Hey y’all I was so excited when Carin sent me an email letting me know she was going to be reviewing three novellas. I love a good novella when I’m trying to figure out what book to read next! Now I will give you to Carin.
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?
Author Excerpt Vampire Cursed
“It is a pleasure to meet you. Welcome to my home.” The Duke bowed low and taking Abby’s hand, pressed a kiss against her knuckles. She shivered at the touch, while his voice mesmerized her—pure silk.
“Thank you for your hospitality,” she finally managed to say.
“The pleasure is all mine. Come. We have much to discuss.” He placed his hand on the small of her back, and heat spiraled low in her abdomen.
Entranced, Abby couldn’t think of one eloquent word to say. To think, thought, that this was the man she would be interviewing intoxicated her. She’d get to sit across from him for at least an hour, hoping she could form a coherent thought.
“Would you like something to drink? Perhaps a glass of sherry?” The smooth, cultured tones were infinitely polite, charming. Still, she felt the hairs on the back of her neck rise.
Abby had always been one to trust her instincts, and something told her to ditch the interview and get out of the castle now. This time, she ignored the still, small voice. Right now, she couldn’t think of anywhere else she wanted to be.
“No, thank you. You have a beautiful home.” Almost as beautiful as you are.
The Duke smiled. “Thank you. I have to admit,” he poured himself a glass of an amber-colored liquid, “I was beginning to think you were not coming.”
Review
For my contribution to Spooking the Spine I went with a perennial Halloween favorite with a new spin, I am reviewing the 3 Novellas that currently make up the Rachel Carrington's Vampire Destined series.
First in the Series is Vampire Cursed
This is the story of Abby a journalist who thinks she is getting her big break by interviewing the owner of the Castle Lehr and Nathaniel, Duke of Lehr a vampire that has been cursed to never leave his home, unless he can find love.
Do you believe in love at first sight? In destiny or fate? All of this seems to be at work when Abby and Nathaniel meet. Throw in an evil witch who cursed Nathaniel because she wants him for herself and you have all the ingredients to make this fun, romantic and quick read. The story was good and the characters likable it seemed however that this story was slightly rushed. Overall a nice quick read that you can enjoy.
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.
Author Excerpt Vampire Forgotten:
“You do not remember how you arrived at my front door last evening?”
The smoothly cultured tone of his voice painted a picture of Tuscany, fine wine in crystal goblets, and a soft concerto playing in the background. But those eyes, they conjured up an entirely different image. Silk sheets, hot, sweaty nights, and tangled limbs….in a room so dark she couldn’t see her hand in front of her face.
Feeling only slightly guilty for her wayward thoughts, Mischa pushed the tangled mass of curls out of her face and shook her head. “I don’t remember much before waking up in a bedroom I don’t recognize.” She clutched the comforter tighter. “Without my clothes.”
The half-smile became a full one. “Then you really do not recall your arrival.”
Mischa was sure she didn’t want an answer to her next question, but she asked anyway. “What do you mean?”
“You arrived wearing very little. Nothing more than a scrappy piece of lace and high heels.”
Her heart increased its rhythm. How in the hell could she have arrived without her clothes? “You’re lying.”
Dark eyebrows rose. “I assure you I do not lie.”
“Why don’t I believe that?” Every man lied. It was in their genes. And why couldn’t she remember how she’d left the hotel room? Maybe that would tell her how she’d come to lose her clothes.
He seated himself on the edge of the bed. “I have no idea since we have not met before now.” He touched her knee through the thickness of the blankets. “Or have we?”
She drew her feet to one side of the bed away from his reach. “No, we have not met, and please don’t touch me.” Though her lips made the request, her mind refuted it. Please touch me. Caress my leg, my thigh, and…
Heat splashed her skin. She pressed one hand against her cheek, and her palm burned. What was happening, and why was Rhad Valentine staring at her lips like he wanted to feast on them?
Review
Second in the series is Vampire Forgotten
We meet Rhad Valentine a vampire who seems to be forgotten in the mountains of Romania finds an unconscious Mischa Bonovich on his door step. Mischa has come to Romania to find her younger sister who has gone missing. She finds herself at Rhad's castle with no knowledge of how she got there but quickly realizes that he is who she came looking for to help her locate her sister.
We have shaman, ghosts, vampires and killers making this a mini thriller as much as a touching romance. This novella seemed better developed than the first, was a little longer and a lot more spicy in the romantic scenes between Rhad and Mischa. We also have the element of a missing sister and a rich mobster type looking to find Mischa's grandfather to give the story more excitement and depth.
Damned to be a creature of the night. Disillusioned by the promise of love which can never be his. Betrayed by his own and the woman he loves.
Joaquin never intended to fall in love, especially not with a mortal. A human could never understand his kind, the torture of his daily existence, but his heart doesn’t follow his head. And he finds love in the arms of a woman who knows nothing about his true existence.
After just three short months, Arian believes she’s has found the man she would risk everything for. Then she learns the truth. A dark, twisted truth that becomes the catalyst for a life-changing decision when she believes a sorceress’s lies.
Once together, Joaquin and Ariana now find themselves on the opposite ends of the battlefield. Vampire versus hunter. Each destined to kill the other. Neither able to forget the magical nights, the feel of skin on skin, or the sounds of whispers in the dark.
In a world of betrayal and lies, love is crushed, but Joaquin isn’t ready to give up. And when he discovers the true nature of Ariana’s change, he has to save her before she realizes what she has become.
Author Excerpt from Vampire Betrayed
The night embraced him. Joaquin welcomed the darkness, needing the silence to confront his demons. Images haunted him, forever stamped in his mind.
The lights of Paris glittering over Ariana’s silky blonde hair. Slumberous violet eyes looking up at him as he lay atop her. Traveling the world, covering it from corner to corner, in just a short amount of time. Making love in every city. Every country.
They’d shared much more than just a bed. Their lives had become entwined, neither wanting a day to go by without a touch, a smile, or a kiss. There had been a desperate hunger to spend as much time as possible with one another.
And now, all of that was gone.
Perhaps he should have told Ariana the truth, but he’d known what would happen once he did. He placed his hand over his chest, that spot where his heart used to beat until he was savagely attacked one hundred and seventy-five years ago. He still remembered it as if it had happened yesterday.
Coming from out of the darkness, the vile creature had caught him off guard, but Joaquin took back control days later. After he’d risen, it hadn’t taken him long to track down his sire.
The vampire who had created him never killed another innocent. Joaquin had made sure of that, but it didn’t change what he’d become.
The leaves crunched beneath his feet, a reminder that fall had arrived. The air was crisp and cool, the scents a mixture of pine and just the hint of rain.
“Damn it, Ariana.” He pressed his spine against the gnarled trunk of an old oak and searched through the darkness with night vision an owl would envy. Though he was alone and hundreds of miles away from her, he swore he could smell her perfume, that intoxicating blend of spice and jasmine.
His hands curled into fists, and curses littered the air. He’d broken the rules, allowed himself to get close to a human. That was the warning his sire had given him in a last ditch effort to remain alive. He’d offered advice like a father might. Joaquin had still killed him, but he now understood what the bastard meant.
Interacting with humans was risking the chance of exposure, opening himself up to the possibility of discovery and to vampire hunters, but it was so much more. With Ariana, he’d opened himself up to agonizing pain and a reminder that he didn’t belong in her world.
Review
The third book in the series is Vampire Betrayed
Joaquin and Ariana are the lovers in vampired betrayed, Joaquin should have told Ariana he was a vampire before she found out on her own. Ariana felt betrayed and even after they had three wonderful months together loving and having a glorious time she couldn't accept that he had lied to her. She soon found herself listening to the lies of a Sorceress, with a grudge, who fed her lies and twisted her broken heart, turning her into a vampire huntress. How can love survive betrayal, lies, black magic and the death of innocent vampires?
This was by far the best written and the most filled out novella of the three. In it you can feel the love, the anguish, the betrayal and the need for revenge. This novella had a full story that had several plot twists and overall was the best read of the group.
While written as a series, each book is complete and stands alone. The characters do not cross over in the novellas and they are only tied together by the fact they are all about vampires. I enjoyed the quick read they all were and over all I would say that if you have a short time to fill, waiting at the doctors office, a hour or two before bed or you just want something quick to give you your vampire fix then these novellas fit the bill.
Happy Reading,
Carin
About the blogger
I have been a blogger for many years but just started my book blog, I am an avid reader and read most anything but have a special place in my heart for the paranormal and romance. I started reading at 3 years old when I picked up the Readers Digest and started to tell my mom the story, I have been reading ever since. You can follow me at my Blog, My Reading Obsession, Twitter, or Facebook.
I love your site and am ecstatic to honor your hard work with the One Lovely Blog Award. My post with the details here: http://ajarndtbooks.blogspot.com/2012/10/winner-of-one-lovely-blog-award.html
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