You wrote what?. . . by Lila DiPasqua
For those of you who don’t know me, I write wicked & witty a historical romance for Penguin/Berkley.
And I’m the odd one on the block.
Yes, it’s true! When other new authors have landed on the scene with historical romances set in England or Scotland—I picked 17th century France.
“Why, Lila?” you ask? Well, it’s because my Fiery Tales series is about…well, fairy tales. Retellings of three classic fairy tales in each book, to be exact. Yes, you get three sinfully seductive rakes inside each novel—–both AWAKENED BY A KISS (out now) and my newest release, THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED!
I know what you’re thinking; that doesn’t explain the setting. Seventeenth century France? Really?
Yes, really. Here’s why. I love history. I love Regency England, and I love fairy tales. How do these connect? Allow me to explain.
Long before the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen, 17th century French lawyer/writer Charles Perrault did something no one had done before. He was the first to write down folklore and add morals to his stories—stories like Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Little Red Riding Hood and Bluebeard, to name a few. He was the creator of THE TALES OF MOTHER GOOSE!
At first, his stories were frowned upon. Especially by those who attended those renowned 17th c. salons of Paris—places of enlightenment, hosted by the women of the upper class, where the aristocracy and the literati (poets, dramatists, grammarians) gathered to discuss and debate history, religion, politics and literature. After all, these tales had been popular with the illiterate. The intellectually and socially elite felt it was beneath them to acknowledge Perrault’s fairy tales.
But fairy tales have an appeal and magic of their very own. They’re wonderful, timeless and rather irresistible (sort of like the rakes in THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED *winks*).
In short order, the genre of fairy tales took off and soon became a highly fashionable subject of conversation at every salon in the city.
But just what was Perrault’s world like? Well now, it was just as refined as Regency England. I kid you not! Full of decadence, you had distinguished lords and lovely ladies who lived in city mansions and sprawling palatial country estates. There were spectacular ballrooms and elaborate masquerade balls. Theater—and plenty of scandalous behavior. All those elements you love about the Regency period are found in the time and place when the genre of fairy tales was born!
“But, Lila, will I really be able to connect with this different time period?” Of course! THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED, has “strong- minded heroines you can relate to” and “breathtaking carnally gifted male leads”. (Fresh Fiction)
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.
In my retelling of The Emperor’s New Clothes—The Marquis’s New Clothes, meet sexy, tall, dark and oh so handsome, Adam de Vey, Marquis de Nattes. Read an excerpt from THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED here: http://www.liladipasqua.com/princessbook.html
Read a juicy excerpt of AWAKENED BY A KISS—
http://www.liladipasqua.com/awakenbook.html
QUESTION: Name me something you recently read in a romance novel you felt was different.
One lucky commenter will win a signed copy of AWAKENED BY A KISS or THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED—winner’s choice! GIVEAWAY OPEN WORLDWIDE.
The Princess in His Bed
Author: Lila DiPasqua
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Pub. Date: November 9, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0425237007
Retail: $15.00
The Marquis’ New Clothes: To save her cousin, Aimee de Miran must retrieve a jeweled ring from the most sinfully seductive man at court, the Marquis de Nattes. But to search his considerable wardrobe she’ll have to get very close to the notorious rake…and soon she finds herself very close to him indeed, with his clothes—and hers—utterly forgotten…
The Lovely Duckling: Reputed for his carnal skills, Joseph d’Alumbert prefers amorous encounters without emotional entanglement—until a quick-witted lady stirs tender feelings and hot desire. Emilie de Sarron suffered burns to her body as an infant, and keeps her scars—and her heart—well hidden. But Joseph is determined to peel away her inhibitions, one slow steamy kiss at a time, to reveal the beautiful swan inside…
The Princess and the Diamonds: Princess Gabrielle can’t sleep at night. There is something hard in her bed. No, not just the stolen diamonds tucked under her mattress, but the handsome Marquis on it….whose carnal talents she can’t resist. But he threatens her secret mission, and worse, she stands to lose far more than the diamonds—her heart is at stake….
“DiPasqua writes with a comfortable elegance and grace, and in turn, crafts a sexy collection that readers will love.” – Fresh Fiction.
“Ripe with steamy affairs, these lusty stories are hot enough to warm the coldest winter night.” – Publishers Weekly
~*~*~
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
I have to get to my computer earlier in the evening. It is too late to think. There really hasn’t been much different in what I have been reading lately. I just got some new books that look really good and am hoping they will vary the typical romance story just a bit. It is nice to have reads that feel familiar, but even better for something just a bit different. Your books sound like they will provide that special little twist.
Best of luck with the release of THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED.
Ooo Miranda Neville’s The Wild Marquis introduced the world of book auctioning and collecting in the Regency which was new to me. Her first book talked about cooking which was very interesting as well 🙂 I love it when there are fresh ideas in romances and your books sound great Lila! 😀
Oh and I would like to win Princess in His Bed please 😉
I’m sure I should be able to think of some book that had something that felt different but I’m drawing a little bit of a blank. Perhaps its too early or just that I read so much and tend to focus on the book currently being read. One comes to mind as I write this. Miranda Neville’s last, The Dangerous Viscount, had the twist of the hero transforming from “blah” to “yum!”.
Congrats on the new release 🙂
Hi Lila! I haven’t given up trying to win the signed copy, but I can’t wait any longer to read it, so as soon as that paycheck comes in…
I can vouch (as a reader of *almost* exclusive Regency-set romances) that Lila makes the shift to reading 17th century France easy–her tales are full of sexy heroes/heroines, gorgeous settings, and HOT love scenes. I never feel the love story is rushed or that it is unrealistic for the pair to fall in love in such a short story, compared to single-titles.
I loved Awakened with a Kiss and have been dying to get my hands on Princess in His Bed. And I’m still available as a beta for A Midnight Dance (did the title change recently?). *nudge nudge wink wink*
Hello Lila,
I read a book by Amanda Scott (Tamed by a Laird) where the heroine runs away with a troupe of minstrels. That was different. The book is excellent.
I love scandal. It’s my middle name. lol! I’d love to read your Fiery Tales.
Hmmmm. First off, the banner here at “The Season” is beautiful.
Next, something I read in a romance novel that was different? OK, you got me. I’ll admit it. I’m not a romance novel reader (except for Lila’s) – which doesn’t mean I can’t be converted (wink) but I have nothing to compare to other than Lila’s books.
I absolutely love the scandal though…..
Different for me the wonderful and exhilarating The Iron Duke. I don’t read paranormals and this was a steam punk setting, but so wonderfully constructed and well written. Maljean has become a favorite author of mine. I am looking forward to checking out your books. Love, love historicals and yours are obviously different.
I’m actually reading something Urban Fantasy , and it’s the first book of that genre that i’ve read until now .
I would love to read your retalling of those fairytales …:)
raluk.93 at gmail (dot) com
Different from what? hmmmm……. Each book is different in some way. If the author is any good! 🙂 I have rules about books and movies. If I am not excited and anxious to continue with a book at chapter 2, it goes in the trade away pile. I have not stopped reading a book for ages. So they have all been pretty good.
I recently read Meljean Brook’s, THE IRON DUKE…the entire book is different. It’s steampunk romance and I had never read anything like it. Historical sci-fi is how the author summarizes it. It was a great ride. 🙂
Lila, One of the most unusual romances I have ever read was The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley. He had a form of autism called Aspergers Syndrome. He would lock in on one thing (he collected Ming bowls) and thought he was incapable of love; he never looked anyone straight in the eye. He had spent most of his youth locked away in an asylum until his brother got him released after the death of their father. This was one of the best romances I’ve read in a long time.
I love your Fiery Tales & just bought The Princess in His Bed. Please write more!
I just finished “Princess in His Bed” – very sensual and well written. Can I say my favorite story was “The Marquis’ New Clothes”? It was so funny, sweet and hot! But our hero was a wowser! All the best to you in your writing career, Lisa. t
I can’t think of any particular book that had something different right now but I agree with Mel, I had forgotten about Amanda Scott’s book about the heroine running off with a troupe of minstrels and performers. That was certainly different.
I love your setting and your fairy tales and look forward to reading this newest , The Princess In His Bed.
Carol L.
Lucky4750@aol.com
In Miranda Nevilles book the Dangerous Viscount the hero was a virgin! I have read virgin hero books before but they are very rare. I love the virgin hero concept it’s refreshing, since usually the men are very….. ahem…. practiced! This book was wonderfully different! Thanks for sharing today!
Recently read Courtney Milan’s Proof by Seduction and enjoyed the heroine in the role of a fortune teller!
I love variety and this sounds like a nice change of pace and yet still my favorite type of read.
I’ve also read Meljean Brook’s The Iron Duke recently and it was wonderful!!
I also just read an anthology called The Lords of Passion with three delightful stories by Virginia Henley, Kate Pearce and Maggie Robinson. Maggie Robinsons hero runs a business. He travels the world looking for rare and erotic art to sell to members of the ton. Her heroine is quite shocked…but he is making his last run and will then give up the business.
Valerie
in Germany
Hi everyone!
First, let me say I’m sooo delighted to be back at The Season Blog! I love it here, and I have a great time chatting with the commenters who stop by. So keep the comments coming! I’ll be popping in all day to respond. 🙂
Hugs, all!
Lila
Hi librarypat –Thank you for your good wishes and the lovely comment about my books! I definitely strive to keep things fresh and entertaining. Glad you stopped by!
Hi Christy — I have that book on my TBR pile! I’ve been so busy with my own work, my reading time had really suffered. I’m going to dive into my pile in Dec. Now I’m even more excited to read The Wild Marquis. 🙂 Thanks for the lovely comment about my Fiery Tales. 🙂
Hi donna ann–Okay, now that’s two votes for Miranda. 🙂 Her books have gone to the top of my pile. I’m definitely interested in any hero who can go “from “blah” to “yum!””. 😉
Enjoyed reading your comments. I have been reading romantic suspense books of late and have to get back to the romances. . I have my copy of Awakened by A Kiss so that is next to be read. HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Hi Noelle —LOL! You’re a doll! What a wonderful compliment. And I’m ever so delighted that you both liked AWAKENED BY A KISS and the setting!! 🙂 A MIDNIGHT DANCE still has the same title and will hit the shelves Aug. 2011. Thanks for offering to be a beta reader! I’ll keep that lovely offer in mind. 🙂
Hi Mel K. — I love that you love scandal!! We’re of like minds! *grins* I’m going to have to check out the book you mentioned. You’ve got me intrigued! 🙂
Hi Kathy—Great to see you here! Awww, thanks for the sweet comments–about the ad and my books. You know my master plan is to have you totally addicted to romance books. *giant smile* 😉
I recently read a paronormal romance about wolves which for me was difffernt as i have never read any book like that before
Hi Lila! I love the concept and historical setting of your wicked fairy tales. It’s nice to see something new on the market.
I recently read KILLBOX, the 4th book in the Jax Series by Ann Aguirre. I don’t normally read sci-fi books, but I stumbled across the first book in this series and was immediately hooked. I think the heroine’s kick-butt attitude and her ability to jump ships through space is so cool.
Hi Lila. I love 17c France as a setting. Such a wonderful part of history with such interesting characters to draw on. I have recently read Iron Duke and loved it. At the moment I am working my way through Zoe Archer’s Blades of the Rose series which is also fabulous. Great heroes, intelligent heroines, great adventures and great romance. I am currently on Scoundrel which is set in Greece. The first one was set in Mongolia and the next one is set in Canada (as a Canadian, I am looking forward to this). I’m looking forward to reading your fiery tales.
Hi Jeannene Walker — Thanks so much! I’m delighted you stopped by to share. 🙂
Hi PinkStuff28 –Thank you! I’m thrilled by your interest in my Fiery Tales series. 🙂
Hi Lisa Hutson– You’re right! A book should definitely grab you by then. I’m so glad your books haven’t been disappointing you. Thank you for sharing with me! 🙂
Hi Scorpio M.—I’ve heard great things about that book! I’ve got to add it to my TBR pile. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Hi Sue K — That’s another book that’s on my TBR pile. I sooo want to read that! Oh, thank you for the lovely comment about my Fiery Tales! I hope you enjoy THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED. Next year I have A MIDNIGHT DANCE out in Aug. It will be my sexy retelling of Cinderella, as it’s never been done before. 🙂
Hi Thea—Oh wow. You’ve put a big smile on my face! I’m so thrilled you liked THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED. I had a lot of fun writing it —especially, The Marquis’ New Clothes. Adam is near and dear to my heart—not to mention yummy, too. 😉 So glad you stopped by! Thank you for the good wishes! 🙂
Hi Carol– I’m ever so delighted! Thank you for the lovely comment! I really really need to check out this book you and Mel mention. It sounds awesome. Thank you for stopping by! 🙂
I would say, Three Nights with A Scoundrel with Tessa Dare, the heroine’s brother, whose murder is at the heart of this trilogy, had a passel of love letters. The author of those letters was a real surprise, not who I suspected! Very different.
Your books sound wonderful, heard great things! All the rest for your release!
There hasn’t been anything different in what I have been reading.
Hi, Lila!
In “Love in the Afternoon” by Lisa Kleypas, I was a bit surprised that the book was more about Christopher Phelan’s growth rather than Beatrix Hathaway’s. But then, she’s pretty near perfect the way she is.
I’ve been reading a paranormal romance series which features an investigation company.
Hi Johanna—Miranda Neville is popular among this group! I’m so happy that I’ll be diving into The Dangerous Viscount soon. Thanks for stopping by to chat with me! 🙂
Hi mrsshukra — Great book! I heart Courtney Milan! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Hi catslady–What a wonderful thing to say! Thank you very much! I try to be different. 🙂
Hi Valerie –Maggie Robinson’s novel has had me intrigued ever since she made a guest appearance on my blog. I’m going to have to pick up that anthology. Thanks! 🙂
Oops—to Valerie—that should have said: Maggie Robinson’s novella— as Lords of Passion is an anthology she’s in. 🙂
I recently read Mary Jo Putney’s The Wild Child in which the heroine doesn’t speak and is thought to be mad. It was just wonderful !!
Of course one of the most unusual romances I’ve ever read is Laura Kinsale’s Flowers from the Storm in which the hero suffers a stroke and spends most of the book trying to regain the power of speech.
And The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie is another in which an usual hero is featured. He has Asberger’s Syndrome and the romance is just magnificent!
Can’t wait to read these fairy tales! I have heard nothing but good things about them!
Hi Joye — Thanks for stopping in to share! I hope you enjoy AWAKENED BY A KISS. 🙂
Hi Elizabeth–How wonderful! It’s great to read about things you’ve never read before and realize you love it. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Hi Jennifer L — It sounds like a great series! Thank you for the lovely comment about my books. 🙂
Hi Lynnd — Hello fellow Canadian! I’m going to have to check out Zoe Archer’s series. You’ve made it sound irresistible! Thank you for your interest in my books. Seventeenth century France definitely has fascinating characters to draw from. You’re so spot on! Thanks for stopping in to share with me. 🙂
Hi Karyn Gerrard– Thank you for the lovely comment about my books and for your good wishes! I’m so glad you stopped by to share! 🙂
Hi Estella –I’m so sorry to hear that. I hope you’ll try one of my books to see if we can perhaps change that? 😉 I’m glad you dropped in to chat with me! 🙂
Hi infinitieh—Oh, I love Lisa Kleypas. She’s pretty well near perfect, too! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Hi Tracey D—That’s sounds really cool!! Thanks for chatting with me! 🙂
Hi Louisa– Oh wow. Awesome list of very different books! Thank you for sharing! And thanks so much for the wonderful comment about my books. I’m delighted by your interest! 🙂
Here I am. I swear if I could just have another 6 hours in the day, I could get everything that I need done, done!
Congrats, Lila, on your second book. I love the cover for The Princess in His Bed. Just lovely. And I so want to read the book. I just need to carve out time. The stories sound delicious and sexy–just the way I love ’em.
Different. Hmm, that’s a hard one. I think I would say Margaret Rowe’s TEMPTING EDEN.
Bev
I love fairy tale retellings! The one recent book that stands out in my head is Jeannie Lin’s Butterfly Swords–it’s not everyday you read a romance novel set in ancient China, with a full Chinese heroine!
THE ITALIAN’S BLUCHING GARDENER by Christina Gardener the charactors in the story keeps secerts of there past.
Hello again, Lila! TBAL is the first in a series. It’s more history then romance and I liked it very much. It was Scottish history and I love Scotland! Went there in Sept. It was my first vaca there and hopefully not my last.
It just wouldn’t be me if there wasn’t some kind of scandal going on in my life. LOL!
hummm something in romance that was different. In Susan Mallery’s latest contemporary release, her heroine’s best friend had just died, and left her frozen embryos to the MC. That was hugely different from anything I’ve ever read!!
I honestly can’t think of anything that struck me as different that I’ve read lately! LOL! I’ll think on it 🙂
Hi Lila. Good to see you here. I grew up on Mother Goose and Han Christian Andersen tales. Loved those. Something that was differant in a romance book I read was a father from America married his daughter off to a foreign prince without her knowing about it for many reasons. It became one of my favorite books(The Ocean Between by Lynda Coker). Please don’t enter me as I just won from you.
Hi Lila, I loved your blog post! Your latest book, THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED, looks absolutely wonderful! And what a gorgeous cover! I love sexy anthologies, especially with some fairy tale magic thrown in!
The only books that come to mind that were somewhat different that I’ve read recently are Zoe Archer’s WARRIOR and a Silhouette Romance called THE CEO’S CHRISMAS PROPOSITION by Merline Lovelace. That book was set in Germany. I don’t read many (or any) books set in Germany so it was a nice change of pace!
Congratulations on your new book!
I want to read it!
Iread a book where the characters could change time. I thought that was neat.
@Bev–Thanks so much, dear Bev! Thank you for the lovely comment about THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED! I’ve had a great time here! 🙂
@Julie –I haven’t read that one but I want to! I love to see different settings like that for historical romances! It’s exciting to see more and more non-England/Scotland set historical romances hitting the market…and being well received! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
@peggy –Sounds fascinating! I love secrets. 🙂
@Mel K.–You’re my kind of person, scandalous Mel! 😉 Sounds like an awesome vacation!
@Chelsea B—LOL…No worries! I hope you’ll give my Fiery Tales series a try. 😉
@MinnChica –Wow, that is different! I’ve never read anything like that either!
@sue brandes—OOO! I like the sound of that book. I’ll have to check it out. Thanks, Sue! 🙂
@Sandra Lynne—Thank you so much for your wonderful comments about my post and my books! 🙂 I appreciate the good wishes! I’m so glad to hear about this German-set book! Yay for different settings! Goes to show that readers can fall in love with a book…when really the only important thing is a good story and characters that we connect with! Thanks for stopping by to share with me. 🙂
@Marjana Kaly —Thank you! I’m so delighted by your interest!! 🙂
@Debra G—Oh wow. That is really neat!! What a cool thing to be able to do! Thanks for sharing. 🙂