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! Lila DiPasqua has generously offered to include a signed bookmark as well as a signed bookplate as well!
Leave a comment on this review for entry. Open to everyone. Giveaway ends on August 6. Good luck!!
About FV Sophia
I loved your review! I love Little Red Riding Hood stories and can't wait to read this one!
This sounds like a really hot and steamy book! I hope to get my hands on it soon!
ASLOR–Yes, there is no shortage of hot and steamy in this antho. Very nicely done as well.
Very nice review, and these three stories sound so sexy. I just love the twist to these old time fairy tales.
Thanks for the chance to win a copy of Lila's debut novel.
I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/armiefox/status/19843195850
armiefox at yahoo dot com
I just got the first few pages of this last night at RWA book signing, can't wait for the rest of the book. Thanks for working it into a giveaway.
jennscl (at) gmail (dot) com
I really want to read this book,it sounds so good.
great review.
Thanks for the chance to win a copy
elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net
This looks so new and exciting and different!
lovemybabysquid@yahoo.com
Ooohh! This looks really good! I'll have to add it on my wishlist!
Thanks for the giveaway!
melvautour(at)hotmail(dot)com
Sounds like a great book. Thanks for the chance!
bacchus76 at myself dot com
Awesome review you did hon!! Great job! And yes, you made me want to read the damn thing even more now!!!!!
So.. of course enter me in this!
alliwantandmorebooks@ gmail.com
Excellent review. I've really been thinking about reading this one. Looks like I need to.
Great review. I love scheming heroines. A new twist on fairy tales is always fun too.
Quote: Lila DiPasqua puts a steamy erotic twist on classic fairytales that will make you rethink the purpose of a bedtime story.
I've seen reviews pop up for this antho but dang if the quote didn't resonate with me LOL I love these kind of bedtime stories and have got this one on my wishlist.
I really can't wait to read this book. Thank you for the opportunity.
I enjoyed the review. Awakened by a Kiss sounds like a great read. I like the idea of taking fairy tales and putting an adult spin on them.
Let's just say….your review has me wanting to read this very badly. Yap.
dorcontest at gmail dot com
I really like the sound of this book. I've read a few books where the author had taken a fairytale and mad an adult version of it. I can't wait to see how these stories turn out.
sstrode@scrtc.com
Smexy Fairytales! Yes! I want!
missie at theunreadreader dot com
Thanks!
Sounds like a sexy fun read!! Count me in! Thanks!
kristincheee@aol.com
I have been DYING to read this!!! Great review! I am keeping my fingers crossed for this contest!
Amy J
Always looking for good new authors, please count me in!
delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com
I really enjoyed your review, please count include me in the giveaway.
cwilliams127 at gmail dot com
I love you review and i love Fairy tails with Sexy ending.
sasluvbooks(at)yahoo.com
Great review. I love fairy tales especially grown up one. All the stories sound very good. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com
These stories sound charming and sexy. Reviews have been very positive.
jenma76 at hotmail dot com
Sounds like a fun twist on fairy tales!
meredithfl at gmail dot com
Fabulous review, FV!
A twist of fairytales sounds hot!
I'd love to win a copy. Thanks for the giveaway! chirth7@yahoo.com
Loved the review. It's sounds fantastic! Count me in! Thanks!
shundelt@yahoo.com
I love stories that put a spin on old fairy tales! Thanks for the giveaway!
minnchica(dot)bookpusher(at)gmail.com
fantastic review as always
babyjenny83@aol.co.uk
I love fairy tales retold! This book's going on my TBR list regardless of whether I win, but if I do… that means I get to read it that much sooner. ^_^
Loved your review. What a great historical romance novel. I would love to read it. Please enter me. Thanks!
ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net
Great review. Sounds exciting!! Can't wait to read it!
I love adult fairy tales and would love to read this!
misusedinnocence@aol.com
Sounds like a wonderful book. Love the fairytale spins! Thanks!
Wow – you write a great review! I love "fairy tale" type stories and these sounds great! annhonATaolDOTcom
This book sounds like an interesting read.. Thanks for the opportunity
steven(dot)capell(at)gmail(dot)com
Wow. This sounds like it would really be fun to read. I really like the twists on some of these fairy tales.
This is the second review of this book I've read this week. I really, really want to read it now. ^_^