Monday, July 2, 2018

Author LILA DIPASQUA--exquisitely entertaining historical romance--sensual, intriguing, surprising!

Lila DiPasqua is not only a very talented and impeccably imaginative author, she is also beautiful, kind, and quite naughty! I mean that in only the best context. Her retellings of my favorite fairy tales--her "Fiery Tales"--are quite unlike any other historical romances that I have read. They are completely compelling and utterly unique. Like a most delicious confection with surprisingly sensual flavorings, you will hunger for more after you have read the last word of each story. I am a baker, and I love to eat cake, but all the icing in the world won't make up for an unsatisfactory cake. When you read the works of Lila DiPasqua, you can have your cake and eat it too--her writing is that good. She doesn't just tell a story, she places you in the story, surrounding you with the lusciousness of the era, the headiness of the romance, and the intrigue and drama of the well-told tale. Her wicked wit balances the sweetness of the romance just like spicy gingerbread is topped with sweetened whipped cream. A feast for a romance reader's senses!


Image result for Lila DiPasqua

At age fourteen, Lila’s best friend sneaked a romance novel out of her grandmother’s house. After devouring it, Lila was hooked on romance novels for life. Today 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. Weaving in interesting historical facts she discovers during her travels, Lila writes stories about historical alpha-heroes and the heroines who make them lose their hearts. Lila and her family live in Canada.



Mr & Mrs DiPasqua--aren't they gorgeous!

Her website: http://www.liladipasqua.com/index.htm
Her blog: http://liladipasqua.blogspot.com/


Three Reckless Wishes (Fiery Tales, #10) 


 
"Evocative, erotic . . . a sensual treat!"-- SYLVIA DAY, #1 New York Times bestselling author.

Inspired by Charles Perrault's classic fairy tale, "Three Wishes", Three Reckless Wishes is the SCORCHING HOT finale in the acclaimed Fiery Tales Series...

Luc de Moutier, Marquis of Fontenay, is haunted by the writings of a dead woman. He is the subject of her romantic interest. Obsessed with her journals, he can't stop thinking about the sweetly sensual words of the late Isabelle Laurent. Though he'd never noticed her watching him from afar, he now compares every woman to the innocent enchantress who invades his thoughts and most erotic dreams...

The old Isabelle is dead. Sought after by the most powerful men in the realm, Isabelle has her choice of wealthy lovers. Her only goals are to provide for her young son, and to maintain the ruse of her demise. Three reckless wishes led her down the path she now walks. And there is no turning back. Only in her anonymously published books and with her son does she let down her guard. Charming and witty, she dons her social mask each day, her performance flawless until the very man of her long-held private fantasies walks into her life--and shakes the foundations of her carefully crafted world.

When Luc meets the beautiful courtesan, she captures his fascination and ignites an untamable hunger. He's determined to know the woman behind the façade. To deliciously decimate her defenses, show her true passion and the pleasure of complete abandon and surrender. Soon he discovers books written in a style all too familiar to him... and that the past and dark secrets can't stay hidden forever.


 Undone (Fiery Tales, #2) 

UNDONE  by Lila DiPasqua

Inspired by the tale of Rapunzel, Lila DiPasqua offers a new steamy, emotionally charged historical romance in the acclaimed Fiery Tales Series . . . Rescuing this beauty from the 'tower' is only the beginning . . .

Maintaining her ruse as a commoner, and trusting no one has kept Angelica safe. But a chance encounter with a handsome stranger lands her right where danger lies. Now, this sinfully handsome man with arresting blue eyes and a polished manner thinks he's saved her life, when in fact he's placed her in great peril. She's intent on keeping him and everyone else at arm's length. Yet, the smoldering attraction between them is difficult to deny. And impossible to ignore . . .

As commander of a number of privateer ships, Simon Boulenger dresses and speaks like an aristocrat, and has obtained wealth. But he is still not a noble. Or an officer in the King's Navy. His lifelong dream to elevate himself from his station of birth and attain a respectable place in society is dead. Worse, he's ensnared in a deadly scheme, and must get out. But how is he to stay focused on his dangerous mission when the mysterious beauty has him utterly intrigued? He can't afford the distraction any more than he can resist the carnal hunger she stirs. Simon soon discovers that she's not only a passionate soul mate, but a woman born into privilege. A woman he can never have. But they're in too deep. Their hearts are at risk . . . as well as their lives.

"Hot enough to warm the coldest winter night." -- Publishers Weekly

"Lushly erotic, and deeply romantic. If you love historical romance, this is an author to watch!" - Elizabeth Hoyt, New York Times bestselling author

"Evocative, erotic and wickedly passionate . . . [A] sensual treat." -- Sylvia Day, national bestselling author

"Sure to delight!" -- Jennifer Ashley, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

"Erotically charged . . . Not your mother's fairy tales!"-- Kathryn Smith, USA Today bestselling author

"The most luscious, sexy take on classic fairy tales I've ever read! The heroes are delicious!" --  Cheryl Holt, New York Times bestselling author

". . .Strong-minded heroines you can relate to, breathtaking carnally-gifted male leads...that readers will love!" --Fresh Fiction

MY REVIEW:  **5 STARS** "AS SENSUALLY SUPERB AS THE TANTALIZING TRACE OF A FEATHER ACROSS BARE SKIN"

In a deliciously naughty and delightfully wicked way, author Lila DiPasqua shares the knowledge that the sexiest weakness in a man is his vulnerability to that one special woman. No matter how big and tough a man may be, love makes him reachable. The bigger they are…the harder they fall. They become "UNDONE". The most invincible Alpha male may offer his heart like a gift to the woman he loves, and then he will wait for the look on her face to make sure she is pleased with the gift. In one who is usually without self-doubt, that moment of uncertainty is very appealing. Alphas are external and more obvious. They have the immediate physical impact. A relationship with an Alpha may be incendiary, but will it last? When the fire burns down, will the embers linger? A hero can be a rascally rogue, but he must still have a deep-seated respect for women–even if it takes a while to surface. Handsome men are sometimes merely "pretty", nice to look at, but not always substantial in personality. When you find a man who is strong, smart, sensitive, sweet and sensual, you don't want to look at anyone else. Many times a "rogue" doesn't know that he is really a "hero" until he meets the one woman who challenges him, changes him, and completes him. Somehow, the more resolute the Alpha male is, the more irresistible he becomes. However, I think the real key to Alpha appeal is finding the heart of gold under the armor. Once that happens, you are a goner–other men just don’t compare! Then there is the heroine--giving her heart, her trust, and so much more will have her "UNDONE", and how lucky she will be! Such a woman is strong and intelligent--at once both womanly and still girlish. Her beauty is enhanced by her own particular radiance, a light which will draw her lover with an irresistible pull. Simon Boulenger is common born, yet he walks through society with aristocratic ease and wealth that comes with a price. His lifelong dream is to overcome his ignoble birth and earn the respect of society. Angelica Marie-Louise de Castel left behind her world of privilege to flee from her cruel stepfather. For ten years, she has lived in safety within the walls of a convent. When Simon and Angelica literally collide in an accidental meeting, he follows her, and then rescues her from what he sees as an abusive situation at the convent. He takes her back to France, the very land from which sought never to return. She withholds her true identity from Simon, but she cannot withhold her heart. Simon cannot let this woman of mystery keep him from his mission in life, yet he cannot resist her seductive innocence. For me, storytelling is all about how the characters are portrayed. I must care about the people and want to follow their story and find out what happens to them. Even the supporting players, the not so nice people, and especially the villains should be well-drawn and multi-layered. Minor characters, sharply etched in a few well-chosen words, add such rich flavor to a story line. I like characters who are basically defined around the edges, but still flexible enough to be surprised and revised. Characters are the elements which capture and hold my interest in whatever I am reading. Having said that, I like nice characters who have an unexpected naughty streak. I love naughty characters who are nice when they least expect it themselves. In "UNDONE", author Lila DiPasqua has created such characters and given them a story line filled with emotion, sensuality, intrigue, and drama. All this, and also the wonderful historical detail of the 17th century, the era in which the author weaves her magic writing spell. A must read for historical romance devotees!

Review Copy Gratis Author


  A Midnight Dance    

A MIDNIGHT DANCE  by Lila DiPasqua

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.

Born into wealth, Sabine Laurent and her twin sister lived a life of luxury, their father's prestigious theater frequented by royalty and aristocracy alike. And Sabine dreamed of her own prince charming--the devastatingly handsome Jules de Moutier.

That was before the loss of her sister and her family's fall from grace--a disaster Sabine blames on the Moutier family. Now, with her father's death, she's inherited his sizable debt and the responsibility of caring for his spoiled long-time mistress and her two wastrel daughters. But with the help of Sabine's eccentric friends--the balance of her father's acting troupe--she plans to get very close to her old infatuation, seduce the rake--and make away with a fortune.

Resisting Jules's skillful mouth and tantalizing touch is not as easy as Sabine supposed. And soon she must decide whether her desire for vengeance is greater than her desire for her one and only prince...

DiPasqua's latest Fiery Tale is not your typical Cinderella story. This fresh and sexy retelling of the classic fairy tale features a spirited heroine, a dangerous "dark prince," sizzling passion and plenty of intrigue! - RT Book Reviews.

"Evocative, erotic . . . and searingly romantic."  - Sylvia Day, national bestselling author

"A MIDNIGHT DANCE is a sexy fairytale that will make you swoon. Jules de Moutier is the prince charming all women dream of." -- Fresh Fiction

"The romance is scorching hot . . .a fantastic heroine [and]... a fantastic hero." Night Owl Reviews---REVIEWER'S TOP PICK!

"Simply put, this is one fabulous book!!" -- The Romance Dish

MY REVIEW:  **5 STARS**  "UNDENIABLE PASSION, REVELATION, AND REDEMPTION"

I now think of author Lila DiPasqua as "Scheherazade". Having just read her third Fiery Tale book, "A Midnight Dance", I can strongly advise that Ms. DiPasqua is not just a premier author of erotic historical romance, she is also a master storyteller. With each of her books, I have been captivated by the character development and the story line detail, but there is more, much more. There is undeniable passion, titillation and temptation, but there is also intrigue, revelation and redemption. Then there are the surprises, which keep you turning the pages looking for more depth-adding twists and turns. In "A Midnight Dance", lovely Sabine Laurent sacrifices much to restore the lands, fortune, and good name of her family. The man she has always adored from afar, Jules de Moutier, is the son of the man she holds responsible for her family's ruin. Jules' family has not been untouched by tragedy, and for years he has strived to replenish the lost wealth and social standing of his aristocratic heritage. When Sabine and Jules cross paths again after many years, they are at cross purposes, each intending a cache of silver coins to be the answer to their own individual quest. There are others interested in that same silver--others who live with evil intent and the desire to torment Sabine and Jules and those around them. The passion between the inexperienced, loving Sabine and the sensually masterful Jules is scorching! However, it is Sabine's inner fire which kindles deeper embers in the worldly Jules. "A Midnight Dance" will leave you breathless, and hoping to experience the same sensations soon with another Fiery Tale. Most pleasurably recommended!

Review Copy Gratis Penguin Books


 The Princess in His Bed   

THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED  by Lila DiPasqua

The author of the "luscious, sexy" (New York Times bestselling author Cheryl Holt) Awakened by a Kiss returns with a new collection of erotic fairy tales that would make even the Grimm Brothers blush, inspired by "The Emperor's New Clothes," "The Ugly Duckling," and "The Princess and the Pea."

The Marquis' New Clothes: To search his wardrobe for a missing ring, Aimee will have to get very close to the seductive Marquis de Nattes, and soon finds that his clothes-and hers-are utterly forgotten...

The Lovely Duckling: Joseph d'Alumbert will stop at nothing to peel away the inhibitions of Emilie de Sarron and reveal the beautiful swan inside...

The Princess and the Diamonds: Princess Gabrielle can't sleep. There is something hard in her bed. Not just the stolen diamonds tucked under her mattress- but the handsome marquis on it.

"Strong-minded heroines you can relate to, breathtaking carnally gifted male leads...A sexy collection that readers will love." Fresh Fiction.

"If you only buy one book this week or this month, do yourself a favor and BUY this book! [THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED] -- 5 STARS! The Romance Dish

"I recommend this to all adult fairytale lovers." - 5 RIBBONS! --Romance Junkies

"What perfect adult bedtime stories." - TOP PICK! --Night Owl Review

"Once again Ms. DiPasqua has rocked the Fiery Tale world. . Fluid paced storyline. . with such a steamy, additively seductive trio of romances!" - 5 STARS! --Book Junkie

MY REVIEW:  **5 STARS** "BEAUTIFULLY BODACIOUS BEDTIME TALES"

"The Princess in His Bed", the second book in Lila DiPasqua's "Fiery Tales Collection" is equally as erotically enchanting as her first book, "Awakened by a Kiss". Lila's beautifully written story lines and completely involving characters are a treat for truly devoted lovers of romantic fiction. I felt somewhat bereft at the end of each book. I wanted to meet more of her characters--each one is so wonderfully brought to life that you feel a personal connection to them and share in their joys and sorrows. Your heart and mind will insist that each pair of lovers finds a gloriously happily-ever-after ending to their own unique story. The setting for these fantastic, fiery fairy tales is the court of Louis XIV, where nothing less than excess in all matters was acceptable to the most wealthy and powerful of citizens. The debauchery of this devastatingly decadent era in history makes the discovery of real and lasting love all the more emotionally satisfying. Lila DiPasqua is an author whose writing I will continue to anticipate with great pleasure. Highly recommended!

Book Copy Gratis Author


Awakened by a Kiss   

AWAKENED BY A KISS  by Lila DiPasqua

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...

Once upon a wicked time...

Sleeping Beau: Five years ago, 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...

"Lila DiPasqua's lushly erotic writing is sophisticated, sensuous, and deeply romantic. If you love historic romance, this is an author to watch!"

-Elizabeth Hoyt, New York Times bestselling author
 
"The sexiest, most entertaining collection of stories I've ever read and the most luscious, sexy take on classic fairy tales I've ever read! The three heroes are delicious!"
-New York Times bestselling author Cheryl Holt


"An erotically charged retelling of classic stories. Steamy yet sweet, DiPasqua expertly melds emotionally charged erotica with fantasy, love and hope, leaving no doubt as to the happily ever after. These are not your mother's fairy tales!" -USA Today bestselling author Kathryn Smith

“Every now and then a debut author knocks my socks off with her first novel. . . AWAKENED BY A KISS is a magnificent debut!!!! ...Purchase it right now!!!” — 5 STARS! - The Romance Dish

“I highly recommend "Awakened by a Kiss"!”— TOP PICK! Night Owl Romance Reviews


MY REVIEW:  **5 STARS** "LUSHLY-WRITTEN EROTIC ROMANCE"

Oh, what wonderfully fantastical romantic stories are told by Lila DiPasqua in "Awakened by a Kiss", book one in her "Fiery Tales" series. Erotic, hypnotic and lushly written, these bold tales are a sensual blend of love and passion. Historical detail, well-developed characterizations and elements of surprise will have you enthralled until the very last page. Exquisitely erotic romance! I very much look forward to the next book, "The Princess in his Bed"!

Book Copy Gratis Author

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Because Lila's books are both sumptuous and scrumptious, I have added this incredibly indulgent recipe for your enjoyment! 


Decadent Italian Chocolate Cake

5 large eggs, separated
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
2 cups sugar
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
2/3 cup finely chopped pecans
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting (recipe follows)
Garnish: pecan halves

Beat egg whites at high speed with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form; set aside. Beat butter and shortening until creamy; gradually add sugar, beating well. Add egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating until blended after each addition. Combine flour, cocoa, and baking soda; add to butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed until blended after each addition. Stir in coconut, chopped pecans, and vanilla. Fold in egg whites. Pour batter into 3 greased and floured 8-inch round cake pans. Bake at 325F for 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes. Remove cake layers to wire racks, and cool completely.
Spread Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting between layers and on top and
sides of cake. Garnish, if desired. Makes 10 to 12 servings.

Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 (16-ounce) package powdered sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/4 cup buttermilk
2/3 cup finely chopped pecans

Beat first 4 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Combine powdered sugar and cocoa; gradually add to butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with powdered sugar mixture. Beat at low speed until blended after each addition. Stir in pecans.

5 comments:

  1. Virginia, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Lila's books. As you say, there's nothing out there quite like them, is there? And I love that they're set in the Court of Louis XIV. Lovely to explore a different world in a historical romance. Great choice and great reviews!

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  2. Thank you, Anna C! You and Lila each have a distinctive, compelling, and entertaining writing style--love you both : )

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  3. Oh, what a lovely thing to say. Thank you! Love that latest cover of Lila's too!

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  4. OMGosh, Virginia, I'm just so touched by the post and LOVE the recipes!! I'm going to make that cake for Mr. D--my very own decadent Italian. LOL *muah* Thank you again! I adore your new website---and you!!

    @Anna--Thank you so much for the lovely compliment! It's such an honor coming from one of my very favorite authors. I'm just so thrilled to have had a quote from you for A MIDNIGHT DANCE. And Virginia's right about what she says about your books. LOVE them!

    Hugs and love to you both!
    Lila XO

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  5. Thank you, Lila! It is my pleasure to write about your lovely books : )

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