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Fiery Tales #1
A Midnight Dance
Inspired by the tale of Cinderella, an erotically charged 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…
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…
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 2, 2011
206 people are currently reading
2999 people want to read
About the author
Lila DiPasqua
19 books809 followersLila DiPasqua is a USA TODAY bestselling author of historical romance with extra heat. She is published in multiple languages and loves art and animals. She's surrounded by many dog toys.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
December 14, 2024
Mmmm… a sinfully sexy new book boyfriend, a sensual and incredibly erotic physical relationship, a strong, bold, determined woman - set in 17th century France, this book pulled me right in with its characters, its setting, its fiery passion, secrets, emotion, love, and intrigue.
Throughout the story, Jules and Sabine’s complex relationship moved from Sabine’s teenage infatuation with a handsome, out of reach aristocrat, to passionate connection and deception, mutual hatred and mistrust, then understanding, respect, partnership against a common enemy and finally, love. Each step of their relationship was rich with emotion, and they progressed from one dynamic to the next in a very organic, believable way. Set against a backdrop of France in the aftermath of the Fronde, Jules and Sabine were simply magnificent together.
This was my first book by Lila DiPasqua and I’m looking forward to reading more of her Fiery Tales series.
He silently studied her in that unnerving way he had. “How long have you been traveling?” Hadn’t she given him this information already? Was he testing her? “Two weeks?” she answered, hoping it sounded plausible. “Alone?” “Well, no, the King escorted me part of the way, but then His Majesty had to return to the palace.” She frowned. “Of course alone.” “Merde. You are beyond reckless. What would you have done if you’d encountered a band of criminals? What is one woman alone going to do against a group of men?” Just wait and see...
***
“Do you have something to hide? Something you don’t want me to know?” She sat up. “I’ve nothing to hide.” For her numerous lies, she was overdue for a lightning bolt.
***
He withdrew halfway then glided back in deep. “Does it feel good?” She moaned. […] “It feels...” She searched her mind for the right word. “You feel...” “What?” He licked the sensitive spot below her ear, then bit her earlobe. She closed her eyes briefly and swallowed. “So good. Incredible.” “It is about to feel even better.” He gave her a searing kiss, withdrew and then drove in deep and hard. She moaned her delight against his mouth. Finally he began to move his hips.
***
“So you hate me,” he said in a low snarl. “You’ve hated me from the very beginning. Well, here is your chance. Don’t miss the opportunity, chère. Look me in the eye and say it.” He taunted her. He thought she didn’t possess the courage, for he was a man accustomed to being in authority. To being respected or feared. She’d show him she more than had it in her to say what others wouldn’t dare. Straight to his face. “I. Hate. You.”
***
“I admire your tenacity,” he said at last. Gone was the tightness in his tone. His response took her by surprise. “You’re the one who shoulders the responsibility for your family’s well-being. That, chère, is something I understand. You and I are not so different.” She looked up into his handsome face. They were alike. She couldn’t deny it. They’d both experienced the same kind of pain and shared the same driving determination to reclaim what fate had snatched away.
***
She was looking far too confident for his liking. It was time to tip the scales back in his favor. “Then I guess we have a bargain finally. My congratulations to you, Sabine. It would seem you’ve thought of everything. Except...” Her delicate brows furrowed slightly. “Except what?” He lowered his head, stopping just short of touching her enticing lips. “How will you keep your hands off me?”
Throughout the story, Jules and Sabine’s complex relationship moved from Sabine’s teenage infatuation with a handsome, out of reach aristocrat, to passionate connection and deception, mutual hatred and mistrust, then understanding, respect, partnership against a common enemy and finally, love. Each step of their relationship was rich with emotion, and they progressed from one dynamic to the next in a very organic, believable way. Set against a backdrop of France in the aftermath of the Fronde, Jules and Sabine were simply magnificent together.
This was my first book by Lila DiPasqua and I’m looking forward to reading more of her Fiery Tales series.
He silently studied her in that unnerving way he had. “How long have you been traveling?” Hadn’t she given him this information already? Was he testing her? “Two weeks?” she answered, hoping it sounded plausible. “Alone?” “Well, no, the King escorted me part of the way, but then His Majesty had to return to the palace.” She frowned. “Of course alone.” “Merde. You are beyond reckless. What would you have done if you’d encountered a band of criminals? What is one woman alone going to do against a group of men?” Just wait and see...
***
“Do you have something to hide? Something you don’t want me to know?” She sat up. “I’ve nothing to hide.” For her numerous lies, she was overdue for a lightning bolt.
***
He withdrew halfway then glided back in deep. “Does it feel good?” She moaned. […] “It feels...” She searched her mind for the right word. “You feel...” “What?” He licked the sensitive spot below her ear, then bit her earlobe. She closed her eyes briefly and swallowed. “So good. Incredible.” “It is about to feel even better.” He gave her a searing kiss, withdrew and then drove in deep and hard. She moaned her delight against his mouth. Finally he began to move his hips.
***
“So you hate me,” he said in a low snarl. “You’ve hated me from the very beginning. Well, here is your chance. Don’t miss the opportunity, chère. Look me in the eye and say it.” He taunted her. He thought she didn’t possess the courage, for he was a man accustomed to being in authority. To being respected or feared. She’d show him she more than had it in her to say what others wouldn’t dare. Straight to his face. “I. Hate. You.”
***
“I admire your tenacity,” he said at last. Gone was the tightness in his tone. His response took her by surprise. “You’re the one who shoulders the responsibility for your family’s well-being. That, chère, is something I understand. You and I are not so different.” She looked up into his handsome face. They were alike. She couldn’t deny it. They’d both experienced the same kind of pain and shared the same driving determination to reclaim what fate had snatched away.
***
She was looking far too confident for his liking. It was time to tip the scales back in his favor. “Then I guess we have a bargain finally. My congratulations to you, Sabine. It would seem you’ve thought of everything. Except...” Her delicate brows furrowed slightly. “Except what?” He lowered his head, stopping just short of touching her enticing lips. “How will you keep your hands off me?”
January 18, 2023
So, I'm being extremely serious about reading books that I already own this year and that includes books that are on my kindle. This was a random purchase for 99 cents and I finally decided to pick it up this year. It did not disappoint. It was almost a 4 star read, but it had some technical issues. I definitely will be reading the rest of the books. 3.5 Stars CW: violence, death on page, explicit sex, rape and bodily harm off page, but readers "see" the after affects
A Midnight Dance is the first in the Fiery Tales series. It's loosely based off of Cinderella, but with a more erotic twist. The book follows Sabine who along with her twin sister loved watching her father's theater trope perform. Both had crushes on aristocracy who frequented the theater, more notably the Moutier siblings. Unfortunately, their family eventually comes to ruin with Isabelle disappearing for good. Sabine then concocts a plan to seek revenge against Jules de Moutier to help bring her family back to a place where they can live comfortably. Ironically, Jules de Moutier has also come to ruin after his father was accused of treason against the French crown. He is seeking to build his own fortune to regain his titles. The two come clashing against each other in a way that is completely and totally unexpected.
What Worked: Honestly, there were a lot of great parts to this book that I didn't expect to enjoy. I've read some historicals, but I don't think I've ever read one that takes place in France. There were a lot terms and historical moments that were mentioned in the story, but DiPasqua does a great job including a glossary in the back for those who may get confused or are newer to the terminology. The best part of this book was the relationship between Jules and Sabine. I LOVED their chemistry. Granted this had some interesting tropes with Sabine being a virgin and the back and forth between enemies to lovers, but the two of them were fun together. They challenge each other in so many different ways, but goodness gracious do they learn how to care for each other. Each character is so stuck in their head about what they've been through that it takes them time to recognize what the other has experienced. Nevertheless, it does help their relationship grow and flourish. The way that they eventually grow to love each other really to make my heart sing. Sabine went through so much and while he hated her at first, Jules really grows to understand why she's so passionate about her family most of all her sister. And the steamy scenes were EVERYTHING. Ya'll, I had to fan myself so much while reading this. I knew it was an erotic historical romance, but damn!!! If you like your steam, this is one to go for! I also think that some parts of this book brought high stakes energy to the narrative that I fully enjoyed.
What Didn't Work: The reveal of the villain was wayyyy too early. I understand that DiPasqua was attempting to give readers the perspective of the villain and create this possibility of characterizing them as a possible serial killer, but it made the rest of the book slow. Being inside their head did create some fascinating elements to the overall vibe of the story; however, it was some what painful waiting for the rest of the characters to catch on to what was going on. I found myself slowly losing steam with the story as well as the characters which is so unfortunate because I was so invested in the story early on. I think that the story would have benefited greatly from saving the villain reveal to the end and extending the story after the fact so that readers could learn more.
Overall, this was a solid erotic historical romance. I wasn't sure what to expect going in, but I'm happy that I gave it a chance!
A Midnight Dance is the first in the Fiery Tales series. It's loosely based off of Cinderella, but with a more erotic twist. The book follows Sabine who along with her twin sister loved watching her father's theater trope perform. Both had crushes on aristocracy who frequented the theater, more notably the Moutier siblings. Unfortunately, their family eventually comes to ruin with Isabelle disappearing for good. Sabine then concocts a plan to seek revenge against Jules de Moutier to help bring her family back to a place where they can live comfortably. Ironically, Jules de Moutier has also come to ruin after his father was accused of treason against the French crown. He is seeking to build his own fortune to regain his titles. The two come clashing against each other in a way that is completely and totally unexpected.
What Worked: Honestly, there were a lot of great parts to this book that I didn't expect to enjoy. I've read some historicals, but I don't think I've ever read one that takes place in France. There were a lot terms and historical moments that were mentioned in the story, but DiPasqua does a great job including a glossary in the back for those who may get confused or are newer to the terminology. The best part of this book was the relationship between Jules and Sabine. I LOVED their chemistry. Granted this had some interesting tropes with Sabine being a virgin and the back and forth between enemies to lovers, but the two of them were fun together. They challenge each other in so many different ways, but goodness gracious do they learn how to care for each other. Each character is so stuck in their head about what they've been through that it takes them time to recognize what the other has experienced. Nevertheless, it does help their relationship grow and flourish. The way that they eventually grow to love each other really to make my heart sing. Sabine went through so much and while he hated her at first, Jules really grows to understand why she's so passionate about her family most of all her sister. And the steamy scenes were EVERYTHING. Ya'll, I had to fan myself so much while reading this. I knew it was an erotic historical romance, but damn!!! If you like your steam, this is one to go for! I also think that some parts of this book brought high stakes energy to the narrative that I fully enjoyed.
What Didn't Work: The reveal of the villain was wayyyy too early. I understand that DiPasqua was attempting to give readers the perspective of the villain and create this possibility of characterizing them as a possible serial killer, but it made the rest of the book slow. Being inside their head did create some fascinating elements to the overall vibe of the story; however, it was some what painful waiting for the rest of the characters to catch on to what was going on. I found myself slowly losing steam with the story as well as the characters which is so unfortunate because I was so invested in the story early on. I think that the story would have benefited greatly from saving the villain reveal to the end and extending the story after the fact so that readers could learn more.
Overall, this was a solid erotic historical romance. I wasn't sure what to expect going in, but I'm happy that I gave it a chance!
December 5, 2015
4 Cinderella Gone Naughty Stars
You know how Cinderella is this teenage, innocent, loving girl? Well, you ain't gonna find that one here. Sabine is a girl who had to leave her rose-colored glasses behind when her family lost everything. Now she is ready to steal her way back to a decent way of living. And if her boundy comes from Jules de Moutier's treasure then all the better. His family is after all to blame for her current predicament. Still, Jules is just as tempting as ever... Especially for such a snob!
This book was fun-fun-fun! It gave a slightly "dirty" spin on Cinderella's tale, which I though might prove tricky but the author actualy pulled it off. Although this fairytale has little in common with the original, it still had all the elements to make it charming. There was the couple of course, the treasure, the "crazy" family, the villain and of course the "Happily Ever After". And to spice things up, there was plenty of sex involved!
The most interesting thing was though, that although this was an erotic romance, the plot didn't lack at all. I loved the story and the villain! That dude was creepy as hell but intriguing in his scheming and evilness.
You know how Cinderella is this teenage, innocent, loving girl? Well, you ain't gonna find that one here. Sabine is a girl who had to leave her rose-colored glasses behind when her family lost everything. Now she is ready to steal her way back to a decent way of living. And if her boundy comes from Jules de Moutier's treasure then all the better. His family is after all to blame for her current predicament. Still, Jules is just as tempting as ever... Especially for such a snob!
This book was fun-fun-fun! It gave a slightly "dirty" spin on Cinderella's tale, which I though might prove tricky but the author actualy pulled it off. Although this fairytale has little in common with the original, it still had all the elements to make it charming. There was the couple of course, the treasure, the "crazy" family, the villain and of course the "Happily Ever After". And to spice things up, there was plenty of sex involved!
The most interesting thing was though, that although this was an erotic romance, the plot didn't lack at all. I loved the story and the villain! That dude was creepy as hell but intriguing in his scheming and evilness.
April 14, 2021
4 better than I thought it would be stars
(As a note, this title is on sale for $0.99 currently --> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0175806VC)
When I started reading this book, I thought it might be weak on plot because it kind of jumps right into the steamy stuff, but I am glad I kept reading because about 1/3 the way through the story, things start to get interesting beyond the mcs jumping each other (I never object to smut, but I do like to have some substance with it).
Sabine Laurent is the daughter of a well-known Parisian playwright who dreams of marrying a French nobleman she dubs her "Dark Prince" because he has dark hair and dark eyes and is the first born son of a Marquis... which means he is completely unattainable. Her twin sister Isabelle is equally infatuated with the "Dark Prince's" younger brother, Luc, and the two girls dream of a life where they are married to their beaus and living happily ever after. But when the men of their fantasies are stripped of their lands and fortune, the Laurent family loses their properties as well and are forced to live in the country where they work themselves to the bone to pay the unjust taxes that continually rise. To make matters even worse, Sabine's father passes away leaving them with additional debts. Desperate to find a way out, Sabine overhears men speaking of a large haul of silver being carted through a town nearby, and she concocts a plan to steal it and save her family from utter ruin. But when she learns who leads this party of men - none of than her "Dark Prince," her plans are in jeopardy as her former attraction to him seems to spin out of control.
Jules Moutier's life was destroyed when his father was accused of betraying the French King and sentenced to death, and he and his brother were thrown in jail... where they would still be today if not for a family friend that took pity on them and negotiated their release. But they were stripped of their lands, their riches, their title, and are forbidden to ever enter Paris again. Unable to purchase an officer's commission, Jules joined the French navy and quickly rose in the ranks; upon discharge, he reluctantly accepted work from a friend as a privateer, and he has made it his mission to amass a fortune that will ensure he can regain his lands and wealth... and fund his campaign to find the man or men who destroyed his family and seek retribution as well as restore the title and clear his father's name. All he has to do is rendezvous with his brother where they will combine their proceeds and execute their plans, but when a small party seemingly stumbles across them offering one of the most beautiful women Jules has ever seen, he cannot resist.
Will the one time Jules gives into temptation cost him everything he has worked so hard to regain? Can Sabine succumb to the intense passion she feels for Jules without compromising her heart? If her plot is revealed, will Jules forgive her, and even if he does, is there any chance that a nobleman would offer for a low-born woman?
What I liked:
--- The main characters were very likeable, especially Sabine bc her situation was easy to empathize with; Jules was a dreamy alpha H
--- Interesting story line with some mystery and intrigue sprinkled throughout
--- WOW THE STEAMY GOODNESS (early & often, please and thank you)
What I didn't like as much:
--- There were some plot points that felt rushed - I felt like the author could have set things up a little earlier to make it more suspenseful and flow a little better
--- The motive/beef that the villain had with the H was pretty weak
--- The H/h were at odds for some of the story, and it never really felt like they resolved their issues before jumping each other again - felt like there should have been a little more meeting of the minds first
Overall, this was a very fun and steamy story with likeable characters (even though the H pissed me off now and then with his high and mightiness) and a solid plot line!
Plot --- 4/5
Main Characters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5
Steam Level* --- 4.5/5
Violence --- nothing graphic - there was a situation that could be considered by some to be dubious consent
Language --- some
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
(As a note, this title is on sale for $0.99 currently --> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0175806VC)
When I started reading this book, I thought it might be weak on plot because it kind of jumps right into the steamy stuff, but I am glad I kept reading because about 1/3 the way through the story, things start to get interesting beyond the mcs jumping each other (I never object to smut, but I do like to have some substance with it).
Sabine Laurent is the daughter of a well-known Parisian playwright who dreams of marrying a French nobleman she dubs her "Dark Prince" because he has dark hair and dark eyes and is the first born son of a Marquis... which means he is completely unattainable. Her twin sister Isabelle is equally infatuated with the "Dark Prince's" younger brother, Luc, and the two girls dream of a life where they are married to their beaus and living happily ever after. But when the men of their fantasies are stripped of their lands and fortune, the Laurent family loses their properties as well and are forced to live in the country where they work themselves to the bone to pay the unjust taxes that continually rise. To make matters even worse, Sabine's father passes away leaving them with additional debts. Desperate to find a way out, Sabine overhears men speaking of a large haul of silver being carted through a town nearby, and she concocts a plan to steal it and save her family from utter ruin. But when she learns who leads this party of men - none of than her "Dark Prince," her plans are in jeopardy as her former attraction to him seems to spin out of control.
Jules Moutier's life was destroyed when his father was accused of betraying the French King and sentenced to death, and he and his brother were thrown in jail... where they would still be today if not for a family friend that took pity on them and negotiated their release. But they were stripped of their lands, their riches, their title, and are forbidden to ever enter Paris again. Unable to purchase an officer's commission, Jules joined the French navy and quickly rose in the ranks; upon discharge, he reluctantly accepted work from a friend as a privateer, and he has made it his mission to amass a fortune that will ensure he can regain his lands and wealth... and fund his campaign to find the man or men who destroyed his family and seek retribution as well as restore the title and clear his father's name. All he has to do is rendezvous with his brother where they will combine their proceeds and execute their plans, but when a small party seemingly stumbles across them offering one of the most beautiful women Jules has ever seen, he cannot resist.
Will the one time Jules gives into temptation cost him everything he has worked so hard to regain? Can Sabine succumb to the intense passion she feels for Jules without compromising her heart? If her plot is revealed, will Jules forgive her, and even if he does, is there any chance that a nobleman would offer for a low-born woman?
What I liked:
--- The main characters were very likeable, especially Sabine bc her situation was easy to empathize with; Jules was a dreamy alpha H
--- Interesting story line with some mystery and intrigue sprinkled throughout
--- WOW THE STEAMY GOODNESS (early & often, please and thank you)
What I didn't like as much:
--- There were some plot points that felt rushed - I felt like the author could have set things up a little earlier to make it more suspenseful and flow a little better
--- The motive/beef that the villain had with the H was pretty weak
--- The H/h were at odds for some of the story, and it never really felt like they resolved their issues before jumping each other again - felt like there should have been a little more meeting of the minds first
Overall, this was a very fun and steamy story with likeable characters (even though the H pissed me off now and then with his high and mightiness) and a solid plot line!
Plot --- 4/5
Main Characters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5
Steam Level* --- 4.5/5
Violence --- nothing graphic - there was a situation that could be considered by some to be dubious consent
Language --- some
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
October 28, 2015
Currently only 99 cents! http://amzn.to/1LxHHti
As a lover of fairytales and a true romantic at heart, I was very excited to discover this book, a re-telling of Cinderella. But not just ANY retelling. An EROTIC retelling. ;-) Because as much as I love a romantic story, I love an erotic one even more. *big grin*
On both counts, “A Midnight Dance” did not disappoint.
The story had some elements of Cinderella, but didn’t follow the traditional story exactly, but that’s ok. It was a wonderful story, and kept me interested and entertained, and gave me a beautiful happily ever after ending. *sigh*
The sex was pretty awesome! Wonderfully descriptive, and the first scene happens right out of the starting gate. While sometimes this could ruin a story for me, as I generally prefer to get to know the characters a bit more and feel that sexual tension build, in this case it was an integral part of the storyline and wasn’t gratuitous. It also didn’t kill the tension either, at least in my humble opinion.
While this definitely isn't bdsm, there was a bondage scene that was pretty damn hot and a bit of dirty talking going on. (LOVE me a dirty talkin' man!)
*Important*- Do NOT overlook reading the very, very end!! But don't read it first, either, or you'll spoil the story, lol. ;-)
5 stars for this wonderful story, and I can’t wait to read more of Lila’s work!
As a lover of fairytales and a true romantic at heart, I was very excited to discover this book, a re-telling of Cinderella. But not just ANY retelling. An EROTIC retelling. ;-) Because as much as I love a romantic story, I love an erotic one even more. *big grin*
On both counts, “A Midnight Dance” did not disappoint.
The story had some elements of Cinderella, but didn’t follow the traditional story exactly, but that’s ok. It was a wonderful story, and kept me interested and entertained, and gave me a beautiful happily ever after ending. *sigh*
The sex was pretty awesome! Wonderfully descriptive, and the first scene happens right out of the starting gate. While sometimes this could ruin a story for me, as I generally prefer to get to know the characters a bit more and feel that sexual tension build, in this case it was an integral part of the storyline and wasn’t gratuitous. It also didn’t kill the tension either, at least in my humble opinion.
While this definitely isn't bdsm, there was a bondage scene that was pretty damn hot and a bit of dirty talking going on. (LOVE me a dirty talkin' man!)
*Important*- Do NOT overlook reading the very, very end!! But don't read it first, either, or you'll spoil the story, lol. ;-)
5 stars for this wonderful story, and I can’t wait to read more of Lila’s work!
June 16, 2024
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I, Paige Turner, completed a whole book, with no thoughts of DNF’ing in sight! 🥳
What a cute, cute story!! I don’t remember reading a historical romance that takes place in France before, so this was a new original take on Cinderella for me, and I loved it. Loosely based off of Cinderella, I should say. As I was reading, little things here and there would strike me as a “oh, yes, ‘Cinderella’ detail”. But I loved that the author created a fun, adventure-filled, very spicy storyline around those classic Cinderella details.
The heroine was a saucy-mouthed (in a cute way), brave, bold, determined little thing. She was on a mission, and did what needed to be done. (…the hero) 😂
She was written perfectly as a fun strong intelligent heroine that wasn’t afraid to embrace her sensual side.
The hero was a tall, bad-ass alpha fellow that knew his way around a picnic blanket 😍 I loved that he was a tough competent leader, but never came across as cruel/arrogant/rude.
I loved when the hero tracked the heroine down after a minor betrayal, and slammed the door behind her as she walked into her house and said, “Hello. Remember me?” 🫠
The first 70% of the story I absolutely loved. Then the murder mystery, serial killer drama set in, which prompted my long suspected undiagnosed ADHD to kick in. But I pushed thru, skimmed a bit as I was dying to see how the romance would wrap up, etc.
Anyway, great witty dialogues, spicy scenes, awesome storytelling. Will definitely read the rest of the series.
What a cute, cute story!! I don’t remember reading a historical romance that takes place in France before, so this was a new original take on Cinderella for me, and I loved it. Loosely based off of Cinderella, I should say. As I was reading, little things here and there would strike me as a “oh, yes, ‘Cinderella’ detail”. But I loved that the author created a fun, adventure-filled, very spicy storyline around those classic Cinderella details.
The heroine was a saucy-mouthed (in a cute way), brave, bold, determined little thing. She was on a mission, and did what needed to be done. (…the hero) 😂
She was written perfectly as a fun strong intelligent heroine that wasn’t afraid to embrace her sensual side.
The hero was a tall, bad-ass alpha fellow that knew his way around a picnic blanket 😍 I loved that he was a tough competent leader, but never came across as cruel/arrogant/rude.
I loved when the hero tracked the heroine down after a minor betrayal, and slammed the door behind her as she walked into her house and said, “Hello. Remember me?” 🫠
The first 70% of the story I absolutely loved. Then the murder mystery, serial killer drama set in, which prompted my long suspected undiagnosed ADHD to kick in. But I pushed thru, skimmed a bit as I was dying to see how the romance would wrap up, etc.
Anyway, great witty dialogues, spicy scenes, awesome storytelling. Will definitely read the rest of the series.
June 14, 2022
Read: 6/11/22
2.6 stars
I couldn't get into this story. It starts off with a naive h becoming a mistress to her old ASTRO crush, all so she can steal his silver. BAD plan though great sex so it wasn't all bad!
Second half contained silver/treasure, conspiracies, murder, ect... I was just bored the whole time. It was a chore to read it all. I kept thinking it would get better but NO 👎
I notice a lot of people enjoyed this book for BOTM April. I feel like I must have missed something. I was just happy when it was over!
2.6 stars
I couldn't get into this story. It starts off with a naive h becoming a mistress to her old ASTRO crush, all so she can steal his silver. BAD plan though great sex so it wasn't all bad!
Second half contained silver/treasure, conspiracies, murder, ect... I was just bored the whole time. It was a chore to read it all. I kept thinking it would get better but NO 👎
I notice a lot of people enjoyed this book for BOTM April. I feel like I must have missed something. I was just happy when it was over!
June 2, 2022
This book is insanely good: so fun and full of spicy scenes (many)❤️🔥
Yes, that's all I have to say, I loved it! bye
Yes, that's all I have to say, I loved it! bye
April 16, 2022
4.5 Stars on a re-read
I read this book again as a part of the BOTM challenge for HRBC.
I was so glad to have read it again. There is something very adorable about this story. By no means is it cutesy, but the Cinderella theme shines through when required.
My Thoughts
- I don't know whether this is Lila DiPasqua's debut novel or not, but as a first in the series, it is a fantastic opener.
- I was entertained by her writing, as it's captivating and paced well. It describes the context, the characters, and the emotions quite efficiently.
- This is not your typical romance, but a love story wrapped up in a tumultuous time in France in 1650, the Fronde, which I confess I know nothing about. There is a lot of intrigue and drama in this, and all of it is thoroughly enjoyable. Jules's and Sabine's romance is an interesting combination of loved him forever, insta-lust, class difference, and a common enemy. There is also a rawness to them, along with some angst. It doesn't hurt that this is a supremely steamy story.
- Jules was an utterly delicious alpha hero, oh, so sexy. The best thing about him was that even though he was a high-handed aristocrat, you feel for him. The author did a brilliant job at not alienating him to the readers.
- Sabine was a survivor. I loved her tenacity and dedication. Again, I have to hand it to the author for creating a lovely, strong, sexy heroine.
- The villain was an absolutely despicable, lowest scum. But I wish he was peppered through the story. He just swooped in with his horrible revenge and murders without a good motive or a particular reason.
*I had read all DiPasqua books in quick succession, and I am more than inclined to read them again.
I read this book again as a part of the BOTM challenge for HRBC.
I was so glad to have read it again. There is something very adorable about this story. By no means is it cutesy, but the Cinderella theme shines through when required.
My Thoughts
- I don't know whether this is Lila DiPasqua's debut novel or not, but as a first in the series, it is a fantastic opener.
- I was entertained by her writing, as it's captivating and paced well. It describes the context, the characters, and the emotions quite efficiently.
- This is not your typical romance, but a love story wrapped up in a tumultuous time in France in 1650, the Fronde, which I confess I know nothing about. There is a lot of intrigue and drama in this, and all of it is thoroughly enjoyable. Jules's and Sabine's romance is an interesting combination of loved him forever, insta-lust, class difference, and a common enemy. There is also a rawness to them, along with some angst. It doesn't hurt that this is a supremely steamy story.
- Jules was an utterly delicious alpha hero, oh, so sexy. The best thing about him was that even though he was a high-handed aristocrat, you feel for him. The author did a brilliant job at not alienating him to the readers.
- Sabine was a survivor. I loved her tenacity and dedication. Again, I have to hand it to the author for creating a lovely, strong, sexy heroine.
- The villain was an absolutely despicable, lowest scum. But I wish he was peppered through the story. He just swooped in with his horrible revenge and murders without a good motive or a particular reason.
*I had read all DiPasqua books in quick succession, and I am more than inclined to read them again.
December 29, 2012
"She was so many different types of women. The alluring camp follower. The damsel in distress. The bashful ingenue. And he wanted to fuck them all."
The first hundred pages or so will cure you of any sexual dry spells you may be experiencing.
A virgin miss enters a camp full of men in seventeenth century France in order to drug them all with laced wine. She is willing to offer her ‘services’ to their leader, but has no intention of following through on her offer. You see, Sabine Laurent is intent on stealing the chests of silver that the men guard in order to replenish the money that was wrongfully stolen from her admittedly lower class family. When the leader of the group decided not only to take her up on her offer, but refuses the laced wine, Sabine is forced to follow through with her charade.
And what’s so terrible about that, you say? Absolutely nothing, considering the man is none other than the conveniently placed man of Sabine’s childhood fascination and girlhood crushes…Jules Moutier, her “Dark Prince.”
Le Sigh!!!
Okay, the real problem is that Jules family, the uppercrust Moutiers, are the very people responsible for Sabine’s destitute situation. And now…..Sabine has the chance to not only relieve her financial burdens, but to get even with the snobby, nasty family.
Revenge is sweet, especially served with multiple orgasms!
Then we get to the meat of the story, and I have to admit that Lila Dipasqua can write a really intriguing Historical Romance. There are two sides to this story, and though neither person proves to be infallible, there is definitely more to Jules than meets the eye. He IS quite the high handed upper crust ass, but he can admit when he’s wrong and become a better man. It’s all in the way the aristocracy was raised back in the day…the lowly peasants and lower class servants are meant to stay put in their place. In his mind, there is nothing more to the relationship between he and Sabine than a strong sexual connection…never can be, because he is of noble birth and she of inferior birth.
Love rears its pretty head and years of political intrigue comes to light. The book takes on a more traditional role of an HR tale with a smattering of some really juicy love scenes. And they are, at this point, becoming love scenes. Jules and Sabine complement each other very well, though they each fight their feelings for a very long time. While Sabine has dreamed of her Dark Prince for most of her life and Jules has only recently found the one woman who can make him care more for her than his vengeance and social standing, they both have to learn to let go of the past and accept each other.
This was a surprisingly meaty story with loads of sex, dirty talk, and some really dirty words. If you’re offended by the ‘c’ word, that’s used a lot. It tends to heighten the naughty factor for me, so I like it ;) But I know it’s a big no no for some. Other than that, if you’re looking for a smoking hot historical romance with a lot of action, this is the book for you!
The first hundred pages or so will cure you of any sexual dry spells you may be experiencing.
A virgin miss enters a camp full of men in seventeenth century France in order to drug them all with laced wine. She is willing to offer her ‘services’ to their leader, but has no intention of following through on her offer. You see, Sabine Laurent is intent on stealing the chests of silver that the men guard in order to replenish the money that was wrongfully stolen from her admittedly lower class family. When the leader of the group decided not only to take her up on her offer, but refuses the laced wine, Sabine is forced to follow through with her charade.
And what’s so terrible about that, you say? Absolutely nothing, considering the man is none other than the conveniently placed man of Sabine’s childhood fascination and girlhood crushes…Jules Moutier, her “Dark Prince.”
Le Sigh!!!
Okay, the real problem is that Jules family, the uppercrust Moutiers, are the very people responsible for Sabine’s destitute situation. And now…..Sabine has the chance to not only relieve her financial burdens, but to get even with the snobby, nasty family.
Revenge is sweet, especially served with multiple orgasms!
Then we get to the meat of the story, and I have to admit that Lila Dipasqua can write a really intriguing Historical Romance. There are two sides to this story, and though neither person proves to be infallible, there is definitely more to Jules than meets the eye. He IS quite the high handed upper crust ass, but he can admit when he’s wrong and become a better man. It’s all in the way the aristocracy was raised back in the day…the lowly peasants and lower class servants are meant to stay put in their place. In his mind, there is nothing more to the relationship between he and Sabine than a strong sexual connection…never can be, because he is of noble birth and she of inferior birth.
Love rears its pretty head and years of political intrigue comes to light. The book takes on a more traditional role of an HR tale with a smattering of some really juicy love scenes. And they are, at this point, becoming love scenes. Jules and Sabine complement each other very well, though they each fight their feelings for a very long time. While Sabine has dreamed of her Dark Prince for most of her life and Jules has only recently found the one woman who can make him care more for her than his vengeance and social standing, they both have to learn to let go of the past and accept each other.
This was a surprisingly meaty story with loads of sex, dirty talk, and some really dirty words. If you’re offended by the ‘c’ word, that’s used a lot. It tends to heighten the naughty factor for me, so I like it ;) But I know it’s a big no no for some. Other than that, if you’re looking for a smoking hot historical romance with a lot of action, this is the book for you!
July 12, 2011
This book blew me away. The romance, smokin hot loves scenes and intrigue kept me turning the pages and reading into the middle of the night. I loved the banter between Sabine and tall, seriously sexy Jules. The sparks between them fly in such a fun way and the chemistry really sizzles. (As for the love scene in the forest in the middle of the book---I'll have what she's having, please!) The plot is exciting, the characters are entertaining, and the passion is purely delicious. Having read and enjoyed the author's other two books, I was hoping this book wouldn't disappoint, and it sure didn't. I love Cinderella stories and this one was done so well! If you're tired of the same old historical romances and want something fresh and different, pick this one up! You won't be disappointed. I totally agree with Elizabeth Hoyt's endorsement of this book!
November 21, 2019
I wasn't sure if this book was erotica when I got it. I'm actually not even sure of the definition of a regular HR versus erotica haha but I wouldn't consider it erotica. I would think with that, sex is the point of the story. And while there is lots and lots of very detailed scenes in this book, there is a plot that it follows.
The sex is very heavy in the beginning of the book. First scene is before 15%, and I think there's 2-3 more very, very long wink wink scenes by 40%. After the halfway mark the plot really picks up and the relationship building starts a bit more. There's also some action and a mystery going on. So if you tend to skip over books that are sex heavy, or prefer clean versions, this book probably isn't for you. And while I enjoyed it, there was soooo much sex, and so early before there were any feels or relationship building, for me it was 4 stars. Although I will say I was pleasantly surprised by the story. I would definitely try her again (And good thing, because I bought like 6 of her novellas hahaha)
This story is a loose take on the fairy tale Cinderella. Sabine, while not noble, has been born into wealth and has an amazing life with her family. Her father owns a theater and she grows up performing/practicing behind the scenes with her twin sister, watching the aristocracy, and ever impatiently awaiting her debut into society so she can gain a titled husband. Jules de Moutier in particular.
However, this story takes place in the 1600's in France, and tomorrow is not guaranteed. The book jumps ahead and you are brought into Sabine's world utterly changed. People have fought back against the king and unrest is still felt within the nation. Sabine's family has lost the theater, their wealth, her father is dead and everyone says her twin sister is as well. She is alone in attempting to care for the remnants of her family and tries a daring plan to bring them enough silver to pay off their staggering debts to the crown and live a life free of fear of arrest.
Jules has also had everything taken from him. In very similar straits as Sabine, he is attempting to gain everything he is entitled to as well as seeking revenge against those who have wronged him and his father's memory.
I really liked both Jules and Sabine. I thought Jules was a great hero. He was very caring and sweet with Sabine and my heart rather broke for him towards the middle of the story. Yet he is also hard and commanding and take charge. Both characters I thought were just well rounded and enjoyable, I felt like I was really getting to know them and there was depth. I guess I had lower expectations for that going into the story.
I don't really LOVE mysteries, but I didn't mind this one. I was really looking forward to some plot movement after all the sex in the beginning haha. So I thought it was a great story, but ideally I would still prefer more feels and I definitely prefer the waiting and wanting before the sex happens.
I loved that it took place in the 1600s and in France. It just felt different than all the 1800s London I've been reading and it was a nice change.
The sex is very heavy in the beginning of the book. First scene is before 15%, and I think there's 2-3 more very, very long wink wink scenes by 40%. After the halfway mark the plot really picks up and the relationship building starts a bit more. There's also some action and a mystery going on. So if you tend to skip over books that are sex heavy, or prefer clean versions, this book probably isn't for you. And while I enjoyed it, there was soooo much sex, and so early before there were any feels or relationship building, for me it was 4 stars. Although I will say I was pleasantly surprised by the story. I would definitely try her again (And good thing, because I bought like 6 of her novellas hahaha)
This story is a loose take on the fairy tale Cinderella. Sabine, while not noble, has been born into wealth and has an amazing life with her family. Her father owns a theater and she grows up performing/practicing behind the scenes with her twin sister, watching the aristocracy, and ever impatiently awaiting her debut into society so she can gain a titled husband. Jules de Moutier in particular.
However, this story takes place in the 1600's in France, and tomorrow is not guaranteed. The book jumps ahead and you are brought into Sabine's world utterly changed. People have fought back against the king and unrest is still felt within the nation. Sabine's family has lost the theater, their wealth, her father is dead and everyone says her twin sister is as well. She is alone in attempting to care for the remnants of her family and tries a daring plan to bring them enough silver to pay off their staggering debts to the crown and live a life free of fear of arrest.
Jules has also had everything taken from him. In very similar straits as Sabine, he is attempting to gain everything he is entitled to as well as seeking revenge against those who have wronged him and his father's memory.
I really liked both Jules and Sabine. I thought Jules was a great hero. He was very caring and sweet with Sabine and my heart rather broke for him towards the middle of the story. Yet he is also hard and commanding and take charge. Both characters I thought were just well rounded and enjoyable, I felt like I was really getting to know them and there was depth. I guess I had lower expectations for that going into the story.
I don't really LOVE mysteries, but I didn't mind this one. I was really looking forward to some plot movement after all the sex in the beginning haha. So I thought it was a great story, but ideally I would still prefer more feels and I definitely prefer the waiting and wanting before the sex happens.
I loved that it took place in the 1600s and in France. It just felt different than all the 1800s London I've been reading and it was a nice change.
May 18, 2024
This HR is based in France and one of the books chosen for BOTM trope Around the World for the month of April. The H is Jules Moutier & the h is Sabine Laurent. This story has many lusty love making sessions with Sabine and Jules, Sabine stealing from Privateers (Jules and Luc Moutier) , Jules and Luc clearing the Moutiers family name after their father was hung for treason in 1650 against Louis XIV. Sabine trying to find her twin Isabelle as she doesn’t believe her to be dead. There is a fairytale dance and a fairytale proposal and wedding. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Review I Liked:- I don't know whether this is Lila DiPasqua's debut novel or not, but as a first in the series, it is a fantastic opener.
- I was entertained by her writing, as it's captivating and paced well. It describes the context, the characters, and the emotions quite efficiently.
- This is not your typical romance, but a love story wrapped up in a tumultuous time in France in 1650, the Fronde, which I confess I know nothing about. There is a lot of intrigue and drama in this, and all of it is thoroughly enjoyable. Jules's and Sabine's romance is an interesting combination of loved him forever, insta-lust, class difference, and a common enemy. There is also a rawness to them, along with some angst. It doesn't hurt that this is a supremely steamy story.
- Jules was an utterly delicious alpha hero, oh, so sexy. The best thing about him was that even though he was a high-handed aristocrat, you feel for him. The author did a brilliant job at not alienating him to the readers.
- Sabine was a survivor. I loved her tenacity and dedication. Again, I have to hand it to the author for creating a lovely, strong, sexy heroine.
- The villain was an absolutely despicable, lowest scum. But I wish he was peppered through the story. He just swooped in with his horrible revenge and murders without a good motive or a particular reason.
*I had read all DiPasqua books in quick succession, and I am more than inclined to read them again.
Review I Liked:- I don't know whether this is Lila DiPasqua's debut novel or not, but as a first in the series, it is a fantastic opener.
- I was entertained by her writing, as it's captivating and paced well. It describes the context, the characters, and the emotions quite efficiently.
- This is not your typical romance, but a love story wrapped up in a tumultuous time in France in 1650, the Fronde, which I confess I know nothing about. There is a lot of intrigue and drama in this, and all of it is thoroughly enjoyable. Jules's and Sabine's romance is an interesting combination of loved him forever, insta-lust, class difference, and a common enemy. There is also a rawness to them, along with some angst. It doesn't hurt that this is a supremely steamy story.
- Jules was an utterly delicious alpha hero, oh, so sexy. The best thing about him was that even though he was a high-handed aristocrat, you feel for him. The author did a brilliant job at not alienating him to the readers.
- Sabine was a survivor. I loved her tenacity and dedication. Again, I have to hand it to the author for creating a lovely, strong, sexy heroine.
- The villain was an absolutely despicable, lowest scum. But I wish he was peppered through the story. He just swooped in with his horrible revenge and murders without a good motive or a particular reason.
*I had read all DiPasqua books in quick succession, and I am more than inclined to read them again.
January 18, 2014
**5 Smouldering Stars**
I loved A MIDNIGHT DANCE! What a fiery, passionate cocktail from the doyenne of lush sensuality, Lila DiPasqua.
I like Sabine…intelligent, brave and fiercely loyal to her remaining family and her little group of theatrical friends. I really felt her grief and pain for all she had lost…
Each day she went through the motions of living, unable to mourn her sister. Simply surviving, more dead than alive. She’d forgotten how to feel. She didn’t even want to.
I enjoyed seeing her outwit Jules who underestimated the resourcefulness and cunning of his silver-eyed forest fairy on more than one occasion.
Jules is desperate to restore his family honour, reclaim his life and take revenge on those responsible for stealing his birth right. You can sense the anger and bitterness he feels having to resort to privateering when he was once a respected officer in the King’s navy.
I like how Ms DiPasqua developed Jules’ character from an arrogant noble who cares little for the lower classes and their suffering to a man who understands their grievances. He also has to come to terms with the hard truth about his father.
The chemistry between these two positively sizzles and I love Sabine’s attempts to convince Jules that she is experienced…
In as sultry a whisper as she could muster, she said, "I am well worth your time when I am . . . fully inspired."
I like how Ms DiPasqua reveals how much alike Sabine and Jules are…both have lost a part of themselves because of the tragedy that had befallen their families and, through their mutual love, they help each other rediscover their true selves.
What can I say about the love scenes? HOLY SMOKE! HOT! HOT! HOT! I felt sure my iPad was going to melt! But the scenes are not just about titillation, they also reveal so much of Sabine and Jules’ conflicting emotions and vulnerabilities:
A soft alarming emotion whispered through her. A voice told her this felt right. Panicked, she suddenly needed— wanted— the physical pain to distract and distance herself from the intimacy, from the tender feelings welling inside her.
The little fraud had awakened not only his body, with the stunning passion that burned between them— but also his spirit. She’d actually drawn out his former self, dissolving his anger and bitterness with her wit, her smiles.
The secondary characters add vibrancy and depth the story. I love Sabine’s eccentric theatrical friends and the scene at the inn, where they put their theatrical skills to good use, was funny; her cousins Gerard and Robert whose concern for Sabine is so touching; Robert, Jules’ second-in-command, who isn’t afraid to speak his mind.
"M-May I be frank again, my lord?"
"Well, of course, Raymond," he responded tightly. "There seems to be no stopping you tonight."
The story is full of action, drama and intrigue with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing and a truly diabolical villain.
Filled with fascinating characters, sizzling love scenes, plot twists and a passionate romance, A MIDNIGHT DANCE is Lila DiPasqua at her best.
REVIEW RATING: 5/5 STARS
SENSUALITY RATING: SIZZLING
Fiery Tales series (click cover for more information):
-expected 1 December 2013
I loved A MIDNIGHT DANCE! What a fiery, passionate cocktail from the doyenne of lush sensuality, Lila DiPasqua.
I like Sabine…intelligent, brave and fiercely loyal to her remaining family and her little group of theatrical friends. I really felt her grief and pain for all she had lost…
Each day she went through the motions of living, unable to mourn her sister. Simply surviving, more dead than alive. She’d forgotten how to feel. She didn’t even want to.
I enjoyed seeing her outwit Jules who underestimated the resourcefulness and cunning of his silver-eyed forest fairy on more than one occasion.
Jules is desperate to restore his family honour, reclaim his life and take revenge on those responsible for stealing his birth right. You can sense the anger and bitterness he feels having to resort to privateering when he was once a respected officer in the King’s navy.
I like how Ms DiPasqua developed Jules’ character from an arrogant noble who cares little for the lower classes and their suffering to a man who understands their grievances. He also has to come to terms with the hard truth about his father.
The chemistry between these two positively sizzles and I love Sabine’s attempts to convince Jules that she is experienced…
In as sultry a whisper as she could muster, she said, "I am well worth your time when I am . . . fully inspired."
I like how Ms DiPasqua reveals how much alike Sabine and Jules are…both have lost a part of themselves because of the tragedy that had befallen their families and, through their mutual love, they help each other rediscover their true selves.
What can I say about the love scenes? HOLY SMOKE! HOT! HOT! HOT! I felt sure my iPad was going to melt! But the scenes are not just about titillation, they also reveal so much of Sabine and Jules’ conflicting emotions and vulnerabilities:
A soft alarming emotion whispered through her. A voice told her this felt right. Panicked, she suddenly needed— wanted— the physical pain to distract and distance herself from the intimacy, from the tender feelings welling inside her.
The little fraud had awakened not only his body, with the stunning passion that burned between them— but also his spirit. She’d actually drawn out his former self, dissolving his anger and bitterness with her wit, her smiles.
The secondary characters add vibrancy and depth the story. I love Sabine’s eccentric theatrical friends and the scene at the inn, where they put their theatrical skills to good use, was funny; her cousins Gerard and Robert whose concern for Sabine is so touching; Robert, Jules’ second-in-command, who isn’t afraid to speak his mind.
"M-May I be frank again, my lord?"
"Well, of course, Raymond," he responded tightly. "There seems to be no stopping you tonight."
The story is full of action, drama and intrigue with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing and a truly diabolical villain.
Filled with fascinating characters, sizzling love scenes, plot twists and a passionate romance, A MIDNIGHT DANCE is Lila DiPasqua at her best.
REVIEW RATING: 5/5 STARS
SENSUALITY RATING: SIZZLING
Fiery Tales series (click cover for more information):
-expected 1 December 2013
June 30, 2022
I loved this story set in 17th century France!
I always enjoy a good angsty book and the tension here was a 10/10. A bold, fierce heroine has to dupe the man she had a crush on for years. He doesn't remember her from before but he is definitely interested now.
I will admit that insta loves could never get a 5 stars for me because I like to see the tension building and feelings turning more and more into love. I might be a bit harsh as it wasn't an actual insta love but he basically couldn't keep his hands off her the moment their eyes met.
I loved the intrigue & setting, it was a nice change!
I always enjoy a good angsty book and the tension here was a 10/10. A bold, fierce heroine has to dupe the man she had a crush on for years. He doesn't remember her from before but he is definitely interested now.
I will admit that insta loves could never get a 5 stars for me because I like to see the tension building and feelings turning more and more into love. I might be a bit harsh as it wasn't an actual insta love but he basically couldn't keep his hands off her the moment their eyes met.
I loved the intrigue & setting, it was a nice change!
September 19, 2011
Story Rating 4.5 stars
Character Rating 4.5 stars
Romance Rating 4.5 stars
Heat Level 4 stars
Overall Rating 4.5 stars
This was the first book of Lila's that I read and I truly enjoyed it.
The story was very good, grabbing me from beginning to end.
The characters were well done. I loved watching how the H&h came to understand what the other felt and how they eventually fell in love.
This was a very sensual read with very HOT love scenes. It also had a bit of angst to the story too.
This book had a very HEA ending, the kind I most love to read.
I have a feeling that I will be reading many more of Lila DiPasgua's book's in the future.
Character Rating 4.5 stars
Romance Rating 4.5 stars
Heat Level 4 stars
Overall Rating 4.5 stars
This was the first book of Lila's that I read and I truly enjoyed it.
The story was very good, grabbing me from beginning to end.
The characters were well done. I loved watching how the H&h came to understand what the other felt and how they eventually fell in love.
This was a very sensual read with very HOT love scenes. It also had a bit of angst to the story too.
This book had a very HEA ending, the kind I most love to read.
I have a feeling that I will be reading many more of Lila DiPasgua's book's in the future.
September 29, 2011
***Review originally posted at Romancing Rakes***
Dear Lila DiPasqua,
Please package this book with a cold water bottle so that I can pour it down my shirt while reading.
Love,
Kati R
OMG y'all. This book is HOT, HOT, HOT. I can hear Charles Perrault turning in his grave. Good heavens! Like Sabine trying to describe the hotness of Jules while he was bathing, there are no adequate words to describe this book. Like Jules reading the first sentence of Sabine's journal, I was ensnared. Like the chemistry between Jules and Sabine, this book was bliss.
This is Cinderella like you've never had it re-told before. Yes, there's still a glass slipper. Yes, there is still a Prince Charming. Yes, there are still stepsisters and a stepmother figure. Yes, there is still a Cinderella. Yes, there is still a dead father who leaves his daughter in the hands of the stepmother. Yes, there is still a fairy godmother figure of sorts. Yes, there is still a ball. But that is where the similarities end. I'm sure Cinderella *whispers* did it with Prince Charming after they were wed. But boy oh boy, there's smexing not even 50 pages in and can I just say I was gripping my book so tightly, my knuckles cracked a few times. Oy!
Sabine Laurent has been in love with Jules de Moutier since she was 15 years old. Eight years later, that has changed. Her family is in dire straights (which she blames on the Moutier family) and the only way for her to pay off her father's debt and find her twin sister is to steal silver from a band of men camping in the woods. Mistake #1. The leader of that group of men is none other than Jules. He has grown into a super sexy masculine sex god overlord.
Jules de Moutier's family has been stripped of their home, their land and their title. He has resorted to privateering for the Crown since the fall from grace no longer qualified him to be a part of the Navy. Trying to make his way back into the aristocracy, he is going to use the money from privateering to rebuild his family fortunes and name. Jules gets sidetracked by a forest fairy aka Sabine. Mistake #2. He's been celibate too long and can't resist "Elise".
The chests of silver that Sabine was trying to steal is transferred the next morning, after she gives herself to Jules. She decides to become Jules's lover for the next three days so as to keep an eye on the chests. The chemistry between so hot, they can't keep their hands off of each other. My toes curled, my breath hitched as I read the physical scenes between Jules and Sabine.
Of course their physical bliss is short lived. Jules says something stupid, which reminds Sabine what she was supposed to doing; stealing the chests of silver. Mistake #3. Sabine's eccentric family helps in poisoning (with a sleeping draught of course--don't need a dead hero) Jules and his men so they can steal the remaining chests of silver.
Well, at this point, Sabine and family go back to their home, bury the silver and go on with their daily life. Dun dun dun... Jules finds her and calls her out on her lies. His ribs are broken and need time to heal so he takes over Sabine's room. He discovers her diary, detailing her love for a "Dark Prince." He doesn't want to be jealous, he doesn't want to be attracted to her, but there's just something about her that draws him in.
This is a re-telling of CINDERELLA that you don't want to miss. Seriously. There's so much I want to say but don't want to give any spoilers.
FAVORITE QUOTE: "There we so many things he liked about her. He liked her company. He liked how she'd brought sexual pleasure back into his life. Hell, he'd enjoyed every moment of his time with her. She was adorably bold, beautiful, and bright. Thought he knew he'd never see her again after they parted, the notion left him with an uncommon sense of regret."
OVERALL: Lushly erotic? ABSOLUTELY! Heartbreaking? YES! Romantic? OH MY STARS, yes! Not like that Disney version with the singing and dancing and weird woodland creatures? Thank goodness it's not. This book is a thigh clenching, heart pounding, adrenaline rushing, "did I just moan out loud?" inducing, toe curling, hand gripping book and almost breaking the spine, unputdownable, stay up all night read. Didja get all that? Yes, A MIDNIGHT DANCE was all those things. Pure magic. Well done, Ms. DiPasqua.
P.S. The cover is GORGEOUS! I want to lick it. I may have stroked it a few times. The title is shiny. One of my favorite book covers this year. The only thing that irks me is the way Jules's left hand is spread out. It looks a little awkward. Who does that in real life?
***I won this book from Operation Auction.***
Dear Lila DiPasqua,
Please package this book with a cold water bottle so that I can pour it down my shirt while reading.
Love,
Kati R
OMG y'all. This book is HOT, HOT, HOT. I can hear Charles Perrault turning in his grave. Good heavens! Like Sabine trying to describe the hotness of Jules while he was bathing, there are no adequate words to describe this book. Like Jules reading the first sentence of Sabine's journal, I was ensnared. Like the chemistry between Jules and Sabine, this book was bliss.
This is Cinderella like you've never had it re-told before. Yes, there's still a glass slipper. Yes, there is still a Prince Charming. Yes, there are still stepsisters and a stepmother figure. Yes, there is still a Cinderella. Yes, there is still a dead father who leaves his daughter in the hands of the stepmother. Yes, there is still a fairy godmother figure of sorts. Yes, there is still a ball. But that is where the similarities end. I'm sure Cinderella *whispers* did it with Prince Charming after they were wed. But boy oh boy, there's smexing not even 50 pages in and can I just say I was gripping my book so tightly, my knuckles cracked a few times. Oy!
Sabine Laurent has been in love with Jules de Moutier since she was 15 years old. Eight years later, that has changed. Her family is in dire straights (which she blames on the Moutier family) and the only way for her to pay off her father's debt and find her twin sister is to steal silver from a band of men camping in the woods. Mistake #1. The leader of that group of men is none other than Jules. He has grown into a super sexy masculine sex god overlord.
Jules de Moutier's family has been stripped of their home, their land and their title. He has resorted to privateering for the Crown since the fall from grace no longer qualified him to be a part of the Navy. Trying to make his way back into the aristocracy, he is going to use the money from privateering to rebuild his family fortunes and name. Jules gets sidetracked by a forest fairy aka Sabine. Mistake #2. He's been celibate too long and can't resist "Elise".
The chests of silver that Sabine was trying to steal is transferred the next morning, after she gives herself to Jules. She decides to become Jules's lover for the next three days so as to keep an eye on the chests. The chemistry between so hot, they can't keep their hands off of each other. My toes curled, my breath hitched as I read the physical scenes between Jules and Sabine.
Of course their physical bliss is short lived. Jules says something stupid, which reminds Sabine what she was supposed to doing; stealing the chests of silver. Mistake #3. Sabine's eccentric family helps in poisoning (with a sleeping draught of course--don't need a dead hero) Jules and his men so they can steal the remaining chests of silver.
Well, at this point, Sabine and family go back to their home, bury the silver and go on with their daily life. Dun dun dun... Jules finds her and calls her out on her lies. His ribs are broken and need time to heal so he takes over Sabine's room. He discovers her diary, detailing her love for a "Dark Prince." He doesn't want to be jealous, he doesn't want to be attracted to her, but there's just something about her that draws him in.
This is a re-telling of CINDERELLA that you don't want to miss. Seriously. There's so much I want to say but don't want to give any spoilers.
FAVORITE QUOTE: "There we so many things he liked about her. He liked her company. He liked how she'd brought sexual pleasure back into his life. Hell, he'd enjoyed every moment of his time with her. She was adorably bold, beautiful, and bright. Thought he knew he'd never see her again after they parted, the notion left him with an uncommon sense of regret."
OVERALL: Lushly erotic? ABSOLUTELY! Heartbreaking? YES! Romantic? OH MY STARS, yes! Not like that Disney version with the singing and dancing and weird woodland creatures? Thank goodness it's not. This book is a thigh clenching, heart pounding, adrenaline rushing, "did I just moan out loud?" inducing, toe curling, hand gripping book and almost breaking the spine, unputdownable, stay up all night read. Didja get all that? Yes, A MIDNIGHT DANCE was all those things. Pure magic. Well done, Ms. DiPasqua.
P.S. The cover is GORGEOUS! I want to lick it. I may have stroked it a few times. The title is shiny. One of my favorite book covers this year. The only thing that irks me is the way Jules's left hand is spread out. It looks a little awkward. Who does that in real life?
***I won this book from Operation Auction.***
December 21, 2021
Beautiful Romance 💖
I Loved everything about this book!! I wish it would have been longer, but it was a well written story line.
The beautiful twins, Isabelle and Sabine, their father owned a very popular Theatre in Paris. All of the aristocrats attended the theatre. Two of the aristos Jules and his younger brother Luc also attended. The girls were in love with them.
But, the future had other plans for all of them. This is such a beautiful romance, filled with tragedy, suspense and mystery. Well paced and developed characters, great attention to details.
The heroine Sabine is a strong and independent lady, with a loving and supportive, witty family. Jules Moutier is such a handsome alpha male! He is on a mission to seek the truth and revenge for the wrongful death of his father the Marquis de Blainville.
After Sabine and Jules families lost everything, they are determined to persevere. And I just loved how their lives will cross paths in this steamy and so beautiful book!
This book will keep you hooked and addicted! So many twists and turns, with the main characters falling in love and afraid to admit it. Their love scenes may sizzle your kindle 🔥🔥♥️. This book is a definite re-read and omgoodness but I just love Epilogues and so will you! And, the book leaves plenty of room with the secondary characters for another book.
I really enjoyed this book and plan on purchasing the next books.
I Loved everything about this book!! I wish it would have been longer, but it was a well written story line.
The beautiful twins, Isabelle and Sabine, their father owned a very popular Theatre in Paris. All of the aristocrats attended the theatre. Two of the aristos Jules and his younger brother Luc also attended. The girls were in love with them.
But, the future had other plans for all of them. This is such a beautiful romance, filled with tragedy, suspense and mystery. Well paced and developed characters, great attention to details.
The heroine Sabine is a strong and independent lady, with a loving and supportive, witty family. Jules Moutier is such a handsome alpha male! He is on a mission to seek the truth and revenge for the wrongful death of his father the Marquis de Blainville.
After Sabine and Jules families lost everything, they are determined to persevere. And I just loved how their lives will cross paths in this steamy and so beautiful book!
This book will keep you hooked and addicted! So many twists and turns, with the main characters falling in love and afraid to admit it. Their love scenes may sizzle your kindle 🔥🔥♥️. This book is a definite re-read and omgoodness but I just love Epilogues and so will you! And, the book leaves plenty of room with the secondary characters for another book.
I really enjoyed this book and plan on purchasing the next books.
March 4, 2016
Originally posted on Adria's Romance Reviews
* A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review.
A Midnight Dance put me in a difficult position when it came time to write a review. On the one hand, the plot and execution of it was awesome! There were elements of mystery, danger, passion, angst and adventure. I loved the hotter than hot retelling of the classic fairytale, Cinderella because it wasn’t a play-by-play of the story most people know. Aside from a few obvious similarities, author Lila DiPasqua took her version to a darker, more complex place where human emotions sometimes clouded the truth even when it’s in big bold letters.
The story goes that Sabine Laurent lived in luxery due to her father’s success as a theater owner. She even thought she would marry the very aristocratic Jules de Moutier. Then the loss of her sister and her family’s fall from grace saw Sabine inheriting her deceased father’s enormous debt and having to care for his silly mistress and her useless daughters. Sabine blames her family’s misfortunes on the Moutier family and decides to seduce her former dream man and steal a fortune from him.
The strongest part about this book was that the characters weren’t 100% good and they weren’t 100% bad either, except for maybe the villain whose identity I was blindsided by let me tell you.
But, just because the characters weren’t goody two shoes didn’t mean that I fell in love with them. It was quite the opposite in the case of the main characters, Jules and Sabine.
Jules was an aristocrat who really believed he was better than the common people who lived to work, no lived to serve his every need and indulge his every whim. I had a huge problem with this since he didn’t change his views on the poor, the commoners or even people like Sabine who had to resort to trickery and thievery to survive until the last second. When his moment of “revelation” came, I felt it was too late for him to have enough time to redeem himself in my eyes because there weren’t very many pages left to the book!
Throughout A Midnight Dance he proved time and time again that he didn’t have a humble bone in his jerk hole body. I began to expect Jules would announce that aristocrats also crapped gold so that’s what made them so much better than everyone else. His single minded focus on restoring a questionable family honor and status was childish especially when paired with the fact that he didn’t care if he crushed innocent people under his boots. I found him to be unreasonable, over the top arrogant and unlikable at all. How he saw and spoke to the lower classes and even Sabine just didn’t sit right with me. I know that the majority of aristocrats spoke to and treated people that way back in the day, heck some people are like that now BUT this is romantic fiction and the point was to make me as a reader fall in love with him like the heroine but I. Just. Couldn’t.
I found myself hoping against all hope that Sabine would knock his worthless ass off his high horse and into the dirt.
Which turns my attention to the silly and easily manipulated and controlled Sabine. I began the book loving her bravado and her intelligence to formulate and actually attempt to carry out her plan to steal a fortune to help her struggling family. But after she gave herself to Jules she became a slave to her own body and desires. In the worst way! She allowed Jules to insult her and anyone he considered beneath him as an aristocrat all because she was so entranced with his magical love stick. Sabine didn’t have the guts to put her foot down, hormones be dammed and flip Jules the metaphorical middle finger. She didn’t want to lose access to that love stick I guess but still, no one is that good to toss away self respect and pride like she did. All he had to do was look at her and Jules could say whatever stupid thing he wanted and Sabine would stand there and take it. I wanted to kick this stupid girl so hard! Sabine had so many opportunities to put Jules in his place and she just DIDN’T! I really wanted this girl to be the one to bring the almost-as-bad-as-the-villain Jules to his knees.
Now I’ve read another book in this series and I do not recall the hero or heroine aggravating me like this, in fact, I loved both characters to bits so my strong reaction towards Jules and Sabine shocked me the most. It was disappointing to say the least and is definitely a case of “Did I read the same book?” Since most reviews loved both characters.
I’m not going to lie though, the sex scenes were highly erotic and in the beginning very frequent with Jules and Sabine not being able to keep their hands off each other but I grew tired of the sexual manipulation Jules used to get away with saying cruel things to Sabine. It’s only hot sex until someone starts using it to control the other, and then it’s not so entertaining anymore.
While Jules and Sabine were the main characters, there was an entertaining supporting cast that just can’t be overlooked. Sabine’s motley crew of a family that included her father’s mistress and her two spoiled daughters, Sabine’s cousins, Jules’ men and Jules’ younger brother Luc whom I liked better to be honest. Luc seemed to have a better head on his shoulders and perhaps even a dose of humility.
Final Verdict: Again, loved, loved, LOVED the story itself but had the totally opposite reaction to the main characters. I hope that if Jules’ brother gets his own story he doesn’t turn out to be a jerk like his brother since he didn’t have the same view of their family. A Midnight Dance is a great example of how intelligent writing can keep a person reading even when the reader isn’t too thrilled with one or both of the main characters.
* A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review.
A Midnight Dance put me in a difficult position when it came time to write a review. On the one hand, the plot and execution of it was awesome! There were elements of mystery, danger, passion, angst and adventure. I loved the hotter than hot retelling of the classic fairytale, Cinderella because it wasn’t a play-by-play of the story most people know. Aside from a few obvious similarities, author Lila DiPasqua took her version to a darker, more complex place where human emotions sometimes clouded the truth even when it’s in big bold letters.
The story goes that Sabine Laurent lived in luxery due to her father’s success as a theater owner. She even thought she would marry the very aristocratic Jules de Moutier. Then the loss of her sister and her family’s fall from grace saw Sabine inheriting her deceased father’s enormous debt and having to care for his silly mistress and her useless daughters. Sabine blames her family’s misfortunes on the Moutier family and decides to seduce her former dream man and steal a fortune from him.
The strongest part about this book was that the characters weren’t 100% good and they weren’t 100% bad either, except for maybe the villain whose identity I was blindsided by let me tell you.
But, just because the characters weren’t goody two shoes didn’t mean that I fell in love with them. It was quite the opposite in the case of the main characters, Jules and Sabine.
Jules was an aristocrat who really believed he was better than the common people who lived to work, no lived to serve his every need and indulge his every whim. I had a huge problem with this since he didn’t change his views on the poor, the commoners or even people like Sabine who had to resort to trickery and thievery to survive until the last second. When his moment of “revelation” came, I felt it was too late for him to have enough time to redeem himself in my eyes because there weren’t very many pages left to the book!
Throughout A Midnight Dance he proved time and time again that he didn’t have a humble bone in his jerk hole body. I began to expect Jules would announce that aristocrats also crapped gold so that’s what made them so much better than everyone else. His single minded focus on restoring a questionable family honor and status was childish especially when paired with the fact that he didn’t care if he crushed innocent people under his boots. I found him to be unreasonable, over the top arrogant and unlikable at all. How he saw and spoke to the lower classes and even Sabine just didn’t sit right with me. I know that the majority of aristocrats spoke to and treated people that way back in the day, heck some people are like that now BUT this is romantic fiction and the point was to make me as a reader fall in love with him like the heroine but I. Just. Couldn’t.
I found myself hoping against all hope that Sabine would knock his worthless ass off his high horse and into the dirt.
Which turns my attention to the silly and easily manipulated and controlled Sabine. I began the book loving her bravado and her intelligence to formulate and actually attempt to carry out her plan to steal a fortune to help her struggling family. But after she gave herself to Jules she became a slave to her own body and desires. In the worst way! She allowed Jules to insult her and anyone he considered beneath him as an aristocrat all because she was so entranced with his magical love stick. Sabine didn’t have the guts to put her foot down, hormones be dammed and flip Jules the metaphorical middle finger. She didn’t want to lose access to that love stick I guess but still, no one is that good to toss away self respect and pride like she did. All he had to do was look at her and Jules could say whatever stupid thing he wanted and Sabine would stand there and take it. I wanted to kick this stupid girl so hard! Sabine had so many opportunities to put Jules in his place and she just DIDN’T! I really wanted this girl to be the one to bring the almost-as-bad-as-the-villain Jules to his knees.
Now I’ve read another book in this series and I do not recall the hero or heroine aggravating me like this, in fact, I loved both characters to bits so my strong reaction towards Jules and Sabine shocked me the most. It was disappointing to say the least and is definitely a case of “Did I read the same book?” Since most reviews loved both characters.
I’m not going to lie though, the sex scenes were highly erotic and in the beginning very frequent with Jules and Sabine not being able to keep their hands off each other but I grew tired of the sexual manipulation Jules used to get away with saying cruel things to Sabine. It’s only hot sex until someone starts using it to control the other, and then it’s not so entertaining anymore.
While Jules and Sabine were the main characters, there was an entertaining supporting cast that just can’t be overlooked. Sabine’s motley crew of a family that included her father’s mistress and her two spoiled daughters, Sabine’s cousins, Jules’ men and Jules’ younger brother Luc whom I liked better to be honest. Luc seemed to have a better head on his shoulders and perhaps even a dose of humility.
Final Verdict: Again, loved, loved, LOVED the story itself but had the totally opposite reaction to the main characters. I hope that if Jules’ brother gets his own story he doesn’t turn out to be a jerk like his brother since he didn’t have the same view of their family. A Midnight Dance is a great example of how intelligent writing can keep a person reading even when the reader isn’t too thrilled with one or both of the main characters.
March 17, 2019
Well, well...what a delight spin on Cinderella by Ms. DiPasqua. This was a true historical romance that was naughty with a bit of erotic mixed in. It didn't hurt that the H was a very handsome rogue in his own right.
The story was well-written and descriptive right from the start. No slow going on any tension play betwen the H/h as in most novels I've read. This was a wonderful, steamy and hot story with a beautiful HEA.
4-Stars
The story was well-written and descriptive right from the start. No slow going on any tension play betwen the H/h as in most novels I've read. This was a wonderful, steamy and hot story with a beautiful HEA.
4-Stars
May 19, 2021
3.5 stars. An enjoyable read. It was an interesting take on Cinderella though I found the Cinderella aspects kinda heavy-handed. We were told rather than shown the fairy tale aspects of the love story between Sabine and Jules. What made the story work was the incredible chemistry between the H/h, as well as the steamy love scenes, which were more like erotica. I would describe it as cotton candy--it tastes good but you wouldn't want to overindulge.
November 10, 2011
Expected Release Date: August 2, 2011 (Available Now!)
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: Berkley Trade
Author’s Website: http://www.liladipasqua.com/
My Source for This Book: Gift from the author
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 3, Fiery Tales
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Scorching
Once upon a time, there was a beautiful maiden by the name of Sabine, daughter of the most famous and celebrated playwright in Paris. Young, and beautiful, the girl anxiously anticipated the time when she and her lovely twin sister would make their debut into Parisian society, attending balls and soirees, and of course, making an advantageous marriage. But there was one man above all that Sabine had within her sights -- her very own Dark Prince, Jules de Moutier. While they had never had a chance to truly meet, she pinned all of her hopes, dreams, and of course, heady fantasies, on the handsome and sensual aristocrat.
But all of these dreams crumbled into ashes when Sabine's life was cast into the cinders -- her father dead, her beloved sister cold in the ground, and the horrible Moutier family the very cause of their fall from grace. With the family's land gone, and exorbitant taxes levied against her family by aristocrats and the monarchy alike, she knew that it was only a matter of time before she and what was left of her family were thrown into debtor's prison, where a fate awaited her that was worse than death.
Determined to be the master of her own fate, she devised a plan to steal a fortune from a band of rogues -- a fortune that would not only ensure her family's safety, but would allow her to search for the truth behind her dear twin's disappearance. Posing as a skilled strumpet, she and her two male cousins intend to infiltrate the privateer camp, distract the leader, and feed the rest of them men wine tainted with a sleeping draught.
But this was not just any band of privateers. No, the leader proved to be none other than Sabine's own Dark Prince, the man she both lusts after and despises with all of her being. Suddenly, her simple plan is no longer simple at all, and within Jules' arms, she discovers a passion and a freedom unlike any other. But can Sabine allow herself to succumb, knowing that his family is the one that ruined hers?
This book was so wonderfully, deliciously hot. No, really, if you wear glasses, you may want to keep a soft cloth handy, because they're probably going to steam up when you read this book. Not only are the love scenes beautifully lush and erotic, but there's also a delightful level of passion and emotion flaring between Sabine and Jules.
Perfect for heating up these cold winter nights, highly recommended for fans of luscious sensuality, heartbreak and betrayal, and one of the sweetest happy endings I could've imagined.
A very solid 4.5/5 Stars
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: Berkley Trade
Author’s Website: http://www.liladipasqua.com/
My Source for This Book: Gift from the author
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 3, Fiery Tales
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Scorching
Once upon a time, there was a beautiful maiden by the name of Sabine, daughter of the most famous and celebrated playwright in Paris. Young, and beautiful, the girl anxiously anticipated the time when she and her lovely twin sister would make their debut into Parisian society, attending balls and soirees, and of course, making an advantageous marriage. But there was one man above all that Sabine had within her sights -- her very own Dark Prince, Jules de Moutier. While they had never had a chance to truly meet, she pinned all of her hopes, dreams, and of course, heady fantasies, on the handsome and sensual aristocrat.
But all of these dreams crumbled into ashes when Sabine's life was cast into the cinders -- her father dead, her beloved sister cold in the ground, and the horrible Moutier family the very cause of their fall from grace. With the family's land gone, and exorbitant taxes levied against her family by aristocrats and the monarchy alike, she knew that it was only a matter of time before she and what was left of her family were thrown into debtor's prison, where a fate awaited her that was worse than death.
Determined to be the master of her own fate, she devised a plan to steal a fortune from a band of rogues -- a fortune that would not only ensure her family's safety, but would allow her to search for the truth behind her dear twin's disappearance. Posing as a skilled strumpet, she and her two male cousins intend to infiltrate the privateer camp, distract the leader, and feed the rest of them men wine tainted with a sleeping draught.
But this was not just any band of privateers. No, the leader proved to be none other than Sabine's own Dark Prince, the man she both lusts after and despises with all of her being. Suddenly, her simple plan is no longer simple at all, and within Jules' arms, she discovers a passion and a freedom unlike any other. But can Sabine allow herself to succumb, knowing that his family is the one that ruined hers?
This book was so wonderfully, deliciously hot. No, really, if you wear glasses, you may want to keep a soft cloth handy, because they're probably going to steam up when you read this book. Not only are the love scenes beautifully lush and erotic, but there's also a delightful level of passion and emotion flaring between Sabine and Jules.
Perfect for heating up these cold winter nights, highly recommended for fans of luscious sensuality, heartbreak and betrayal, and one of the sweetest happy endings I could've imagined.
A very solid 4.5/5 Stars
November 14, 2015
ARC REVIEW
Originally published in 2011, this reissue has a spanking new hot cover. Unfortunately, I was disappointed with it. I don’t know exactly what I was expecting but this one left a lot to be desired. I’m new to Lila DiPasqua books, so I’m not familiar with her style but it just didn’t do it for me. I didn’t particularly like how the storyline and how things played out, the characters rubbed me the wrong way; Jules was pretty much a bastard, and the villain seemed to come out of nowhere when he showed up over halfway into the story. All this is just personal preference especially the sex, I think there was too much too soon and it dominated the story.
Sabine Laurent was the daughter of a prestigious play writer and theatre owner until his benefactor was accused of being a traitor, stripped of his title and everything taken away. Eight years they struggled until her father’s death, after that it was up to Sabine to keep her makeshift family of actors in the only home they have known. But the new land owner has continually raised taxes, and no way to pay it Sabine concocts a dangerous plan of stealing silver from a pirate. Eight years ago Sabine was in love with a young man she called her Dark Prince but it was his families fall from grace that ruined her father’s life and hers. When she finds out that he is the pirate she is to steal from she thinks it is justice. But she’s not as clever as she thinks she is and is found out.
Jules de Moutier is determined to prove his father’s innocence and win back the family’s title and lands. He was never expecting a young lady willing to sell herself and her innocence for the chance to steal his hard stolen silver. Sabine under the guise of a commoner, Elise, is just as determined to steal Jules’ silver to protect her family the fact that she gets to spend a couple of nights in his arms is just an added benefit. That is until he tracks her down and demands his silver back. Everything just goes downhill from there. Sabine isn’t willing to give it back because not only will if pay off her father’s debts but she plans to search for her twin sister who has been missing and presumed dead. Things aren’t going as planned a third of the silver is missing and all the evidence that will prove Jules’ father as innocent isn’t exactly shinning him in the best light either. The trail of evidence for both de Moutier senior and Sabine’s sister lead them to Paris for a midnight masquerade, a kidnapping and a glass slipper.
Overall, I could have liked this book I wanted to like this book but there were too many aspects of it that I just didn’t like.
Originally published in 2011, this reissue has a spanking new hot cover. Unfortunately, I was disappointed with it. I don’t know exactly what I was expecting but this one left a lot to be desired. I’m new to Lila DiPasqua books, so I’m not familiar with her style but it just didn’t do it for me. I didn’t particularly like how the storyline and how things played out, the characters rubbed me the wrong way; Jules was pretty much a bastard, and the villain seemed to come out of nowhere when he showed up over halfway into the story. All this is just personal preference especially the sex, I think there was too much too soon and it dominated the story.
Sabine Laurent was the daughter of a prestigious play writer and theatre owner until his benefactor was accused of being a traitor, stripped of his title and everything taken away. Eight years they struggled until her father’s death, after that it was up to Sabine to keep her makeshift family of actors in the only home they have known. But the new land owner has continually raised taxes, and no way to pay it Sabine concocts a dangerous plan of stealing silver from a pirate. Eight years ago Sabine was in love with a young man she called her Dark Prince but it was his families fall from grace that ruined her father’s life and hers. When she finds out that he is the pirate she is to steal from she thinks it is justice. But she’s not as clever as she thinks she is and is found out.
Jules de Moutier is determined to prove his father’s innocence and win back the family’s title and lands. He was never expecting a young lady willing to sell herself and her innocence for the chance to steal his hard stolen silver. Sabine under the guise of a commoner, Elise, is just as determined to steal Jules’ silver to protect her family the fact that she gets to spend a couple of nights in his arms is just an added benefit. That is until he tracks her down and demands his silver back. Everything just goes downhill from there. Sabine isn’t willing to give it back because not only will if pay off her father’s debts but she plans to search for her twin sister who has been missing and presumed dead. Things aren’t going as planned a third of the silver is missing and all the evidence that will prove Jules’ father as innocent isn’t exactly shinning him in the best light either. The trail of evidence for both de Moutier senior and Sabine’s sister lead them to Paris for a midnight masquerade, a kidnapping and a glass slipper.
Overall, I could have liked this book I wanted to like this book but there were too many aspects of it that I just didn’t like.
June 14, 2022
|HRBC|APRIL|2022|
Yeah, this wasn't for me. "A Midnight Dance" is supposed to be a Cinderella-re-telling, but I wouldn't really call this a re-telling. It barely has anything to do with Cinderella.
I couldn't relate to any of the main characters. Because they were quite unlikable, I barely cared about them or what happened to them. Jules just thinks with his dick and is a total douche. The only honorable aspect of him is that he could tell where a woman's clit by just looking at her lady parts. But that's it. Sabine was equally boring. I haven't much to say about her, expect that she should really go see her gynaecologist, because having a tingling womb every time she sees a guy is kind of concerning.
The pacing was bearable. But honestly, the story felt like the author made it up while she wrote the book, therefore the pacing just mirrored it. Personally, I don't think this book has a proper plot line. Yes, there is conflict about money, heritage, society, etc., but none of this contributed anything valuable to the story nor did it create one. Mostly, it was just boring. The sex scenes didn't really help either. At some point I even found them annoying. Whenever the plot got thin, you just get a 1-2 chapters long sex scene which feels exactly like the sex scene before.
And can we please stop calling male anatomy "prick". It makes me cringe. I even prefer "member" or "velvet wrapped steel" over "prick".
And again, because I love complaining about this. The description on how clothing worked in the 17th century is just wrong. If I have to read once again, that someone wore sown close drawers in 17th century France, I will just combust. I am usually not big on the whole historically accuracy thing, because it's impossible to be 100 % accurate, but stuff like that....I just can't. It's just one google search. Gosh, there are so many fashion historians on social media, it can't be that hard to get this right.
Overall, I don't recommend this book. The characters, the plot and the writing are rather dull. You are better off reading something else.
Yeah, this wasn't for me. "A Midnight Dance" is supposed to be a Cinderella-re-telling, but I wouldn't really call this a re-telling. It barely has anything to do with Cinderella.
I couldn't relate to any of the main characters. Because they were quite unlikable, I barely cared about them or what happened to them. Jules just thinks with his dick and is a total douche. The only honorable aspect of him is that he could tell where a woman's clit by just looking at her lady parts. But that's it. Sabine was equally boring. I haven't much to say about her, expect that she should really go see her gynaecologist, because having a tingling womb every time she sees a guy is kind of concerning.
The pacing was bearable. But honestly, the story felt like the author made it up while she wrote the book, therefore the pacing just mirrored it. Personally, I don't think this book has a proper plot line. Yes, there is conflict about money, heritage, society, etc., but none of this contributed anything valuable to the story nor did it create one. Mostly, it was just boring. The sex scenes didn't really help either. At some point I even found them annoying. Whenever the plot got thin, you just get a 1-2 chapters long sex scene which feels exactly like the sex scene before.
And can we please stop calling male anatomy "prick". It makes me cringe. I even prefer "member" or "velvet wrapped steel" over "prick".
And again, because I love complaining about this. The description on how clothing worked in the 17th century is just wrong. If I have to read once again, that someone wore sown close drawers in 17th century France, I will just combust. I am usually not big on the whole historically accuracy thing, because it's impossible to be 100 % accurate, but stuff like that....I just can't. It's just one google search. Gosh, there are so many fashion historians on social media, it can't be that hard to get this right.
Overall, I don't recommend this book. The characters, the plot and the writing are rather dull. You are better off reading something else.
November 15, 2015
Review will be posted at www.books-n-kisses.com .
In A Midnight Dance we meet Sabine Laurent, who is in dire straits. Sabine is a woman on a mission to save her family. But in order to do that she must be willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to gain the trust of those she plans to deceive. But as with all good plans not all goes right. The last person Sabine ever expected to find in this camp is the one man she blames for the fall of her family. Jules deMoutier
Jules deMoutier has been stripped of everything, his money, his title, and his pride. But after 5 long years he is so close to getting everything back. Back to the way his life should be. But Jules never planned for one small blond woman to come into his camp and steal his treasure out from under his nose.
Sabine is a great heroine. She is smart, funny, determined and really doesn’t take people’s crap very well. Her only weakness seems to be her heart. Sabine cares too much sometimes.
Jules, aahhh, sweet, handsome, suborn, wouldn’t know when a woman is lying to him Jules.. Jules is HOT… He his Dream…. He really is a prince charming under all that holier than thou attitude.
OH, Lila is wicked good. There was not one moment that I didn’t love this story. Lila doesn’t wait very long for there to be a very hot forest sex scene *wiggle eyebrows* Lila does a great job of taking the Cinderella story and telling it in a way I would have never thought about. This is truly a riches to rages to riches story.
In A Midnight Dance we meet Sabine Laurent, who is in dire straits. Sabine is a woman on a mission to save her family. But in order to do that she must be willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to gain the trust of those she plans to deceive. But as with all good plans not all goes right. The last person Sabine ever expected to find in this camp is the one man she blames for the fall of her family. Jules deMoutier
Jules deMoutier has been stripped of everything, his money, his title, and his pride. But after 5 long years he is so close to getting everything back. Back to the way his life should be. But Jules never planned for one small blond woman to come into his camp and steal his treasure out from under his nose.
Sabine is a great heroine. She is smart, funny, determined and really doesn’t take people’s crap very well. Her only weakness seems to be her heart. Sabine cares too much sometimes.
Jules, aahhh, sweet, handsome, suborn, wouldn’t know when a woman is lying to him Jules.. Jules is HOT… He his Dream…. He really is a prince charming under all that holier than thou attitude.
OH, Lila is wicked good. There was not one moment that I didn’t love this story. Lila doesn’t wait very long for there to be a very hot forest sex scene *wiggle eyebrows* Lila does a great job of taking the Cinderella story and telling it in a way I would have never thought about. This is truly a riches to rages to riches story.
June 12, 2012
I expected this book to have a Cinderella type of plot but it didn't. It was an original story, nothing to swoon about but very entertaining, well done with a lot of action. I'll read more from this author.
HERO is a Rogue, a former duke, determined, sour, intensely focused on recovering his family state and prestige, for which he needs a lot of money that he's currently earning by illegal means. When he's seduced and duped by a woman intent on saving her family from going to debtors jail by stealing from him, he vows to find her and make her pay.
SCENES/CONTENT: few/steamy
GENRE/TONE: historical/drama
LENGHT: 362 pages
HERO is a Rogue, a former duke, determined, sour, intensely focused on recovering his family state and prestige, for which he needs a lot of money that he's currently earning by illegal means. When he's seduced and duped by a woman intent on saving her family from going to debtors jail by stealing from him, he vows to find her and make her pay.
SCENES/CONTENT: few/steamy
GENRE/TONE: historical/drama
LENGHT: 362 pages
July 1, 2016
This was an intriguing story with great attention to historical detail. I appreciated the plot twists and descriptive imagery. The things I wasn't crazy about were the many sex scenes in the beginning which seemed to slow the pace, and the strong sexual language, which after a while was off-putting. I did like how the romance developed as the story progressed though and was glad that it wasn't just one sex scene after another.
December 19, 2011
Ini kisah Cinderella yang seru, dan dengan latar belakang yang tidak biasa, menarik dan membuat penasaran tiap bab nya, hingga sulit buat meletak kan buku ini sebelum menyelesaikannya.
Dan aku kasih 5 bintang,karena aku suka kisah2 yg based on fiery tales gini, dan ide ceritanya luamyan unik dan kreatif....
Si kembar, Isabelle dan Sabine selalu berminmpi mereka akanbertemu Dark Prince mereka satu saat nanti,menikah dan hidup bahagia selamanya.
Kedua gadis ini orang bisa saja, anak pemilik teater yg sering di datangi kaum elite Perancis, yg mereka sebut Aristo.
Memimpikan Luc dan Jules de Motier, satu saat Jules memakaikanke kaki Sabine,sendal kacanya saat selesai sandiwara mereka di teater,makin termimp[i2lah Sabine.
Delapan tahun kemudian, Sabine yg jadimiskin karena kehilangan teater dan Isabelle (di kabarkan meninggal karena kebakaran saat bekerja jd pembantu di rumah ayah Jules), berjalan di hutan mengincar para tentara pembawa perak yang akan mereka curi.
Taktiknya, mereka akanmeracuni para tentara itu dan Sabine menyamar jd Elise,pelacur,dan menawarkan diri ke pimpinan mereka.Saudara2 nya kaget dengan ide Sabine ini, gila aja anak perawan nyamar jadi whore. Tapi gak ada ide yg lebih baik dari itu, maka mulailah rencana mereka.Dansaat Sabine tau kalo pkomandan pasukan itu adalah Jules, Dark Prince nya bertahun2 lalu...dia jadi gemetaran mendamba...hahahhaa.....
Jules gak ingat siapa Sabine, tapi Jules yg sudah lumayan lama hidup selibat, tergoda juga saat di paksa Raymond,org kepercayaan nya untuk "memakai" si Elise ini, dan benarlah, Jules sampe terpana melihat kecantikan Sabine, terkagum2 sama rambutnya.....Sepakat, Sabine di bawa ke tempat private.
Entah kenapa,Sabine jadi terpesona juga dan akhirnya bisa di tebak, rencana tinggal rencana, apa boleh buat, hasrat (baca : napsu) yg menang, dan soal ini, di bahas sampai hampir 3 bab sendiri... uhuk...uhuk...(ehm..kok aku tiba2 batuk ya)....
Diluar pola HR yang halus dalam penjabaran lovemaking, Lila menjabarkan dengan cukup lugas sih, dan Jules ini sukaaaa banget "talk dirty" hihihiihhii......buat yg di bawah 21 tahun aku ga sarankan ini di baca deh....
Tapi penyamaran Sabine segera ketahuan saat tiba di penginapan, dimana sodara2 Sabine sudah menunggu dengan obat bius yg akan di berikan dalammakanan Jules dan anak buahnya, biarpun sempet mereka uhuk2 dulu tuh cukup lama (dan detail)....
Nah di tengah pelariannya, tetap aja Jules berhasil melacak Sabine, dan bahkan menyandera Sabine yang gak mau silver curiannya di ketemukan oleh Jules.
Bairpun marah oleht tindakan Sabine, Jules tetap aja cemburu saat Leon,san Marquess teman lama ayah Sabine datang berkunjung dan mencium Sabine,sampe diancam duel pake pedang gitu hahahhahaha.....
Singakat cerita,akhirnya mereka berdamai setelah kedatangan Luc,adik Jules dan sepakat mereka bahu membahu untuk mencari kebenaran mengenai Ayah Jules yg meninggal karena di gantung dan di cabut kebangsawanan nya karena di tuduh mengkhianati raja, juga mencari Isabelle, yg Sabine yakin masih hidup.
Ternyata,kejahatan memang gak bisa di tutupi terlalulama, Leon, yg di kenal Sabine sejak kecil,ternyata adalah dalang semuanya, termasuk membunuh Sebastian saudaranya sendiri demi gelar,dan membunuh pelacur yg di tidurinya dengan sadis (akujadi ingat kisah bangsawan si janggut biru,yg membunuh semua istri2nya dan mayatnya disimpan di gudang bawah tanah)....
Untung Sabine selamat karena keburu ketauan oleh Jules saat Sabine di culik setelah pesta oleh Leon.
Jules akhir nya tahu kenapa ayah nya di hukum gantung...itu karena kejahatannya sendiri , tanah, rumah dan kekayaan ayah Sabine juga kembali ketanganya, Sabine akhirnya bisa menerima berita kematian Isabella dengan ikhlas....
Namun, masih ada satu yang di curi Sabine dari Jules...hati nya ! Dan Jules ngelamar Sabine nya dengan sangat romantis..pake sepatu kaca.... OMG...so sweet banget deh....hahahhahah....
Di epilog...ada sesuatu yang mengejutkan,saatseseorang di Paris, menulis sepucuk surat buat Sabine.....
"My Dearest Sabine...."
Siapakah dia ????
Dan aku kasih 5 bintang,karena aku suka kisah2 yg based on fiery tales gini, dan ide ceritanya luamyan unik dan kreatif....
Si kembar, Isabelle dan Sabine selalu berminmpi mereka akanbertemu Dark Prince mereka satu saat nanti,menikah dan hidup bahagia selamanya.
Kedua gadis ini orang bisa saja, anak pemilik teater yg sering di datangi kaum elite Perancis, yg mereka sebut Aristo.
Memimpikan Luc dan Jules de Motier, satu saat Jules memakaikanke kaki Sabine,sendal kacanya saat selesai sandiwara mereka di teater,makin termimp[i2lah Sabine.
Delapan tahun kemudian, Sabine yg jadimiskin karena kehilangan teater dan Isabelle (di kabarkan meninggal karena kebakaran saat bekerja jd pembantu di rumah ayah Jules), berjalan di hutan mengincar para tentara pembawa perak yang akan mereka curi.
Taktiknya, mereka akanmeracuni para tentara itu dan Sabine menyamar jd Elise,pelacur,dan menawarkan diri ke pimpinan mereka.Saudara2 nya kaget dengan ide Sabine ini, gila aja anak perawan nyamar jadi whore. Tapi gak ada ide yg lebih baik dari itu, maka mulailah rencana mereka.Dansaat Sabine tau kalo pkomandan pasukan itu adalah Jules, Dark Prince nya bertahun2 lalu...dia jadi gemetaran mendamba...hahahhaa.....
Jules gak ingat siapa Sabine, tapi Jules yg sudah lumayan lama hidup selibat, tergoda juga saat di paksa Raymond,org kepercayaan nya untuk "memakai" si Elise ini, dan benarlah, Jules sampe terpana melihat kecantikan Sabine, terkagum2 sama rambutnya.....Sepakat, Sabine di bawa ke tempat private.
Entah kenapa,Sabine jadi terpesona juga dan akhirnya bisa di tebak, rencana tinggal rencana, apa boleh buat, hasrat (baca : napsu) yg menang, dan soal ini, di bahas sampai hampir 3 bab sendiri... uhuk...uhuk...(ehm..kok aku tiba2 batuk ya)....
Diluar pola HR yang halus dalam penjabaran lovemaking, Lila menjabarkan dengan cukup lugas sih, dan Jules ini sukaaaa banget "talk dirty" hihihiihhii......buat yg di bawah 21 tahun aku ga sarankan ini di baca deh....
Tapi penyamaran Sabine segera ketahuan saat tiba di penginapan, dimana sodara2 Sabine sudah menunggu dengan obat bius yg akan di berikan dalammakanan Jules dan anak buahnya, biarpun sempet mereka uhuk2 dulu tuh cukup lama (dan detail)....
Nah di tengah pelariannya, tetap aja Jules berhasil melacak Sabine, dan bahkan menyandera Sabine yang gak mau silver curiannya di ketemukan oleh Jules.
Bairpun marah oleht tindakan Sabine, Jules tetap aja cemburu saat Leon,san Marquess teman lama ayah Sabine datang berkunjung dan mencium Sabine,sampe diancam duel pake pedang gitu hahahhahaha.....
Singakat cerita,akhirnya mereka berdamai setelah kedatangan Luc,adik Jules dan sepakat mereka bahu membahu untuk mencari kebenaran mengenai Ayah Jules yg meninggal karena di gantung dan di cabut kebangsawanan nya karena di tuduh mengkhianati raja, juga mencari Isabelle, yg Sabine yakin masih hidup.
Ternyata,kejahatan memang gak bisa di tutupi terlalulama, Leon, yg di kenal Sabine sejak kecil,ternyata adalah dalang semuanya, termasuk membunuh Sebastian saudaranya sendiri demi gelar,dan membunuh pelacur yg di tidurinya dengan sadis (akujadi ingat kisah bangsawan si janggut biru,yg membunuh semua istri2nya dan mayatnya disimpan di gudang bawah tanah)....
Untung Sabine selamat karena keburu ketauan oleh Jules saat Sabine di culik setelah pesta oleh Leon.
Jules akhir nya tahu kenapa ayah nya di hukum gantung...itu karena kejahatannya sendiri , tanah, rumah dan kekayaan ayah Sabine juga kembali ketanganya, Sabine akhirnya bisa menerima berita kematian Isabella dengan ikhlas....
Namun, masih ada satu yang di curi Sabine dari Jules...hati nya ! Dan Jules ngelamar Sabine nya dengan sangat romantis..pake sepatu kaca.... OMG...so sweet banget deh....hahahhahah....
Di epilog...ada sesuatu yang mengejutkan,saatseseorang di Paris, menulis sepucuk surat buat Sabine.....
"My Dearest Sabine...."
Siapakah dia ????
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2011
Hmm, steamy retelling of one of my favorite fairy tales, Cinderella...check! I have been eagerly waiting for Lila DiPasquas newest Fiery Tales to come out and I was surprised when my library notified me that it was in already, last Friday, four days before it was supposed to come out. Naturally, I hurried over to check it out and then proceeded to devour it over the weekend. Did it live up to the high hopes I had for it? Absolutely.
Sabine Laurent is desperate. Her family needs to pay taxes or they will be thrown into the debtors jail. She comes up with an outlandish plan to steal chests of silver from a camp of men...by posing as a whore and hopefully getting the men to drink some tainted wine before anything should happen. Sabine is floored when she shes who is in charge though. It is her childhood crush, her Dark Prince, one of the reasons her family is in the desperate circumstances, Jules de Moutier.
Jules de Moutier is desperate as well but for a different reason. His father was falsely accused of a crime and hanged for it and his family lost their titles and lands. For someone who grew up as an Aristo, this is unacceptable and he needs all the silver to find out who set up his father and get the title and lands reinstated. He initially doesn't trust Sabine but he can not get this blond fairy and the two start a very steamy, hot relationship. Jules is amazed at the feelings he feels when with Sabine, it is nothing like he has ever felt before but that all comes crashing down when Sabine finally succeeds in stealing his silver. Then he is bent on revenge on her as well but still...he can't quite shake his feelings and when it is revealed that Sabines beloved missing twin may have been involved in his fathers death, they set out to find out the truth.
Sigh, what a book and what a story. I mean the villain of the story, whoa, whiplash, I did not see that one coming and he is just an evil man. We have the stepmother, who really isn't that evil, two stepsisters, who are just a bit silly, some special glass slippers and a fabulous ball. Sabine was a wonderful female, strong, independent and she went for what she want. Jules, now he took a bit for me to warm up too as his nose was stuck for far in the air I was surprised he could walk. I don't think he completely redeemed himself but he did change enough to make me happy. I loved watching Sabine and Jules fall in love. Their lovemaking was scorching hot but it was also special. And the ending! Oh, I can not wait for the next book! Overall, 5 hot stars and a definite keeper and reread.
Sabine Laurent is desperate. Her family needs to pay taxes or they will be thrown into the debtors jail. She comes up with an outlandish plan to steal chests of silver from a camp of men...by posing as a whore and hopefully getting the men to drink some tainted wine before anything should happen. Sabine is floored when she shes who is in charge though. It is her childhood crush, her Dark Prince, one of the reasons her family is in the desperate circumstances, Jules de Moutier.
Jules de Moutier is desperate as well but for a different reason. His father was falsely accused of a crime and hanged for it and his family lost their titles and lands. For someone who grew up as an Aristo, this is unacceptable and he needs all the silver to find out who set up his father and get the title and lands reinstated. He initially doesn't trust Sabine but he can not get this blond fairy and the two start a very steamy, hot relationship. Jules is amazed at the feelings he feels when with Sabine, it is nothing like he has ever felt before but that all comes crashing down when Sabine finally succeeds in stealing his silver. Then he is bent on revenge on her as well but still...he can't quite shake his feelings and when it is revealed that Sabines beloved missing twin may have been involved in his fathers death, they set out to find out the truth.
Sigh, what a book and what a story. I mean the villain of the story, whoa, whiplash, I did not see that one coming and he is just an evil man. We have the stepmother, who really isn't that evil, two stepsisters, who are just a bit silly, some special glass slippers and a fabulous ball. Sabine was a wonderful female, strong, independent and she went for what she want. Jules, now he took a bit for me to warm up too as his nose was stuck for far in the air I was surprised he could walk. I don't think he completely redeemed himself but he did change enough to make me happy. I loved watching Sabine and Jules fall in love. Their lovemaking was scorching hot but it was also special. And the ending! Oh, I can not wait for the next book! Overall, 5 hot stars and a definite keeper and reread.
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