I’ve written a historical romance anthology for Berkley.  It’s rather scandalous.  My summer debut, AWAKENED BY A KISS, is a Fiery Tales collection – steamy retellings of three classic fairy tales in the one book.  I love it when historical heroes are sinfully seductive bad boys. In AWAKENED BY A KISS, I’ve created three of them.

    HISTORICAL HEROES!

There is something about seeing an unrepentant rake fall hopelessly in love with the heroine that I find downright delightful. And in AWAKENED BY A KISS, my three heroes do fall for them – hard.

AWAKENED BY A KISS was inspired by the father of the modern day fairy tale, Charles Perrault.  He was the creator of The Tales of Mother Goose.  Taking folklore that had been passed on verbally for generations, Perrault was the first to write it down and add morals to his tales – thus creating the genre of fairy tales!

I’m ever so grateful he did!  Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty were the first romances I ever read.

So, who are these heroes, these seasoned roués who surrender their hearts in AWAKENED BY A KISS?

Well, now, in the first Fiery Tale, Sleeping Beau, the hero, gorgeous Adrien d’Aspe, is the bastard son of the King, and quite the infamous rake.  Legitimized by His Majesty, Adrien is treated like royalty.  Awakened by a sensuous kiss, his night of raw passion with a mysterious woman has haunted him for five years.  In the morning, she was gone.  When at last he spots his mysterious seductress years later, he wants to know her name.  He wants to know everything about her.  Hell, he just plain wants her.  But try as he might, Adrien can’t keep to his usual level of detachment during their amorous encounters.  Everything about Catherine de Villecourt stirs tender feelings, tossing him onto unfamiliar ground. Catherine is a kindred spirit, a painter, a sexual soulmate and his one and only heart’s desire.

The next Fiery Tale, Little Red Writing, features a very ambitious hero.  Handsome Nicolas de Savignac is confident.  He’s focused.  He’s earned the nickname le Loup, “the wolf”, for his cunning.  And he is intent on gaining a promotion in the King’s private Guard.  On a mission for the Crown, he’ll stop at nothing to uncover the identity of the author writing scandalous stories about powerful men in the realm, and arrest this notorious satirist.  His suspects have been narrowed down to the three sisters/writers living at his grandmother’s house.  Anne is among them.  A redheaded beauty who takes his breath away from the moment he lays eyes on her.  Though his plan was to seduce her to gain information, Anne manages to do something no other woman ever has.  She slips past his defenses and leaves him ultimately torn between love and duty.

In the final Fiery Tale, Bewitching in Boots, we have the sinfully beautiful former commander of the King’s private Guard, Tristan de Tiersonnier, Comte de Saint-Marcel. Though he’s been forced to relinquish his distinguished position in the Guard due to an injury he suffered in the line of duty, Tristan can still command a woman’s attention and ignite her senses—reducing her to some gawking unsophisticated ingénue – by doing nothing more than walking into a room. With his confident manner, his tall and powerful body, he exudes authority. And—gracious God—such potent sensuality. He makes Elisabeth ache. Heart and body.  She’s been in love with him for years.  But Tristan wants nothing to do with the King’s favorite daughter.  That is, until he’s forced to spend time with her.  She isn’t a coquette or the spoiled royal brat he thought her to be.  She’s passionate, loving and loyal. When he sees the real Elisabeth, he can’t help but lose his heart.


Awakened By a Kiss
Author: Lila DiPasqua
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Pub. Date: August 3, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0425235560
Retail: $15.00
Pages: 368

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…

**Click the cover to read excerpt

QUESTION: Since we’re discussing heroes —Who would you like to awaken you with a kiss?  I know the list can be long, so try to keep it to no more than three.  *smiles*

My list (aside from hubby): Johnny Depp, Hugh Jackman, Bradley Cooper. *sighs*

One lucky commenter will win a signed copy of AWAKENED BY A KISS!

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By Authors, Berkley, Giveaways50 Comments on Lila DiPasqua debuts with new Fiery Tales

50 Replies to “Lila DiPasqua debuts with new Fiery Tales”

  3. Johnny Depp, Alexander Skarsgard, & Peter Facinelli. Yummy! Your book sounds so good. I have read many great reviews.

  4. Congrats on the release. Such a wonderful way to update childhood tales for adult enjoyment. Wake up kisses would never be rejected from Hugh Jackman, Brad Pitt (of a few years back) and since I grew up watching old movies and falling in love with those heros — John Wayne in his heyday.

  5. Lila, I ordered your book from Amazon yesterday, so please don’t enter me. It was great meeting you (and your gorgeous family) in Florida!

    Hm. Morning breath. But…Gerard Butler, Jude Law (although I bet he’s kissed the babysitter first), Dermot Mulroney…oh, and Rufus Sewell.

  6. I cannot wait to read this book! I love the idea of an interesting twist on fairy tales & applaud the originality 🙂

    As far as I’m concerned I would be happy to be kissed by Hugh Jackman, Gerard Butler and Adrian Paul! And (ever the discerning one LOL) I would not turn away Johnny Depp, Matt Damon, Tom Hanks or Leonardo DiCaprio either 🙂

  7. Congratulations on the release Lila! Can’t wait to read. As for hottie waking me, Ryan Reynolds! Yummy!

  8. Oh Johnny Depp is hot. He can pucker up for me anytime. Lol. I also like Idris Elba. He’s been on my radar lately.

  9. Yep – Johnny Depp would do it! Also, the actor who plays Wilson in “House”. What a cutie-pie. 🙂

  10. Congratulations on the release Lila. Your book sounds yummy!

    This list could go on an on, but I’ll try to limit my choices to three. Let’s see….how about:
    Jonathan Rhys Meyers (really hot King)
    Henry Cavill, also from The Tudors and a hot Duke
    Matthew Bomer from White Collar
    Oh, what the h**l, I’m also adding Matt Passmore who plays Jim Longworth in the summer replacement TV program ‘The Glades’. He’s so cute, funny too!

  12. Ooh, your anthology sounds great, Lila!

    Hmmm, an awakening kiss from the DH, David James Elliot (JAG), a young Tom Selleck (Magnum, PI years), a young Sean Connery.

  13. Hello Lila….I’m so excited over your new release and I can’t wait to go get your book. Hopefully I can win it this way…Blessings….Lisa~

  16. OH this is a hard one especially because i wouldn’t mind a kiss from all those mentioned so far lol… Ok, only picking top 3. Henry Cavill, Gerard Butler, and Robert Pattinson (yes i went there, its just cause of his hair)

    Looking foawrd to your book Lila, I love fairy tales and can’t wait to see your versions!

  17. cant wait to get your book!

    mmm only 3……. Stuart Townsend, Hugh Jackman & Russell Crowe

  19. Johnny Depp, Mark Wallburg, and my Husband….My husband is my real life hero….He seriously rescued me from abusive parents and abusive boyfriend. He has stood by me through my addictions and issues through our marriage as I have stood by him during his Army career. I am writing my Memoir about all of it. Lisa

  20. Congrats on the new release!
    George Clooney definitely!!
    Keith Urban and Anderson Cooper would be fine.

  21. *waves* Hi everyone! I just love your lists! So many yummy men mentioned. I want to expand my own list now. I totally for got Leonardo DiCaprio…oh, and there’s Gerard Butler, Matt Damon, Russel Crowe….I need to stop now. *fans myself* LOL

    Thank you for all your good wishes! I’m so delighted how well AWAKENED BY A KISS is being received. I love it’s heroes and heroines. And the time period has a special place in my heart.

    Maggie Robinson/Margaret Rowe— It was so lovely meeting you in person!! I’m so glad our paths crossed. I have TEMPTING EDEN on the top of my TBR pile, and as soon as I’m done with my edits, it’s my personal treat to myself. 🙂

    Keep the lists coming everyone. It’s so much fun to read your choices!

  22. This is the best kind of question! 😉 I’ll have to include: Jason Statham, Gerard Butler, and Jared Padalecki. Yum~

    Congratulations on the new release!

  23. Welcome, Lila!!! And congratulations on your debut. The first of anything is always pretty exciting.

    Gosh, my list would be so long if I had to list them all…and I knew their names. I tend to be like, “you know the guy that comes on Grey’s Anatomy or the best friend in such and such movie. I do know Mel Gibson is no longer on the list. 😉

  24. It has to be Casanova of course and I can’t forget how Rhett asked Scarlett to kiss him. wow

  25. Hi Lila! Congrats on the release of your book. It sounds wonderful!

    These guys can kiss me anytime:

    Gerard Butler
    Russell Crowe
    Josh Holloway

  26. I’d pick Johnny Depp, Gerard Butler, Tom Selleck (not a young version, he’s sexy just as he is – and I’m no spring chicken).
    I love the idea of taking fairy tales and putting a new, adult spin on them. I’m looking forward to reading Awakened by a Kiss.

  29. I think Michael Keaton had very sexy lips when he played Batman. wow I wouldn’t mind being kissed by that sexy Andy Garcia. As long as they have a sweet smelling breath I’ll take any kissses.

  30. Congratulations on the new release. Beautiful cover.

    My three choices not counting my DH
    1. Jonathan Rhys Meyers
    2. Hugh Jackman
    3. Henry Cavill

  31. Thanks so much for your interest in AWAKENED BY A KISS, everyone! OOO! I like Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Henry Cavill. Okay, just about every actor listed here is completely kissable in my opinion. 😉

    *waves* Hi Beverley! I’m delighted to be here. Thank you for having me! 🙂

    @ everyone – looking forward to more kissing choices!

  32. I say Hugh Jackman,Johnny Depp,Brad Pitt are my picks
    sasluvbooks(at)yahoo.com

  33. James McAvoy and Joseph Gordon-Levitt (I saw Inception this past weekend and absolutely loved it)

  34. This book sounds so good! I love taking something thought to be sweet and making it naughty. As to my three choices, they are…Ryan Reynolds, Taylor Kitsch and Gerard Butler.

  35. Would have to be George Clooney!
    I love stories based on fairy tales—with a twist.

  36. hmmm….Nathan Fillion, Adam Baldwin, Hugh Jackman, Ryan Reynolds or Bradley Cooper any or all will do!!!! LOL

  37. I’ll keep it simple. My latest crush: Iker Casillas!
    Who is he? He’s the captain of Real Madrid & the Spanish National Team who just won teh World Cup!

  38. Congrats on your book!

    Hm… Jude Law (from “Gattaca”), Johnny Depp (from “21 Jump Street), and Hugh Jackman. I could go on but I won’t. 🙂

  39. Oh,no! For the longest time, no one was listing Bradley Cooper. Now I guess I’ll have to share him with Elaine G and Aemelia 😉

    This is ever so much fun!

  40. Hi Lila!
    I love reading sexy anthologies and your new book, AWAKENED BY A KISS, really looks great and original, with the fairy tale themes!

    As for the kiss, I’d love to be AWAKENED BY A KISS by the old 40’s filmstar Tyrone Power! He was sooooo gorgeous!!!! 😛

    Good luck with your new release Lila, I enjoyed reading your post! 🙂

  41. My husband would be my choice. I’ve never really considered anyone else.

    Tom Selleck would be a possibility. Steve McQueen and Paul Newman. They both had wonderful eyes.
    I can see a generation gap here : )

  42. Can’t wait to get my hands on this book !!

    Just three? Okay, let me consult my A – Team hero material list.

    Richard Armitage

    Gerard Butler

    Hugh Jackman

  43. Thank you, everyone for your lovely comments about AWAKENED BY A KISS—and for sharing who you’d like to awaken you with a kiss! I’ve had such a wonderful time chatting with you!

    A special thanks to Bev for hosting me on The Season. This is an awesome site!

    Hugs, all!
    Lila

  44. I thought I commented on this, but see I didn’t . 🙂
    A young Paul Newman, In his prime Gregory Peck. ….sigh…and I know he’s fictional but I have to list him lol Jamie Fraser from Outlander. Perfection.
    Carol L.
    Lucky4750@aol.com

  45. I like your list! Johnny Depp is definitely on mine, but I have to say that one of my new favorites is Richard Armitage. If you don’t know who he is, check out the BBC miniseries North and South or Robin Hood. He is simply amazing.
    Margay

  46. George Clooney,
    Kevin Costner
    Sam Elliot, I could go for these three anytime! There are several more but I will stick with these!

  47. Looks like the blogger at my post too lol.

    Nathan Fillion (Castle)
    Richard Gere
    Leonardo DiCaprio

    and many more!

  50. Ooh, my top three would be Bradley Cooper, Ryan Reynolds and/or Alexander Skarsgard!! They can wake me up anytime 😉

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