A MIDNIGHT DANCE (Berkley Sensation) is the third installment in the Fiery Tales series (steamy, yet romantic, retellings of classic fairy tales!) And it’s my version of Cinderella. There’s a strong, smart destitute beauty. A sinfully handsome, carnally-gifted “Prince Charming”. Oh, and plenty of scandalous behavior. *smiles*
Believe me, I know there have been many retellings of Cinderella, but there has NEVER been a retelling like quite like A MIDNIGHT DANCE.
But you shouldn’t read it. 🙂
Well, as least you shouldn’t read it if:
- You have an aversion to tall, dark, gorgeous heroes who have an edge of danger edge to them. Jules de Moutier is drop dead sexy. And he’s out for revenge, to find out who framed his father as a traitor to the Crown, and to restore his family’s good name. Having been stripped of his nobility, tossed out of the King’s Navy and disgraced before his peers, Jules is finally in a position to walk away from privateering. It’s taken him years, but he’s intent on using his newly captured silver treasure to help him reclaim his former life and clear his family’s name. All is going according to plan, until he crosses paths with a certain blond and beautiful desperate thief.
- You shouldn’t read A MIDNIGHT DANCE if you want to read about a damsel in distress who’s waiting around to be rescued. Our heroine Sabine Laurent, daughter of the late playwright, Paul Laurent, may be in dire straits, but she’s not waiting for anyone to rescue her. Like any practical woman, she’s taking matters into her own hands. She’s going to steal the silver treasure. Getting her hands on that kind of wealth will save her family—or what’s left of the eccentric lot. Namely, the balance of her late father’s acting troupe, his long-time mistress and her two spoiled daughters. Too bad she didn’t realize that the wealth she’d be stealing belongs to none other than Jules de Moutier, the object of her girlhood infatuation. She’s convinced she can seduce the rake and make off with a fortune.
- You shouldn’t read A MIDNIGHT DANCE if you dislike scorching hot love scenes. Sabine may blame her family’s downfall on Jules and his family, but his potent appeal is difficult to ignore and even more difficult to resist. With devilishly seductive Jules, it’s not going to be easy for Sabine to snatch the silver. The chemistry between them is white-hot.
- You shouldn’t read A MIDNIGHT DANCE if you dislike the classic beloved fairy tale of Cinderella. A MIDNIGHT DANCE has a ball, a glass slipper, a fairy godmother in the form of a loveable yet highly opinionated apothecary, a determined impoverished beauty and a man who proves to be the Prince Charming every woman longs for.
- You shouldn’t read A MIDNIGHT DANCE if you don’t like an exciting read with intrigue and twists. With a surprising villain that will shock you. An ending that will make you sigh . . . and gasp in surprise.
Once upon a time there was a woman whose life was in cinders. Her story has been retold many ways, many times, throughout the realm. Throughout time. Her family’s wealth was gone, as were their elegant home, and their prestigious theater. They were as lost to her as her girlhood dream of marrying a man she’d loved from afar. A man who was well beyond her reach.
A man she’d dubbed her Dark Prince, for he was tall, dark, and oh so handsome. But her opinion of him had soured. No longer did she believe in a happily ever after.
Yet one night, at the stroke of midnight, the stars aligned.
Destiny stepped in.
And she came face-to-face with her Dark Prince.
But she didn’t arrive before him as she’d dreamed all those years ago. She was not in a golden-colored gown, but in humble attire, not in a gilded carriage, but in a rickety cart, as worthless as a pumpkin, driven by two men, as meek as mice . . . carrying wine mixed with a special potion . . .
What’s in the wine, you ask? Knowing she must come up with the funds to pay the Crown taxes, Sabine plans on drugging Jules and stealing a fortune in silver. It’s a desperate plan. But, then, desperate people must resort to desperate measures. She’s not above using her acting skills, posing as a common harlot named Elise to try to seduce him, and enlisting her eclectic—and rather eccentric blended family/friends—to help her in this mad scheme. The only appeal about this crazy plan—she’ll be stealing from Jules de Moutier—whom she blames for her dire predicament in the first place. Let the seduction begin!
In all seriousness, if you’re looking for something fresh and different, if you love fairy tales, historical romance, a hot hero, a clever heroine, sizzling sexual tension, love scenes that will leave you breathless and delightful secondary characters—if you want a fast-paced read with unexpected twists—I hope you’ll check out A MIDNIGHT DANCE. 🙂
BOOK TRAILER FOR A MIDNIGHT DANCE
A Fiery Tale
Lila DiPasqua
Berkley Sensation
HISTORICAL ROMANCE
August 2011
ISBN: 978-0425241981
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…
Praise for A MIDNIGHT DANCE
[A] fantastic heroine… [A] fantastic hero!” — Night Owl Reviews—REVIEWER’S TOP PICK!
“A deliciously dark hero and a heroine who’s more than a match for him! Sure to delight!” — Jennifer Ashley, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author
“Wickedly passionate . . . a sensual treat.”— Sylvia Day, national bestselling author
“Lila DiPasqua’s ‘Fiery Tale’ version of Cinderella sets the classic story ablaze!” — Anna Campbell, award-winning author.
“A Midnight Dance … [a] romance that touches the heart. I can ensure that this is a dance you’ll never forget.” — Top Pick! – The Season Blog!
“Ms. DiPasqua’s take on Cinderella is a gorgeous sizzling tale! I finished and wanted to start it over immediately.” — JOYFULLY REVIEWED raves!
Order at:
BIO:
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. To learn more about Lila and her books, visit www.LilaDiPasqua.com
GIVEAWAY TIME:
QUESTION: If you were in a movie, playing the part of Cinderella, who would you choose to play your perfect Prince Charming? (NOTE: If my hubby is not available, I’m choosing Bradley Cooper). Two random commenters will win a book from my Fiery Tales series. READERS’ CHOICE. Giveaway open WORLDWIDE.
To Enter:
(MUST) Answer Lila’s question above
(MUST) Leave email
Be a follower of my blog is always good too.
Giveaway ends Sept 9th
Winner announced Sept 12th
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With so many sexy men to choose from how is a girl supposed to choose just one? I would choose Eric Dane, or Mathew McConaughey. (They were on tv tonight) otherwise I would probably have come up with someone else. Haha!
iarvd@yahoo.com
I would choose Hugh Jackman. By all accounts a lovely person & drop dead gorgeous.
I follow.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I would want Alexander Skarsgard to play my prince charming.
truebloodfan@rock.com
Happy Labor Day Lila! If I was in a movie, playing the part of Cinderella, I would choose Tom Selleck to play my Prince Charming!
I can't resist his twinkling eyes or that great mustache and that sense of humor – he's not bad to look at either! Okay and he looks a lot like my husband too (at least when he had more hair). Now if Tom had a perfect head like my husband (because only men with perfect heads should be bald, other men need hair to cover their imperfections) then Tom would be the perfect Prince Charming!
id have to go with.. brad pitt or jensen ackles (from supernatural).. hot hot!
i follow!!
alainala@ hotmail.ca
All that "don't read" reason,just make me want to read your book, Lila!
And,its hard question, to choose a guy for my Prince Charming, since there are so many. But I will choose David Gandy. Not an actor, he's model, but I think he can cover up his lack experience of acting department. Dark hair, blue eyes, wicked smile too :)..
Thanks for the giveaway!
sawamura_foxman AT yahoo DOT com
Well if my fiance, Josh, weren't available for some reason *G* Then I'd have to say Hugh Jackman
Jen
Scorp_grl2002@Yahoo.com
Hi, Lila! Happy Labor Day! If I was going to play Cinderella in a play, I would choose my DH first. If he's not available, I would go with Dougray Scott from Ever After.
mmm, would have to say Tom Selleck. Tall, dark, and-well, you know the rest!
Happy Labor Day Lila! Happy Labor Day everyone . awesome post and a very tuff question. i have so many i would choose from but my tops are Gerard Butler and Alexander Skarsgard. maybe it can be a love triangle and one will win my heart more. lol thanks so much for this awesome chance.
babydoll82959307(at)aol(dot)com
GFC: Lindsey
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follow Lila on fb as well
I would choose Gerald Butler or Tyler Florence.
Gfc- Christine A.
your1chef at aol dot com
Oh right now it would be Nathan Fillion or Castle 🙂 He's sexy and has a sense of humor. Thanks for the contest!
catslady5(at)aol.com
follower
oh the choices i think i would choose alex pettyfer to be my prince charming
i love the giveaway
jenny
madsheepno1@yahoo.co.uk
I absolutely love Jim Caviezel, especially in the Count of the Monte Cristo.
I would have to agree with Nathan Fillion. I loved him Firefly and Serenity.
I've got to gof for Hugh Jackman too. The epitomy of Tall, Dark & Handsome. Plus he can sing (a plus) & Dance (required for a Prince Charming). And he just seems so darned nice!
sallans d at yahoo dot com
I would choose a tall dark guy who resembles Ian Somerhalder from Vampire Diaries. He is delish *grin*
bitemeash(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I would choose Jordi Vilasuso or Jason Thompson or James Franco.
asdaysturn at gmail dot com
I have to say my boyfriend… hes mended my heart and romanced me and hes all mine 🙂
Love your work Lila!
kmtqc@yahoo.com
I would have to choose Clive Owen t be my Prince Charming! Look wise anyway! LOL! Thanks!
evjochum[AT]aol[DOT}com
I would have to choose Giles Marini to play my Prince Charming. He is tall, dark, handsome and very sexy. He sends shivers down my backbone when he talks in his very sexy French accent. PHEW!!!
Thanks for this opportunity to win one of Lila's backlisted books. I highly recomment "A Midnight Dance" to anybody that has not read this yet.
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dpd333 AT aol dot com
Johnny Depp or Matthew McConaughey!
Midnight Dance looks fantastic!
Robin D
robindpdx (at) yahoo (dot) com
I'm so with the Hugh Jackman… thanks!!
After the Hubs, I'm picking Jason O'Mara, because I saw that someone else had chosen Tom Selleck. 🙂
After my swart, I'd have to pick David Duchovny, too sexy to be believed, so he must be a fairy-tale prince.
I would have to say Aussie Chris Hemsworth, who played Thor in this years movie – He is everything that prince charming should be *g*
Hugh Jackman! *sighs*
thumbelinda03@yahoo.com
Prince Charming changes names every once in a while…but my current obsession is Chris Hemsworth, so I'd choose him. I might also choose James Franco as well LOL.
angeldream3[AT]gmail[DOT]com
Ryan Reynolds! He needs no explanation!
Mmmm…so many to chooses from! I would have to pick Henry Cavill (he is on The Tudors) so handsome.
Fun question! And so glad you had Lila on your blog!!
eyesofblueice (at) gmail (dot)com
This ones hard…. buuuutI'll go with a young Brad Pitt…come on have you watched Troy….Thanks for having Lila kelly i love her books.
susperia(at)hotmail(dot)com
Hi everyone!
Thanks so much for dropping by to share them with me. 🙂
Happy Labor Day to you, too, Jeanne!
Oh, Ren, thank you for the lovely comment about the post! 🙂
Happy Labor Day to you, too, Cathy P. I LOVE Ever After and Dougray Scott does make a perfect Prince Charming. 🙂
Thanks for the Labor Day wishes, Lindsey! Your comment made me LOL
Oh, Kayla–What a lovely thing to say about your boyfriend. I'm so glad he's your Prince Charming. Thanks so much for the compliment on my books! Glad you like them. 🙂
Diane D–Thank you very much for the compliment on A MIDNIGHT DANCE! 🙂
Everyone–I love your choices for Prince Charming. Thanks for not choosing my Bradley Cooper. LOL 🙂
Hugs, all!
Lila
I'm going with Hugh Jackman (who can act, sing, and dance) or Ian Somerhalder (because I'm a sucker for dark-haired men with light-colored eyes).
ironss [at] gmail [dot] com
GFC follower
Hi Lila and Kelly,
Hope everyone had a Happy Holiday.
I'd have to pick Antonio Banderas when he played Zorro. 🙂 The man is too sexy for his own good. Or mine lol Good luck everyone. GFC follower under Lucky47.
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
Well I like my Prince Charming with a touch of bad boy. we talking celebs? DEFINITELY Jensen Ackles. Rawwrrr. I LOVE Jensen Ackles. (Not so much that he's married *wiggleseyebrows*
Thx for the giveaway!
GFC: _yay_
sk_86(at)gmx(dot)de
Definitely Derek Hough!!! SO handsome, funny, sweet.. perfect.. and he can DEF waltz with me at the ball!! 😉
Loved the article btw Lila!! That list has DEF now made me even MORE excited to start reading A Midnight Dance!!!
goldrushbeauty@yahoo.com
(your pavement princess 😉
jensen ackles
meandi09@yahoo.com
Ever since I was a kid I had a thing for Will Smith…but it could also be Eric Bana…oh the choices!!
natashahouse13ATyahooDOTcom
Hugh Jackman would do quite nicely .. or Giles Marini…
kacbooks(at)hotmail(dot)com
Oh, it looks like Hugh Jackman is going to be a very busy boy. I would choose him too!
June M.
manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com
I can't wait to read this book.
I would choose Taylor Kitsch.
Thanks for the giveaway
elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net
Hmm that's a tough one because most of my leading men are fictional characters! For a real live breathing man…Henry Cavill will do nicely.
GFC follower.
Cambonified [at] yahoo [dot] com
Stopping by to say hello and delight in your list of Prince Charmings! 🙂
Also, waving to my Pavement Princesses! You know who you are and I adore you. 🙂
Hugs,
Lila
So what are you saying, Lila? I shouldn't read your book? Ha! Your strategy is foiled! I always do the opposite of what I am told! I am going to read your book, whether you like it or not!
My answer: Simon Baker. If Simon's not available, my husband. Okay, scratch Simon.
sherry.isaac@yahoo.com
I would choose Hugh Jackman to play my perfect Prince Charming.
lisagk(at)yahoo(dot)com
Agreed!!! Hugh Jackman Aww!! or Ryan Gosling and or Ian somerhalder 🙂
majoyskie_21(at)yahoo(dot)com
I would choose Matthew Bomer.
spav05(at)gmail(dot)com