Fairy tales. . . And a wickedly ever after.
By Lila DiPasqua
Thanks so much for having me here on Fierce Romance!
I was raised reading fairy tales. I fell in love with historical romance at age fourteen. And I took my love of fairy tales, history and passionate love stories, and blended them into my steamy yet romantic Fiery Tales series!
So, why am I so drawn to fairy tales? Probably because they were the first romances I ever read. How could I help but write my own versions of these classic tales? Most are about finding love, involve a handsome hero and a happily ever after.
Now if you’re wondering, do I have a favorite Fiery Tale?
Honestly, I love each fairy tale retelling in AWAKENED BY A KISS and THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED (both out now!) equally, and for different reasons.
For instance, in AWAKENED BY A KISS: In the tale of Sleeping Beau, I just adore bad boy Adrien d’Aspe, a seasoned roué and illegitimate son of the King. Legitimized by His Majesty, he’s treated like royalty. That is until Catherine comes along and rocks his world, in more ways than one. I adore Nicolas and Anne in Little Red Writing. Anne is a writer and passionate about her books. I love how she completely unravels strong and highly ambitious Nicolas and eventually places him in the unenviable position of having to choose between love and duty. As for Bewitching in Boots, Elisabeth is clever – and hopelessly in love with Tristan. Tall, dark and handsome, Tristan. *sighs* The strong silent type. Head of the most prestigious corps in the land. And a man known for his skill at wielding his….er….sword. *winks* Not the kind of woman to sit back and wait for a man to make his moves, Elisabeth relies on wit, seduction and her lucky boots and takes matters into her own hands.
My newly released, THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED, has three more Fiery Tales I just can’t choose a favorite from. The Marquis’ New Clothes features Adam de Vey, Marquis de Nattes. He’s sexy and smart and has been infatuated with Aimee de Miran for a long time. It isn’t going to be easy for Aimee to get close enough to retrieve the important ring her cousin accidentally dropped in his pocket – especially since he has seduction in mind!
In The Lovely Duckling, I didn’t take a heroine who just needed some dressing up. Emilie de Sarron was burned in a fire as an infant. She’s put up with horrible taunts and cruel names. All her life. Worse, at her introduction into society, she was horribly teased and publicly humiliated—the hero, Joseph, regrettably a part of this fiasco. It was the final straw. For ten years, Emilie withdrew from society. Now she’s back and she’s determined to grab a bit of bliss—albeit strictly physical. Believing love and marriage are unattainable, she’s convinced that at least a physical encounter is doable. How? Well, she’s going to use the anonymity of a masquerade—orgiastic—ball in order to find a willing lover, and indulge. She never expected that the very man she gives herself to is none other than Joseph.
Princess Gabrielle is determined to help her half-brother recover his losses at an illegal game recently banned by the King—Basset—in The Princess and the Diamonds. She has no choice but to use diamonds she *borrowed* from the palace. If only the gorgeous man sitting across from her didn’t see through her disguise. If only she knew he was a spy working for the Crown, his mission to enforce the ban the King has placed on the card game and see to the arrest of those who dare to play it. As for our hero, Mathias, Marquis de Montfort, he has no idea that the woman he has thoroughly and deliciously debauched is none other than the King’s own daughter.
In the Fiery Tales series, you can always expect to find sinfully seductive rakes, strong smart heroines who will make them lose their hearts.
And scorching-hot love scenes that will leave you breathless.
I’ve written something that will feel familiar to historical romance readers, yet at the same time offer them something different and fresh! Dare to step into the world of fairy tales? Be prepared to be scandalized!
Once upon a wicked time. . . I hope you enjoy these fun, sensual stories.
Oh, and watch for my first full-length Fiery Tale—A MIDNIGHT DANCE—out August, 2011!! A sexy retelling of Cinderella, as it’s never been done before!
A MIDNIGHT DANCE
Berkley (Sensation)
ISBN: 978-0425241981
Historical Romance/Aug. 2011
Inspired by the tale of Cinderella, Lila DiPasqua weaves a steamy historical romance that offers a glass slipper, a dangerous deception, and an impoverished beauty determined to find her handsome prince...and make him pay.
Matching wits and wiles with a man of Jules de Moutier's seductive skill is not as easy as Sabine Laurent supposed. Soon, she must decide whether her desire for vengeance is greater than her desire for her one and only prince...
Read an excerpt of THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED
Thanks so much for having me here on Fierce Romance!
I was raised reading fairy tales. I fell in love with historical romance at age fourteen. And I took my love of fairy tales, history and passionate love stories, and blended them into my steamy yet romantic Fiery Tales series!
So, why am I so drawn to fairy tales? Probably because they were the first romances I ever read. How could I help but write my own versions of these classic tales? Most are about finding love, involve a handsome hero and a happily ever after.
Now if you’re wondering, do I have a favorite Fiery Tale?
Honestly, I love each fairy tale retelling in AWAKENED BY A KISS and THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED (both out now!) equally, and for different reasons.
For instance, in AWAKENED BY A KISS: In the tale of Sleeping Beau, I just adore bad boy Adrien d’Aspe, a seasoned roué and illegitimate son of the King. Legitimized by His Majesty, he’s treated like royalty. That is until Catherine comes along and rocks his world, in more ways than one. I adore Nicolas and Anne in Little Red Writing. Anne is a writer and passionate about her books. I love how she completely unravels strong and highly ambitious Nicolas and eventually places him in the unenviable position of having to choose between love and duty. As for Bewitching in Boots, Elisabeth is clever – and hopelessly in love with Tristan. Tall, dark and handsome, Tristan. *sighs* The strong silent type. Head of the most prestigious corps in the land. And a man known for his skill at wielding his….er….sword. *winks* Not the kind of woman to sit back and wait for a man to make his moves, Elisabeth relies on wit, seduction and her lucky boots and takes matters into her own hands.
My newly released, THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED, has three more Fiery Tales I just can’t choose a favorite from. The Marquis’ New Clothes features Adam de Vey, Marquis de Nattes. He’s sexy and smart and has been infatuated with Aimee de Miran for a long time. It isn’t going to be easy for Aimee to get close enough to retrieve the important ring her cousin accidentally dropped in his pocket – especially since he has seduction in mind!
In The Lovely Duckling, I didn’t take a heroine who just needed some dressing up. Emilie de Sarron was burned in a fire as an infant. She’s put up with horrible taunts and cruel names. All her life. Worse, at her introduction into society, she was horribly teased and publicly humiliated—the hero, Joseph, regrettably a part of this fiasco. It was the final straw. For ten years, Emilie withdrew from society. Now she’s back and she’s determined to grab a bit of bliss—albeit strictly physical. Believing love and marriage are unattainable, she’s convinced that at least a physical encounter is doable. How? Well, she’s going to use the anonymity of a masquerade—orgiastic—ball in order to find a willing lover, and indulge. She never expected that the very man she gives herself to is none other than Joseph.
Princess Gabrielle is determined to help her half-brother recover his losses at an illegal game recently banned by the King—Basset—in The Princess and the Diamonds. She has no choice but to use diamonds she *borrowed* from the palace. If only the gorgeous man sitting across from her didn’t see through her disguise. If only she knew he was a spy working for the Crown, his mission to enforce the ban the King has placed on the card game and see to the arrest of those who dare to play it. As for our hero, Mathias, Marquis de Montfort, he has no idea that the woman he has thoroughly and deliciously debauched is none other than the King’s own daughter.
In the Fiery Tales series, you can always expect to find sinfully seductive rakes, strong smart heroines who will make them lose their hearts.
And scorching-hot love scenes that will leave you breathless.
I’ve written something that will feel familiar to historical romance readers, yet at the same time offer them something different and fresh! Dare to step into the world of fairy tales? Be prepared to be scandalized!
Once upon a wicked time. . . I hope you enjoy these fun, sensual stories.
Oh, and watch for my first full-length Fiery Tale—A MIDNIGHT DANCE—out August, 2011!! A sexy retelling of Cinderella, as it’s never been done before!
A MIDNIGHT DANCE
Berkley (Sensation)
ISBN: 978-0425241981
Historical Romance/Aug. 2011
Inspired by the tale of Cinderella, Lila DiPasqua weaves a steamy historical romance that offers a glass slipper, a dangerous deception, and an impoverished beauty determined to find her handsome prince...and make him pay.
Matching wits and wiles with a man of Jules de Moutier's seductive skill is not as easy as Sabine Laurent supposed. Soon, she must decide whether her desire for vengeance is greater than her desire for her one and only prince...
Read an excerpt of THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED
Read an excerpt of AWAKENED BY A KISS
About the Author:
Lila DiPasqua writes wicked & witty historical romance for Penguin/Berkley. She lives with her real-life hero husband and three children and is a firm believer in the happily-ever-after. She loves history and enjoys traveling. She has been to four continents so far. Her novels, AWAKENED BY A KISS, and THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED are featured in Doubleday as well as Rhapsody Book Clubs. To learn more about Lila and her books, visit www.LilaDiPasqua.com
You can also find Lila on:
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lila-DiPasqua-Author/138300309541247
Twitter – http://twitter.com/liladipasqua
Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3234450.Lila_DiPasqua
QUESTION: Let’s talk about fairy tales! What’s your favorite fairy tale themes? Do you like Ugly Duckling stories? Perhaps a Cinderella, rags to riches tale? Maybe a Beauty and the Beast kind of story? Got any favorite movies or romances novels with these fairy tale themes?
One random commenter will win a copy of AWAKENED BY A KISS or THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED. Winner’s choice. Giveaway open to the US and Canada.
27 comments:
Your stories sound amazing! I'm going to have to go out and find them now. Seriously.
Thanks!
Michelle
I love your wicked twist on fairy tales! My favorite tales are where true love's kiss saves the day and brings the hero/heroine together.
Thanks for the giveaway!
jenalang@live.com
I'm always on the look out for a retelling of classic fairy tales (as long as they respect the classic).
I believe your stories do that and are entertaining at the same time.
I am looking forward to your take on "Cinderella." I'm spending my time waiting for it's release thinking of what your spin will be on a tale as old as time.
Carole
carole720@msn.com
Since Cinderella is my favorite Fairy Tale, I would have to say the Rags to Riches theme is my favorite. I grew up pretending that Barbie was a Princess and Ken was her Prince. Even as an adult I still love to watch all of the Disney movies waiting for the "Happily Ever After".
cbandy10(at)hotmail(dot)com
Yes, I have your first book, but still needing the second. I will get it. Fun reading!
I LOVE all fairy tales! Especially the rags to riches, but I like the ugly ducking theme too!
Love ya Lila!!
:O) Andrea
Welcome Lila!! Thanks for being here with us today! I'm still enjoying your first book! I loved the first two stories. Now the last one will be my reward when I finish writing my current rough draft. :) Can't wait!! I'm a big fan of all fairy tales. Beauty and the Beast is a favorite of mine.
The way you write your stories you make fairy tales come true! I start looking around the neighborhood hoping for someone with the qualities of your hero and the strength of his lady!
Thanks.
What a great concept to take those favorite old fairytales and turn them into your stories. I really enjoyed being introduced to your writing.
I suppose if I had to pick a fairytale it would be The Princess and the Pea because it hit us personally. My older daughter used to get upset if 'anything' was under her mattress. I kid you not, somehow she always knew. Years later when we found out that my grandfather's granfather was King Frederick VIII of Denmark we had a great laugh as she was a princess after all. We lost our daughter to cancer 8 years ago and to this day when I change the sheets on the bed, that wonderful memory always arises and makes me smile.
Hi everyone! *waves* I'm so happy to be here! Thanks for having me. :)
@ Michelle - Thanks so much! And thanks for stopping by. :)
@ Jena - Oh, I like that! Thanks so much for sharing!
@ Carole-- Thanks so much for your interest in my books! Your comment put a smile on my face. I'm delighted my take on Cinderella has you intrigued! I promise that A MIDNIGHT DANCE will have all the elements we love about that classic fairy tale, yet done in a way that's fresh, steamy and romantic. ;)
@ Cindy - I'm totally with you on all points! Cinderella was the first romance to capture my heart. I can't get enough of it (I just love Cinderella retellings!) and I used to do the same thing with my Barbie/Ken dolls!
@krazymama_98 --Thanks so much for stopping by! I'm thrilled you liked AWAKENED BY A KISS. :)
Hello, Lila and all fellow lovers of "Fiery Tales"! I already am fortunate enough to own "Awakened by a Kiss", and "The Princess in His Bed", so this is not a contest entry. I wanted to share my enjoyment of Lila's deliciously delightful romantic tales! I have always loved fairy tales and historical fiction. After all, that's the stuff a woman's dreams are made of! Lila, your beautifully detailed and exquisitely told sensual romances are just the thing for a dreamer like me : )
Who knew fairy tales could hold so much promise now that I'm an adult? *wink* All of them sound awesome - I go for the "Beauty & the Beast" type. I love a heroine who "tames" her beast and helps him turn into a prince. Great post!
@ Andrea--Thanks so much, hon! *muah* :)
@ Nicole---Thanks for having me! I'm so delighted you enjoyed Sleeping Beau and Little Red Writing. Hot and sexy Tristan in Bewitching in Boots is a favorite among my readers. I'll let you discover why. ;)
@ Jeanne M --What an absolutely lovely thing to say! I'm so glad you stopped by! :)
@ Paisley --Thank you for sharing your touching story! I'm sorry for your loss, but happy that you have such a special memory. And, wow. The King of Denmark! That, too, is very special indeed. I'm so glad you stopped in to chat with me and share. Hugs!
Hi Lila, I'm relatively new to the Heart Through History chapter, been on the loop now for maybe 24 hours. Anyway, nice blog, my favorite fsairy tsle character is Thumbelina. I like her partly because she was written by Hans Christian Andersen who was Danish, and that's where my family came from, and secondly because she is really tiny. I wasn't a real big girl growing up, so I could indentify with this cute little adventure seeker. Thanks for inviting me to post on your blog, good luck with your book.
Sincerely, Debby Lee
@ Virginia -- Thank you so much, dearest Virginia!! I'm so flattered by your lovely comment! I feel so honored to be writing these books and thrilled that you enjoy them! Thank you for stopping by! I'm ever so delighted whenever you do!
@Maeve--Thank you very much! I love Beauty and the Beast, too. As you say, who can resist a heroine who knows how to tame the beast? I love strong women! I always put a strong, smart heroine in every story I write. It's so much fun seeing a woman like that match wits and wiles with the hero! Thanks for stopping in to chat with me. :)
@ Debby Lee - Thank you for the good wishes! And welcome to Hearts Through History. It's a great group and I'm delighted you stopped in to share. Thumbelina is definitely a wonderful fairy tale!
OMG I can't wait a full-length fiery tale.....Wooohooo can't wait. Cinderella is my ultime favorite fairy tale. Is it August yet?
Sorry for the delay on announcing the winner!
The winner is:
Michelle ( mjmuse ) You can pick either book as a prize (AWAKENED BY A KISS or THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED).
Please contact me with your address at nicole @ nicolenorth. com (without the spaces.)
Thanks and congrats!!
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