Lila DiPasqua

Something I always felt while reading the two previous 'Fiery Tales' short story collections, was that if given more time and space DiPasqua would be able to delight and intrigue a reader more fully. With A Midnight Dance, the first full length novel in the Fiery Tales series, she doesn't disappoint.

In many ways this is possibly my favorite of her re-tellings so far, but its also one of the looser re-tellings I think. Not as loose as some of the stories in the second collection, A Princess in His Bed, but not quite the traditional take. For one thing Sabine is way too feisty and determined to be mistaken for a damsel in distress (she was one, but she was proactively reaching for ways to get out of her situation). For another Jules is no Prince Charming--this was another story where the heroine and hero were just a hair's breathe from strangling each other.

And honestly I thought more than once that Sabine was going to slug him, Jules could be so...arrogant that I completely understood how appalled she was by the disillusionment of certain cherished dreams.

The heat level is intense, as Jules says (multiple times) Sabine's impassioned response to him drives him wild. I wouldn't say this reaches 'erotica' levels, but its definitely hotter then your average historical romance. There's a spark between them, instantaneous and unwavering, that had me eager to see where it would lead. Whether they are fighting, kissing, cursing each other or swearing unholy vengeance on their mutual enemies, the two are captivating.

The development of their relationship, up until the end, is amusing in some ways and sad in other ways. The two of them are so intent on their respective missions and certain ideas that its frustrating and sad at the same time. Its pretty obvious that if circumstances hadn't conspired the way they had they would have been a really good match. But then we wouldn't have a book would we? Once (part of) the ruse is up and the tables have turned somewhat that's when the real meat of the story begins. Sabine is the more realistic of the two, she knows the price that will be paid if Jules gets everything he wants. She understands the world whereas Jules, despite having been in a precariously bad position for a while, doesn't.

DiPasqua definitely proves her excellent taste in time periods, clothing and setting. The longer page count means even more pretty outfits and lavish displays of wealth--all of which she details perfectly so that as a reader you almost feel like you are in 18th century France. More than anything this is why I read her writing, the shorter stories didn't do justice to have immersed she can make you feel.

The ending was kind of...unsatisfying in a way. Its not so much rushed, but...idealized I suppose. Everything conspires to give them both exactly what they want. The compromises made are glossed over and I was left feeling as if it was just a little pat to be fulfilling. However the last couple of pages? I sincerely hope this means a sequel and happy are in the future. I really, really hope this is happens.
… (plus d'informations)

I love Regency romances, especially ones like The Frosty Duke. They are delightful, steamy escapes, full of improbable circumstances, engaging, beguiling characters in uncomfortable but irresistible situations, and strict society rules that would make those of us living in today’s modern world choke at the harsh, unfair restrictions and punishments.

Ella is a spinster and was resigned to that fact for her future until a charming man came along. A charming man who was in fact a charming scoundrel who took not only her innocence but the mathematics paper she was intending to present. It’s hard enough to survive in the Regency man’s world, but when your work is stolen by a cheating con man, that’s just too much. She devises a plan to get her work back, but to do that she needs to improve her seduction skills. And for that she decides she needs a man to teach her. A man she selects at a local pleasure club.

That man is Lewis, Duke of Ansford. He may know what she needs to learn, but he’s a grump, a guy who doesn’t like holidays, personal relationships, happy times. He’s been alone for a while now and he wants to keep it that way. But once Ella and Lewis meet, maybe he’s not so frosty after all. She’s beautiful, not afraid to state what she wants – and not afraid to let her intelligence show, a rare woman in Regency times.

The Frosty Duke is funny, sweet, steamy with two people you love right away and a storyline that will keep you interested and entertained from start to finish. Thanks to author Lila DiPasqua for providing an advance copy of this charming novella. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.… (plus d'informations)

reviewed, but hardly. once i stop reliably using the shift key you know it's gonna be a mess

All riiiight, so that's the first book down in my romance foray. And I think I accidentally landed on an erotica! WHUPS. But it was ~100 pages, a cleanser as I go from Circe into Innis Lear (I wanted a longer break, damn you library), and I cringed a lot, but whatever.

expectations fulfilled:
- cheese
- equally cheesy but also a guilty-pleasure cover. I loooove dresses, what can I say!!!
- Men Have SCORNED ME Love Has BROKEN ME TOO MANY TIMES, I CANNOT LOVE Y O U, BUT I INEVITABLY WILL FOR NO GOOD REASON BECAUSE THIS BOOK IS 100 PAGES
- my face during every sex scene, or, like, pretty much most of the time

- 'cock'
- 'her sex's juices' or some other equally horrible variation (i'm done. I'm done. let me leave.)
- unhappily, there was one c-word in there, like, not as an insult, but as if it's the equivalent to cock, and idk, I hate that word with so much effin' passion. i'm Pissed, Bro.
- Orgasm On Command
- awkward dirty talk
- mostly just sex stuff idk

expectations defied:
- actually pretty neat plot, among all the silliness. fit well with the length too! the concept of pen portraits was very cool. anne is the original writer of "your fave is problematic" lists
- heroine was totally cool with and practically first verbally proposed that they're just having sex for fun, and god damn it, she deserves some fun
- the man wasn't a total asshat, but I was specifically searching out books with the least asshattery possible
- i should have expected it, but I didn't - the intolerable, constant ~ sexual tension ~. how'd this dude not black out from all these magical sudden boners when he was just talking to her. in public. around her sisters. and maybe around his grandmother.
- speaking of the grandmother, nice relationship there. it was some shocking depth.
- very french which was both hilarious and nice & familiar. I learned the term for the belt thingy that goes across your chest and carries your sword and i was so happy but I've obviously forgotten it and so I've reverted to being miserable

on another note, "tumble" is the cutest PG13 way to refer to sex in these old-timey books. i think i first read it in Gentleman's Guide? anyways, i love it, and i'm stealing it for my old-timey book.… (plus d'informations)