TGIF everyone! July is almost over and I'm not going to lie, I'm ready to move on.  It’s been a heck of a month and I’m ready to get back on track.  So in the interest of normalcy I thought I’d do a random Friday post because you know, random is my normal state of mind and all. 

Big news, the Kindle 3 is now available for pre-order.  I wasn’t so sure I’d be interested but now I’m not so sure.  Look at her.  Look at her features.  I kind of feel like she wants to come live with me.  Are you getting that vibe too?  Lucky FVBR reviewer Amy, already has hers pre-ordered and I’m excited for her since this will be her first ever e-reader. 

Check it out:  Kindle Wireless Reading Device, Free 3G + Wi-Fi, 6

All-New, High-Contrast E-Ink Screen – 50% better contrast than any other e-reader

Read in Bright Sunlight – No glare

New and Improved Fonts – New crisper, darker fonts

New Sleek Design – 21% smaller body while keeping the same 6" size reading area

15% Lighter – Only 8.7 ounces, weighs less than a paperback

Battery Life of One Month – A single charge lasts up to one month with wireless off

Double the Storage – Up to 3,500 Books

Books in 60 Seconds – Download books anytime, anywhere

Free 3G Wireless – No monthly payments, no annual contracts

Built-In Wi-Fi – In addition to the 3G wireless, you can connect to Wi-Fi hotspots

20% Faster Page Turns – Seamless reading

Enhanced PDF Reader – With dictionary lookup, notes, and highlights

New WebKit-Based Browser – Free 3G web browsing (experimental)

She’s a skinny bitch, that’s for sure!  

If you’re on the fence on graphite or white Kindle Review has some thoughts on the matter.

Yes, I think I need one. *grin*  Since I don’t have anyone telling me no, it’s hard to resist. 

So in other Random Friday news, I’m finally reading City Of Ghosts.  I know, I know, everyone has already read it.  I’m telling you, it’s been a heck of a month, I’m behind, don’t judge me.  It’s a damn good book and since I’m already running behind I’m kind of taking it slow.  Who knows when we’ll get another Downside book.  I’m savoring this one. 

True Blood.  I’ve been behind on True Blood too but now I’m all caught up.  I watched last Sunday’s episode last night.  I needed a shower to wash away the blood after that episode. WTF is up with that?  Geez this series is getting gory! 

True Blood thoughts in general:

• For all the great gory effects, those fangs suck ass
• The Eric flashbacks creep me out.  Eric of the old days = goofy and not sexy.
• Franklin = *love*  Yes, he’s beyond creepy, but I loves him. (let’s hope he gets past this latest little setback)
• I can’t help saying, “Hey, that’s not how it was in the books” every time I watch an episode.
• Jesus is cute and I want him and LaFayette to get down.
• Just when I can’t stand Tara anymore, she changes my mind. 
• Sookie annoys.
• Is Eric really that tall or do they put the man on stilts?  I want to climb him.
• I heart Jessica.  And Jason.  And LaFayette. 

Tweeter you need to follow if you aren’t already:

Author Dakota Cassidy.  She is a damned entertaining tweet.  Plus, I can’t look at that avi without laughing.  I love it! 

I’ll tell you a secret.  I love her avi but I’m just the tiniest bit disturbed by it.  Here’s why:

My five year old just needs a ciggy in her mouth and they could be twins!  (Just ignore the funny little 3 year old on the left of the Dakota look-a-like)

So that’s Random Friday for this week.  Have a wonderful weekend, enjoy, come back next week refreshed. –FV

Awakened by a Kiss
by Lila DiPasqua
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Available: August 3, 2010
Genre: Erotic Historical Romance
Book received from: Author

Three classic fairytales—“Sleeping Beauty,” “Puss in Boots,” and “Little Red Riding Hood”—cleverly retold with enough sensual twists to prove wickedly ever after does exist…

Sleeping Beau: Five years ago, the notorious rake, Adrien d’Aspe, Marquis de Beaulain, was awakened by a sensuous kiss—and experienced a night of raw ecstasy that was branded into his memory. Years later, he spots his mysterious seductress—and this time, he has no intention of letting her go…

Little Red Writing: Nicolas de Savignac, Comte de Lambelle, has been assigned by the King to uncover the secret identity of the author writing scandalous stories about powerful courtiers. He never expected his investigation would lead to his grandmother's house, or to a ravishing woman who would stir his deepest hunger…

Bewitching in Boots: Elisabeth de Roussel, daughter of the King, is accustomed to getting what she wants—and she wants Tristan de Tiersonnier, Comte de Saint-Marcel, an ex-commander of the King’s private Guard. A recent injury has forced Tristan to leave his distinguished position, but Elisabeth is determined to make him see he's every bit the man he once was—and more than man enough for her…

Reviewed by: Fiction Vixen

Awakened by a Kiss is Lila DiPasqua’s debut and is the retelling of three classic fairytales, each retold with a unique erotic spin. 

Sleeping Beau

Five years ago, Adrien d’Aspe, notorious rake and bastard son to the King, finds himself awakened by a kiss.  His mysterious masked lady showed him a night pure carnal pleasure and he has never forgotten her.  Thinking he would never see his mystery seductress again, he is shocked to find that she is visiting the same chateau as he is, and she is to be married soon.  Time is short and all he can think of is finding out who she really is, why she came to him that night and making love to her again.

Catherine de Villecourt is mortified when she realizes the man she seduced in the night five years ago is at the chateau.  She expected to never see him again and for very good reason.  She’d like to keep her head.  Her maid drugged Adrien’s drink five years ago and that is a very serious offense.  Convinced she could be charged with trying to poison the Marquis de Beaulain, she intends to stay well away from him.  The problem is, she has never forgotten their night of passion and finds his attentions almost irresistible. 

Sleeping Beau  is a very sexy tale with a deliciously naughty hero and a heroine who drives him wild.  They are absolutely perfect for each other and their chemistry is wonderfully steamy.  Although their relationship begins as purely sexual, their emotional relationship develops gradually while they explore the passion they ignited years ago.  

This is an erotically charged short story, that will thrust you into the time period, leaving you smiling as Adrien and Catherine find their happily ever after.

Little Red Writing

Anne de Vignon is a writer of romantic poetry.  She also writes illegal stories under the pen name Gilbert Leduc that mock very powerful ‘gentlemen’ of the upper class.  The King is outraged and has ordered his musketeers to find this mysterious writer and arrest him/her. Nicholas de Savignac, known as le Loup (the wolf) is an ambitious man and this arrest could put him in the good graces of the king and therefore further his career.  When he meets Anne he is totally taken with her but suspects that she or one of her sisters could be the notorious Gilbert Leduc.  Nicholas finds Anne utterly irresistible and becomes torn between his own ambitions, and his heart. 

I love a hero that keeps me on my toes and keeps me wondering if he’ll come through and do right thing.  Nicholas certainly fits the bill.  He’s bad but oh so good, with the  righteous hero is simmering just beneath the surface.  But that’s not all he has simmering if you know what I mean.  Nicholas is a lusty lover and although he is a threat to Anne’s very freedom, she is a lucky lady to be the object of his desire.  Luckily, she is quite open to his affections. 

Little Red Writing is a wonderfully entertaining story and very sexy.  I loved the hero and heroine, and wish this one would have been a little longer since I didn’t get nearly enough of Nicholas and Anne. 

Bewitching In Boots

Elisabeth de Roussel is yet another illegitimate child of the King.  She happens to be his favorite and is used to getting what she wants.  And she wants Tristan de Tiersonnier, Comte de Saint-Marcel, an ex-commander of the King’s private Guard.  Now that she is widowed, she fears her father will choose yet another husband for her and she’s not having it.  She’s been in love with Tristan from afar and now is the time to act on it.  She is determined to make the King see that Tristan is suitable husband material.

Tristan, retired from service due to an injury and is struggling with his self worth.  His chateau is in a bit of disrepair and he’s just not feeling like the man he used to be.  When hurricane Elisabeth blows into his life and shakes things up, he ‘rises’ to the challenge so to speak.  He is deliciously dominate in the bedroom but he has no idea that Elisabeth is actually the one in charge. 

Bewitching In Boots is my favorite of all three short stories.  I loved that the heroine was the aggressor, determined to get her man.  Although she is the scheming type, Elisabeth is utterly charming. I was on her side from the get go.  The bedroom scenes in Bewitching In Boots were smoking hot!  Tristan is super sexy, in charge and the perfect match for the feisty Elisabeth. 

Awakened by a Kiss is beautifully written, and wonderfully entertaining.  Lila DiPasqua puts a steamy erotic twist on classic fairytales that will make you rethink the purpose of a bedtime story.  I most certainly look forward to more from this author. 

Purchase a copy of Awakened by a Kiss

Other books in the series:

The Princess In His Bed – 11/2/10

Other reviews on GoodReads

Visit Lila DiPasqua at:

Website | Blog |Twitter | Facebook | GoodReads

****Giveaway****

I have an extra copy of Awakened by a Kiss so I’m giving it away!  Leave a comment on this review for entry.  Open to everyone.  Giveaway ends on August 6.  Good luck!!

Captured by Desire
by Kira Morgan
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Forever
Available: July 27, 2010
Genre: Historical Romance
Book received from: Hachette Book Group

In 16th century Scotland, young Miss Florie Gilder runs away from her drunken foster father to find her real father and her noble heritage. Along the way, she is accused of theft, becomes a fugitive hiding in a forest, and is accidentally wounded by a handsome local huntsman. The huntsman--a Robin-Hood figure who poaches wild game from the landowner's estate to feed the starving poor--carries the beautiful maiden to a church where she is guaranteed 40 days of sanctuary from the law. During that time, he learns her true story, falls in love with her, and helps her in her quest, at the risk of his own life. Smitten with him, she worries more for his survival. But enemies of the state are seeking to overturn the Catholic royals, while a vicious noblewoman is out to destroy Florie.

Reviewed by: Pearl 

Florie Gilder is a talented goldsmith apprentice. She’s headstrong, impulsive and outspoken. I loved her determination and spunk. Her uncompromising nature and impulsiveness get her into trouble when she sets out, determined to find her real father. Granted the trouble is one huge misunderstanding but it also is the prelude to her meeting Rane MacAllister, Lord Gilbert's huntsman.

When we first meet Rane he's poaching on his master's land to feed some starving crofters and he accidentally hits Florie with an arrow in the thigh. Rane is a seasoned hunter and archer. He is compassionate, honorable and protective and always helping people in need. One thing about Rane was a little annoying. There were moments he was a little full of himself and couldn't believe a woman, Florie in this case, would have the audacity not to like him and even loathe or hit him. But I allowed his but of arrogance because of his other redeemable qualities and come on...he's half Scottish, half Viking!

Kira Morgan's romance is seductive and subtle. The way the romance was built up was excellent. It was gradual but in a very high sensual tension kind of way! Yet still maintaining the feel of the time-period and the fact that it's a historical romance. I loved the well-drawn characters and the slow, beautifully build-up romance. Everything was just right. When I finally reached "the scene" I was as ready for it as Rane and Florie were after a few “love-scene interruptus” moments.

I had a few wonderful hours reading this historical romance. I loved the time-period (post Henry VIII), and enjoyed the surprising and fairly unpredictable plot, Soon it seemed clear where the plot was going and I found it very intriguing and it was also not as I was suspecting, I was close but no cigar. Small subtle pieces of historical background were threaded through the story, giving it that genuine historical vibe without being too much. I liked that because after all this is historical romance and not historical fiction. Soon I was immersed in political intrigue, selfish conniving and slow seduction and development of a romance. Things get quite heated when Rane discovers what Florie did and is under the assumption she's a thief. This is also the point where the story considerably picks up in pace, not that it was slow-paced to begin with.

It may seem petty and I really think I missed my calling as a copy-editor but I did notice a few inconsistencies in the use of ye/yer and you/your. I am not always fond of Scottish brogue as it tends to sometimes take me out of the flow of the book and when it's used I want consistency because if that's not there it will definitely pull me out of the story. There’s also a lot of use of hunting metaphors, especially by Rane in relation to Florie. This could have been annoying but to my surprise it wasn't. They really fit into the story and didn't bother at all.

There aren’t many important secondary characters, most are walk-ons and the only ones who had a real part in the story and plot were Father Conlan and Lord and Lady Fraser. I loved Father Conan, I first disliked Lord Gilbert Frasier but his actions in the end of the book totally redeemed him and made me like him. I almost felt sorry for Lady Mavis, the villain in this story, almost...but I did like how everything got resolved at the end. It was a satisfying end to a most wonderful historical romance.

Reading CAPTURED BY DESIRE has me craving more of Kira Morgan’s work. My surprise was great when looking for information about this book (wanted to know if it was part of a series or trilogy) I discovered that Kira Morgan is a pseudonym for Sarah McKerrigan. I have 4 McKerrigan books, medieval historical romance, on the TBR pile waiting to be read and I suspect they’re not staying there long.

Favorite Quote:

“With no food in your belly, lass,” he added, “ye’re likely to drink yourself into a stupor.”

“I’d think ye’d prefer that,” she muttered. “Then ye could paw me at will.”

“Paw ye?”

“T’would seem to be your wont.”

“Indeed?” By the subtle crinkling of his eyes, her words appeared to entertain him. “I assure ye I’ve never pawed a lass in my life.” He tucked the costrel back into his belt. “Caressed maybe. Fondled. But pawed?”

Purchase a copy of Captured by Desire

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Visit author at:

Website | GoodReads

The Hypnotist (The Reincarnationist, Book 3)
by M.J. Rose 
Hardcover: 416 pages
Publisher: Mira
Available: May 1, 2010
Book received from: TLC Tours

Haunted by the murder of his lover — a beautiful young painter — Lucian Glass keeps his dark memories at bay by focusing on his work with the FBI’s Art Crime Team. Currently investigating a crazed art collector destroying priceless masterpieces, he becomes involved in a bizarre hostage negotiation that takes him undercover at the Phoenix Foundation. Under hypnosis he travels back to ancient Greece and nineteenth-century Persia, past life while the case takes him New York to Paris and the movie capital of the world. These combined journeys will shatter his understanding of reality. force him to question his sanity and lead him into the center of an intricate plan to break in to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and steal Hypnos, the 1,500 year old sculpture of the Greek God of sleep, said to hold a secret that many would literally kill to uncover.

Review by: Samantha 

The Hypnotist is the third book in M.J. Rose’s The Reincarnationist series. I didn’t read the first two books in the series, and I never felt lost having not read them. But don’t let that make you think The Hypnotist is a simple read. This book has a big twisting and complex plot that weaves together one person’s story after another in a way that reminded me of giant spider web. As I read each page, I felt like I was slowly climbing through that web on a journey where I wasn’t sure what I would find when the web was finally untangled.

Lucian Glass is a member of the FBI’s Art Crime Team. When a Matisse painting is destroyed and Lucien’s team is called in to investigate the crime, he comes face to face with his tragic past and his lost teenage love. As the plot of the book thickens readers are treated to themes of past lives, reincarnation, art, tragedy, love, and hypnosis just to name a few. And I can’t forget the smoldering sexiness of Lucian. With a name like Lucian, can you really go wrong?

This was a book that made me think and required my full attention. I actually ended up away from the TV in another room in the house. As a chronic multi-tasker faced with a complicated and what I would call an “intellectual” plot, it was necessary. Once I gave it my full attention, I felt the book really took off in the right direction for me. I am not sure the exact way to sum up this book besides the following: I used to read books like this before I discovered smutty worlds filled with vampires and shape shifters. But this book reminded me I liked to read books like this. It even had just humans in it and I still liked it.

Favorite Line:

“You think I’m looking for someone else inside you, but I’m not Emeline.” He tilted her face up so their eyes met. “I’m just looking for you.”

Purchase a copy of The Hypnotist

Other books in the series:

• The Reincarnationist
• The Memorist

Other reviews on GoodReads

Visit M.J. Rose at:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | GoodReads

M.J. Rose is the internationally bestselling author of several novels and two non-fiction books on marketing.

The television series PAST LIFE was based on Rose’s Reincarnationist series.

Click HERE for a free 100 page sampler of The Reincarnationist series: 

Giveaway:

M.J. Rose is offering one copy of The Hypnotist to one lucky reader.  You comment on Samantha’s review is your entry.  Giveaway is open until  August 6, winner announced shortly after.  Giveaway is open to US and Canada only. 

Fiction Vixen Book Reviews is pleased to welcome Cynthia Eden to the blog today.  She is kicking off her blog tour for her latest release, Deadly Fear. 

Into the Minds of Monsters (or How To Research a Psychological Thriller)

Hi, everyone! It is great to be here (thank you, Fiction Vixen!).

Today, I want to talk a bit about monsters. No, I’m not referring to vampires or werewolves (though I do so adore those supernatural guys). Instead, I want to chat about the real-life monsters who are out there—killers, kidnappers, and arsonists. When I began writing my Deadly series for Grand Central’s Forever line, I knew that I wanted to explore the “real-life” monsters who can make the world such a scary place.

In DEADLY FEAR, my heroine and my hero are both FBI agents. They work for a fictional unit called the Serial Services Division (the SSD). Their job is to track and to apprehend serials. In order to do that tracking, well, my heroine Monica Davenport has to get into the minds of the killers. She’s a profiler, so it’s her job to think like a killer.

As I began to write DEADLY FEAR, researching a profiler’s job was the easy part for me. Researching the mind of a killer—that was harder. When you are researching a psychological thriller, you have to delve into the good and the bad parts of the human psyche. And there are some very bad parts out there. Lucky for me, I have a friend who teaches psychology classes at our local university. So, when I wanted some fast and hard advice on the darkness that can dwell behind the handsome face of the man next-door, I turned to her.

I don’t think that any person is wholly good. We all have a bit of darkness inside, don’t we? But can some people be completely bad? I think they can be…especially after talking with my friend and conducting my research. So many killers have walked the streets. Actually, here in the U.S., we have more serial killers than any other country! Not the best statistic for tourism!

Yes, researching a psychological thriller can take you down a dark and twisted path, but that is the path that a killer would take, so it’s the path I explored for my book.

And DEADLY FEAR is a dark book. The characters haven’t led perfect lives, but Monica and her hero, Luke Dante, are trying to do their best to fight on the side of the “good” guys (as close to good as they can be, anyway).

But what do you think? Are people truly 100% good? Are some folks totally evil? What’s your take?

Thanks for checking out my post and heading into the minds of monsters with me!

Cynthia Eden

www.cynthiaeden.com

www.twitter.com/cynthiaeden

Thank you Cynthia for the wonderful post and for sharing a little bit about your research for DEADLY FEAR . 

Thanks to Hachette Book Group I have three copies of DEADLY FEAR by Cynthia Eden to give away to three lucky readers.  To enter, simply answer Cynthia’s question from her blog post:

“But what do you think? Are people truly 100% good? Are some folks totally evil? What’s your take?”

Because the prizes are shipped directly from the publisher, contest is open to those with a US or Canadian mailing address, no PO boxes please.  Giveaway is open until August 13, winner announced the next day.  Good luck to all who enter!