see the light of day. I think I may even have thrown it away by now. It was absolutely horrific as I knew nothing about well…anything to do with writing.

After that, I started writing fantasy romances about wizards and wizards, and once those took off, I segued to paranormal romances (hello, vampires and ghosts) and romantic suspense. I also write articles for various magazines, including The Writer’s Journal, Writer’s Magazine, Writer’s Weekly, Writing for Dollars, Absolute Write, and Funds for Writers.

I’m fortunate to make my home in historical Charleston, South Carolina. Beautiful city. Beautiful people. When I’m not writing, I love to read, create videos, keep Target in business, play visitor in my city, and drink lots of coffee.

Three of my books are currently available in audio at Audible.com, iTunes, and Amazon: Vampire Cursed, Vampire Forgotten, and Waking Up Immortal

Follow Rachel:
You can find me all over the internet, but here are just a few of the places:
My website: www.dawnrachel.com
Twitter:
Facebook:
Pinterest:
Goodreads:
Linked In: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/rachel-carrington/63/7b0/b6a
Wattpad:

orangeandbluegiveaway

Rachel is offering an eBook copy of her most recent release, EXTREME MEASURES to one lucky reader.

1. Please register using the log-in at the top of the page or by using one of our social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comments as Twitter etc does not allow for email information.

3. The giveaway is open internationally.

4. The giveaway runs from March 3-6, 2013

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An Interview with Rachel Carrington

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An Interview with Rachel Carrington

We are happy to welcome Rachel Carrington to The Reading Cafe. Here is a short bio of Rachel.

Rachel Carrington began her career writing fantasy romances of powerful wizards and wicked witches. Since then, she has branched out into contemporary romance and romantic suspense and has had books published with Ellora’s Cave, Samhain Publishing, Red Sage Publishing, and more.  Currently, a freelance editor/writer residing in historical Charleston, South Carolina, Rachel has written non-fiction articles for Absolute Write, The Writer’s Journal, Writing for Dollars, Writer’s Magazine, and Writer’s Weekly.

Because she likes staying busy, Rachel has also taught classes for Suite 101 and for author groups regarding promoting, writing, starting your own business, and editing.  When not writing, Rachel loves to read romantic suspense (Lisa Gardner and Roxanne St. Claire are two of her favorites), rework old furniture, cross-stitch, cook, and drink lots of coffee.

Now that we know more about Rachel, let’s begin our interview.

TRC: Hi  Rachel.  Welcome to The Reading Café. We appreciate you coming by to answer our questions. We are always looking forward to reading about the author behind the book.  Please tell us something about yourself that is not part of your bio?

Rachel: I live in a historic city near the Atlantic Ocean, and I can’t imagine living anywhere else. When I’m not writing, I’m working on videos, working on crafts, shopping, reading, or cooking. Occasionally, I squeeze in some sleep time, but I like to stay busy.

I love coffee, Food Network TV, HGTV, and A&E, my Kindle, and talking on the phone.

I’m usually the one at the party telling all the jokes as I’m very outgoing, and I’m also extremely outspoken, a little bit sarcastic, and I love to laugh. My readers will tell you that also describes my heroines.

TRC: Have you always had an interest in writing?  When did you first start writing?

Rachel: I don’t remember really having that much of an interest in writing until I was in my late teens. The first thing I ever wrote was a poem at sixteen.

TRC: What is the name of the first novel you ever published?  Please tell us how you felt, when your first book was accepted by a publisher.

Rachel: My first novel published was Heart First, a sappy contemporary romance that has since gone out of print, but I was on top of the world when I received the acceptance. I

TRC: You have several different series in several genres.  Your website states that you have done fantasy romances of powerful wizards and wicked witches, contemporary romance and romantic suspense.  Which genre do you find most difficult to write and which genre are you the most comfortable writing?

Rachel: Contemporary romance is the most difficult for me to write because paranormal naturally lends itself to conflict. With contemporary romance, you have to really be on your toes to get the conflict working and to give the book some bite. I admire those contemporary romance writers who continually pull it off with each novel.

I’m most comfortable writing paranormal/fantasy romance because I’ve always had an overactive imagination. So it’s easier for my brain to conjure up an out of this world storyline.

TRC: What or who do you attribute the rise in popularity of today’s many
paranormal romance authors and books?

Rachel:  I think reader demand is what has brought about the rise in popularity. Paranormal romance gives the reader the opportunity to get lost in not only someone else’s life but someone else’s world. A reader can escape to the mountains of Romania with a brooding vampire or to a mystical world where only wizards live. And people need that break to recharge, regroup, and return to face another day in the real world.

TRC:  Vampire Betrayed is your third book in your Vampires Destined series.  Can you please tell us something about the premise of this book?  How many books do you plan for this series?

Rachel: I’ve always loved vampires, but the idea of three separate vampires and their distinctly individual destinies appealed to me. The only thing that connects them is they are all destined for something beyond the darkness of their lives.

I’ve only written three books for this series, and the final book, Vampire Betrayed, was released on June 29th.

TRC: In July, you released The First Spell, a Fantasy Romance book.  Can you please tell us about this story?  Is this a standalone, or will you make a series out of this?

Rachel: Several years ago, I wrote the Hot Magic series which were based upon the lives of three wizards who are brothers. The First Spell tells the story of the parents of those brothers. This is a book I’ve wanted to write for years, but I finally made it a priority. I don’t intend for it to be a series; however, there is another wizard’s story I wrote which I may rework and release as well.

TRC: We read The First Spell the other night, and it was really a wonderful read.  A perfect magical short story to relax and read, especially if you want something just for the night.

TRC: You have almost a book a month being released recently and coming soon.  How do you keep up this pace, and get ideas on what to write?

Rachel:  Fortunately, I can write extremely fast. I’ve been blessed with an overactive imagination, a drive to succeed, and the ability to function with very little sleep.

TRC: Who is your favorite Male and Female character in your books?

Rachel: This is always a tough one to answer because my favorites are always the ones in the book I’ve just released. I’ve written so many heroes and heroines now, it would be difficult for me to choose a favorite from any of them.

TRC: As an author, which type of book/novel do you believe is harder to write—a full-length novel or a short novella, where all the information must be contained with a shorter
number of pages?

Rachel: A short novella is harder for me to write, personally. When I know I have a lot of room to expand the story, I’m more at ease when I’m writing. If it has to be a novella, I get a little tense as I know I only have a certain amount of room to tell the story and, if I’m not careful, something important will be left out.

TRC: What are you working on today?

Rachel: The prequel to my Spirit series which contains Share your Soul, Unite Our Souls, and Mine to Take. These are my Angels of Death, and once I wrote the final word in Mine to Take, I knew it was a world I wasn’t ready to let go of yet. So I’m back to the Afterlife now.

TRC: Many authors and artists have spouses/partners who offer advice, ideas or
criticism.  Who is your muse when you are looking for ideas?

Rachel: 99.9% of the time, I go to Lisa Renee Jones. She is a prolific author, a determined writer, and a really good friend. I always know she’ll tell me what I need to hear not necessarily what I want to hear because she doesn’t pull any punches. She’s been a friend and a confidante for years now, and we’ve both been able to watch each other grow in our careers. I can’t imagine not having her to turn to.

TRC: Is there anything you would like to add?

Rachel: Every Monday, I interview an author at my blog (www.dawnrachel.com/blog). It’s a great way for readers to find a new favorite author. Link to Rachel’s website 

I’m also at Facebook at rachelcarringtonwrites, on Twitter @rcarrington2004, and on Pinterest @rcarrington2004 as well as Goodreads.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: Lasagna

Favorite Movie: Shining Through

Favorite TV Show: Bones

Favorite Dessert: Ice Cream

Dark or Milk Chocolate: Milk chocolate

Last Book that you read: Shadow Demons by Sarra Cannon

Favorite Author: Jane Austen

Favorite Fictional Character (not your own): Elizabeth Bennett from Pride and Prejudice

Thank you Rachel for answering our questions.  We wish you good luck with your wonderful books now out and those soon to be released. We look forward to having you come back again.

 ****GIVEAWAY!****

Rachel has graciously offered to give a member of The Reading Café a chance to each win an e-copy of her just released “The First Spell” book. 

1.  You must be a member at The Reading Cafe. If you are not a member, please register using the Log-In at the top of the page, or by using one of our social log-ins.

2.  If you are using a social log-in e.g. Twitter, please leave your email address along with your comment.

3.  Please post a comment and say hello to Rachel.

4.  Giveaway open Internationally

5.  Contests runs from August 1st – 4th.

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Vampire Forgotten/Betrayed by Rachel Carrington – a Review

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Vampire Forgotten/Betrayed by Rachel Carrington – a Review

 

Vampires Destined by Rachel Carrington is a three book novella series. 

Three vampires. Separate destinies. All desiring a woman to love them for who they are not what they are. 

Below are the reviews of the second and third books of the series.

Vampire Forgotten Review:

Rhad Valentine opened his door one night and found a gift that took his breath away.  Oh wait..he is a vampire..so no breath.  He finds a beautiful girl lying on his doorstep clothed only in a slip, and unconscious.  Rhad is forced to live within his castle in Romania, as a price to pay for his unwillingness to fully adapt to life as a vampire.  Rhad refuses to take the blood of humans to help him survive, and because he enlisted the aid of a Shaman, he survives alone in his castle. 
Mischa Bonovich, is in Romania looking for her missing sister.  She wakes in a strange house, with a strange but attractive man sitting on the bed next to her.  Mischa though attracted to Rhad, tries to leave to continue her search for her sister, Rianna, but Rhad feels the pull of Mischa, and refuses to allow her to leave.  While this is going on, we meet the villain of this story, who will do anything to find the Shaman, whom he needs to help save his own life, and he will stop at nothing, even killing to find the Shaman.

Rhad, who has the psychic gift, knows Mischa is in danger, and he will help her on the journey to find her sister. The sexual tension between Rhad and Mischa is intense, and Rhad desperation to keep Mischa shows.  He has been lonely for so long, and now he has found someone to give him these feelings again, and he will stop at nothing to protect and keep her. Mischa’s desperation will get her answers, but she knows she needs Rhad’s help.

This novella is short and sweet.  There is a lot of action the last 1/3 of the book, as Mischa finds what she is looking for, as does the villain.  There is another aspect that would ruin the story, and it is shown in another pov. This was a good story, light and a fast read.

 

Vampire Betrayed Review:

When we start Vampire Betrayed, we find a couple in bed having sex.  Interesting way to start the story.  The two main protagonists are Joaquin, who is a vampire, and Ariana, a human.  The key to the beginning of this story is that Ariana has no idea that Joaquin is a vampire.  She knows he has some strange habits, but their lovemaking was great, and he was wonderful with her.  But then Ariana begins to get strange emails from someone unknown with comments about the man she is sleeping with….the man you are with isn’t who you think he is…..

 

Ariana pressures Joaquin to tell her more about himself, and he becomes suspicious and finds out about the emails.   He finally tells her that he is a vampire, and she laughs.  There is no such thing as vampires.  So she thinks….. Joaquin has feelings for Ariana, more then he has ever had for a human woman, and he asks her if she trusts him.  She leaves to take a walk, and that will be the last time either see each other for 6 onths. 

What happens thereafter is very exciting.  Charon is a powerful vampires, who wants to rule the world. She also has magical powers, given to her by a Shaman, making her even more powerful.  Charon wants Joaquin dead, as he is the only person standing in her way of taking control. She befriends Ariana, under the guise of protecting her against Joaquin, and then uses her powers to make Ariana think she has been beaten, and Charon  saved her.  Charon tells Ariana that she is a vampire hunter, and wants her help to save the world.  Using her illusions on Ariana to hide the fact that Charon converted her to a vampire, and trains Ariana to be a vampire hunter. 

Joaquin of course is still looking for the missing Ariana, with help from his friend Devlin.  Over the next few months, it becomes apparent that with the rise of vampire slayings, Charon has converted Ariana.  Of course, Joaquin can’t understand why Charon is having her kill vampires, but over time he will see it is a plot to kill him.

This was an excellent story, a different type of theme with Ariana not knowing what she was due to the illusions, and becoming an excellent fighter.  The story was very exciting, especially the last half of the book.  Charon was a good villain, and Ariana turned into a great heroine.  I really liked Joaquin, who really loved Ariana and would do anything to save her.   Great story, the best of this series so far, with excellent characters and a super ending.

Reviewed by Barb

Copies provided by Author

 

 

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