The Lovely Duckling

Fiery Tales #8

by Lila DiPasqua

Inspired by the tale of The Ugly Duckling, a hot historical romance novella from the acclaimed Fiery Tales series.

Reputed for his carnal skills, notorious rake, Joseph d’Alumbert, prefers amorous encounters without any sort of emotional entanglement—until a most unique lady stirs tender feelings . . . and hot desire.

Emilie de Sarron suffered burns to her body as an infant, and keeps her scars—and her heart—well hidden. But Joseph is determined to peel away her inhibitions, one slow, sensuous kiss at a time, to reveal the beautiful swan inside…

***Can be enjoyed as a stand-alone.

Originally published in THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED anthology.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Novella, Erotic Historical Romance, Fairy Tales, Fiction

124 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 2, 2010

About the author

Lila 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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Reviews

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lovely Duckling by Lila DiPasqua is book 8 in the "Fiery Tales" series. This is the story of Joseph d'Alumbert and Emilie de Sarron. This is easily a standalone book if you choose to do so. In addition it is a Novella that is about 110 pages. Which makes it a easy, quick read when you need a little hot romance fast! Emilie was injured in a fire that took her parents life. Emilie has been shy about her scars and when she was having her coming out a group which included Joseph called her names and teased her about her scars. That put a end to her coming out and she left the town to become a recluse. Joseph had always regretted his part in hurting Emilie and had choose to writer her under his brother's name who is actually his twin. So Emilie and Joseph started a friendship via their letters. Emilie gets it into her head to come to one of the shameless house parties where they have sexual encounters with masked 'strangers'. Emilie knows that she will remain a spinster but does want to experience what happens between a man and a women. But Joseph sees her coming into the house and knows that he will have to pretend to be his brother in order to try and stop her. But Joseph is finding Emilie hard to resist!
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emilie has been corresponding with Vincent, the hero's brother. At least she thinks so, the truth is that Joseph is the one behind the pen (feather or whatever).

Now they are all at the Comtesse de Saint-Arnaud's country estate, where the gatherings are meant for carnal entertainment. Emilie is ready to indulge in some debauchery as long as it's not with Joseph - the terrible twin who hurt her in the past.

I definitely didn't like that the hero had to trick and lie to Emilie to bed her, I mean, that was wrong...but I don't know what to say..this book just hooked me from the beginning, it was so much fun and I laughed a lot when Vincent found Joseph's scheme 🤣

Sure the ending was a little rushed but the number of pages easily justifies it.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fairytales are Now for Adults

I was introduced to Lila Dipasqua's Fiery Tales series recently and they are great short little reads. Based on children's fairytales, the author has taken the basic elements of specific fairytales and rewritten them for adults as historical romance set in seventeenth century France. Each story is a complete standalone. The Lovely Duckling, based on the fairytale, The Ugly Duckling, is a charming, passionate novella with heart. Despite the story being only around 100 pages, the author doesn't sacrifice character development between the hero and heroine. A case of mistaken identity makes for a thrilling story, great banter between the hero and his brothers (which was probably my favorite dialogue in the story), and a sexiness readers don't usually find in historical romance.

If you like historical romance with heat, this novella is a great one. The plot stands on its own and I felt compassion for the heroine, Emilie. I loved seeing how the hero, Joseph, coaxes her out of her shell and helps her gain confidence. If you are looking for a fun read and are short on time, yet want a story with established characters, good dialogue, and intense love scenes, The Lovely Duckling is a great choice! In addition, the setting of France during the seventeenth century is a unique one. Typically, most historical romance takes place in England. I really enjoyed this one!

[Juliana Philippa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the remorseful hero trope—he wronged the heroine and years later, is trying to make it up to her. Also used the impersonation and the letter-writing trope, because that's how he first reaches out to her (pretending to be his twin brother).

It was like a mix of Courtney Milan's Unlocked (SO GOOD!!) and Lisa Kleypas's Love in the Afternoon (SOOO GOOD!!!!!) and ... some really hardcore erotica story with way too much gratuitous sex. Lol.

Just know what you're getting into if you decide to pick this up.

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm in love with this series. These books are erotic but still romantic and with a great story. And DiPasqua's heroes are all alpha-yummy. I also I love the different setting she places this series in. It's refreshing to see an author try something different.

The story between Emilie and Joseph is touching and hot. I really enjoyed seeing Emilie get beyond her scars and fall in love with Joseph. Highly Recommended.

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

KU. Mad About Series HRBC Challenge 2025. Tropes: Novella. Historical Romance, Foreign Country (France) 1683, Disguise, Disabled MC, Fairytale.
MC's h. Emilie, aka Emilie Embers, Singed de Sarron, The Ugly Duckling. Young woman burnt in a fire when a child. Her parents died in the fire. When a young woman she was humiliated by young aristo's and became a recluse.
H. H. Joseph d'Alumbert, Marquis de Valle, brothers: Vincent (his twin) and Gilbert.

[belle ☆ﾐ (thisbellereadstoo) · Rating 3 out of 5]

joseph and emilie’s story was okay. it still had the fire and passion among the two characters. what i didn’t like was that the ending was rushed. i know it’s a very short book, but the way it was handled wasn’t the best in my opinion. my main issue was how after emilie found out that the guy who had tormented her so many years ago, and who she had repeatedly said wanted to be away from her during the entire week, was the one that she had been having sex with, she was okay with it. as if all those years of hiding herself because of that day wasn’t anything to her. other than that, i liked the concept, and how liberalising it have felt for the ladies who participated.

books in the series:
1. a midnight dance: ✰✰✰✰
2. undone: ✰✰✰✰
3. the duke’s match girl: ✰✰✰✰✰
4. sleeping beau: ✰✰✰✰
5. little red writing: ✰✰✰✰
6. bewitching in boots: ✰✰✰✰
7. the marquis’s new clothes: ✰✰✰✰✰
8. the lovely duckling: ✰✰✰
9. the princess and the diamonds: ✰✰✰
10. three reckless wishes: ✰✰✰✰

[Nhi Nguyễn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I mean, man, Lila DiPasqua worked her magic again! Two of her novels in just one day???? Wow wow wow this is a new record for me ^^ Love love love this book <3 <3 <3 "The Ugly Duckling" is one of my favorite fairy tales, and it was beautifully (and of course, erotically :D) retold in the way that only Ms. DiPasqua can do :)) I nearly cried at the end. SO AMAZING!!!!

[Sonia N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another 5 Star by Lila ❤️❤️
Such a great love story.

[☽ Rhiannon ✭ Mistwalker ☾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brilliant premise, but unfortunately is 80% sex and 20% angst. A longer book would have drawn it out better, but instead it’s a series of sex scenes and then a rushed resolution. I still enjoyed it! Right up my alley, trope-wise.

[Angie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was super excited to read this because it has such a high rating on both Goodreads and Amazon, but here I am ultimately disappointed. I hate to say this, but I think the premise would have been better executed by another author. DiPasqua's writing was very...I don't know how to explain it, but it was just not for me. I found the novel to be pretty predictable and not very unique, which had me rushing through and skimming until the end. I have no problem with historicals using certain tropes, but this novel just didn't have that something special that differentiated it from the other historicals out there.

I also believe some of my discomfort for this novel stemmed from the fact that I have never read a mainly French historical-romance novel before. The language was different, the situations surrounding the MCs were different, and just the overall feel of the novel was different--and ultimately it was not something I enjoyed. I never found myself connecting with the heroine or necessarily liking the hero, and therefore I wasn't invested in their story enough to want to keep reading. After about the 25% mark, I forced myself to continue skim-reading the rest and counting down the pages as I did so. One aspect I did enjoy was Emilie's aunt's insistence that women should enjoy the same carnal pleasures as men and shouldn't have to be trapped in a loveless, sexless marriage for the rest of their lives. Other than that, this story with its French setting and off-putting writing was not for me.

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5 Stars*

Good and steamy HR, but would have liked for the hero to grovel in the end as the heroine forgave him too easily. The ending was a bit too abrupt for my liking, hence the 3.5 stars.

[Ronda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty concisely written....gave me everything I want in a novella

[EstelaReadsRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starring Joseph d’Alumbert, Marquis de Valle and Emilie de Sarron

Trope: Reverse Beauty and the Beast, second chances, hero’s redemption, and in disguise.

I absolutely love redemption stories... and The Lovely Duckling does not disappoint!!

Joseph, totally alpha and delicious... and he was very remorseful for his part in causing Emilie to flee from society many years ago.I love that when he was given the opportunity to correct his grievances, he made it his mission to make her see that she was beautiful, sensual, and wanted. Joseph wore his heart on his sleeve and he was completely a worthy hero who redeemed himself with his love for Emilie... le sigh!!

Emilie will shatter your heart with her beautiful vulnerability. She has such a quiet strength about her and has endured so much. She is also brave and I love that she was going to go boldly go after what she wanted. I applauded her many times.

Joseph and Emilie were both such vulnerable characters, who were so frightened to open up to each other. But love (and a whole lotta steamy scenes) wins out in the end. I absolutely loved their story.

The Author’s Note that Lila DiPasqua wrote in the end had me bawling!! The inspiration behind this story is truly beautiful.

Lila DiPasqua is one of my all time authors. She is fabulous!! Her books are filled with so much hope and love... and the steamy bits will make you melt. I love her writing style and I’ve enjoyed her Fiery Tales collection.

5 stars: Ugly cried AF. Major book hangover. Characters and storyline were freaken amazeballs. Made me wanna hug the author for writing a book that gave me all the feels!! Will definitely be reading this story over and over and over again!!

[jay · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm torn. On one hand, Joseph's remorse felt genuine; on the other hand, clearly his pride (ego) and deluded thinking had no problems deceiving more Emelie. The undercurrent of Joseph constantly pushing until he got his way in everything (and how he basically got her to "forgive" him immediately) smacked of poor consent. Poor Emelie deserved better - surely there is a man in this universe that's just as talented in the bedroom with even a scrap more decency and empathy? (Also, I really wish that Emelie was able to stand up to the idiot at the end, instead of Joseph swooping in to save her - that would have been a much better way of showing that her self-esteem and self-image actually did improve.

I think this novella comes off poorly in my books because Courtney Milan's Unlocked used this trope so well - there is acrual trauma! She doesn't forgive him right off the bat! They actually talk through what happened! His swooping in much later than he should have doesn't completely absolve him!

1.5/5 - rounded up due to the 🔥? Maybe?

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love fairy tale retellings. And the Ugly Duckling is one of my favorites. I read this story as part of collection with two other stories from this author. While the rest were enjoyable but just ok, the Lovely Duckling really stood above and beyond the others to me. It's a short story, but it packed an emotional wallop for me. I really felt a strong connection to both Emilie and Joseph, and I felt their connection with each other. Overall I was really impressed with this story and I go back and have a reread whenever I need a pick me up. This is definitely a favorite for me.



**I read a few reviews that said they found it predictable, which I can't say is wrong, but it is a retelling of a traditional story, and a historical romance, so there were a limited number of outcomes that most people would find acceptable.

[Tanya Sridhar · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid 3/5 stars for this one.

Its essentially a erotica novella, but has a decent amount of backstory and depth I've not come to expect from erotica novellas, so points for that.

The writing is fun too, and keeps you engaged throughout. The vocabulary can be incredibly modern at times but I ain't reading this for historical accuracy so.

A good read while travelling or just one a rainy day.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please make this a full stand-alone novel. I love all her books..this one is my absolute, absolute favorite. I don't care that I purchased and read the novella. I would still buy a full version novel just to get more details and expand the story.

[Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

The rating and some reviews are misleading. It wasn’t a good novella, and the writing was bellow average. And the characters… strange.

2 stars because I’ve read worse and because the idea was good to begin with but was done poorly.

That’s all from me!

[Princess Kyuhyun · Rating 2 out of 5]

This just about a sex party at all. Porn reading but make it historic. Ha.

The smutty-steamy scene is hella hot. But when it mixed to the love story? Kinda disgusting.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most historical novel I have read have been set in other countries besides France. Good read

[LOU71 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The eighth book in the Fiery Tales series is inspired by the tale of The Ugly Duckling, a hot historical romance novella called The Lovely Duckling.

I enjoy the true historical parts that these stories are based upon, such as the salacious intimate house parties that were the norm in 17th century France. Disguises, masks, and numerous carnal encounters with strangers during a week long party. Also, so too were lawsuits common over guardianship of a minor child with wealth. Families often fought for custody so they would have control of the child's fortune until they came of age.

Midnight Dance - 3 stars
Undone - 3+ stars: Liked this book better than first and fourth.
The Duke's Match Girl - 5 stars
Sleeping Beau - 3 stars
Little Red Writing - 4 stars
Bewitching in Boots - 5 stars
The Marquis' New Clothes: 4 stars
The Lovely Duckling: 4 stars

Joseph d'Alumbert is reputed for his carnal skills as a notorious rake. He avoids emotional entanglement. Until the day he comes face to face with a woman he cannot share. Then Joseph uses his twin's name in a deception that grows with every sexy encounter they have. There are three brothers, Joseph, Vincent & Gilbert, and their humorous banter added fun to the story.

Emilie de Sarron was socially shamed due to a childhood injury so then went into reclusive living for ten years. Her coming out after such a long reprieve from society's elegant gatherings is a monumental effort for her. She trusts no one but her pen pal. Unfortunately for Emilie, not all is as it seems. I liked Emilie but I think that more substantial details about her sad background would have made her more accessible as a character. I felt like I could have known her better with more information.

I highly recommend this Fiery Tales series.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

MS DiPasqua knows how to engage her readers in stories that will have you warming up they are very sexy and sensual and so very moving and who doesn't love a good fairy tale come to life on the pages and I can highly recommend this one the scared Emilie de Sarron finally gets the sensual awaking she has been wanting for so long and by the handsome and strong Joseph dÁlumbert.

Emilie was burned when a young girl and also hurt badly years before some men are just so uncaring of the names they call people but after reading some very erotic books Emilie has decided that it is her time to finally feel all that she desires and attends her aunts masquerade and to finally meet the man she has been writing to for some time but all is not what it seems for Emilie.

Joseph is the son of a Duc and can be arrogant he is a twin and has always enjoyed the pleasures of any woman but years earlier he had played a part in hurting a young woman and it has played badly on his conscience so he is determined to help Emilie enjoy her time at the masquerade and loses his heart in the process.

Make sure you have a fan and a cool drink because this one is going to warm you up in so many ways beautifully written the setting is amazing the clothes the people of this era have all be bought to life but the journey to a HEA is so emotional and moving as we see Emilie finally feel the love and joy that she had taken away from her before and to see Joseph stand up for her oh such a beautiful story thank you MS DiPasqua for another fabulous fairy tale.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lila DiPasqua has a way with words that is so exquisite and enchanting. She takes a children's fairy tale and makes it into a provocatively sexy fiery tale. The Lovely Duckling is book 8 in her Fiery Tale Series and all I can say is with each book she writes she outdoes herself. This is a story about a young girl who was burned when she was a baby and was ridiculed and joked about at her coming out ball 10yrs earlier. Who believes no one could possibly want to see her without being covered up. The hero Joseph has felt bad for many years about what happened that night so long ago. He writes to Emilie as his twin brother. This is a wonderful love story of a courageous heroine who takes a chance and goes to a masquerade to meet the man she has been falling in love with through their letters A hero who pretends to be his brother to make up for past hurts, but in the end falls in love instead. A compassionate erotic romance with mistaken identities, and a love that can heal all wounds. The heat level in this story is really steamy.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fiery Fairytale Indeed!

This may just be my favorite among the three books I have read from this series.

The story has the elements of a swoon worthy fairytale. We have the virginal heroine going out there to live life the way she wants it. We have the noble hero who once wronged the heroine but took his chance to make amends. In the process they discover much to love about each other. Now my summary is the subdued version of how well written the plot is. It may be a novella but the backstory of the two main characters was explained albeit shortly. It was enough to have a very plausible love story as opposed to the instant lust/love at first sight. True to DiPasqua’s style, this story has graphic lovemaking scenes. Personally, if you skip the pages of sex you still have the essence of the story, the plot of a fairytale love affair would still there. But I would be honest and say that a DiPasqua book is also appreciated and enjoyed because of said pages.

So right now, I am off to read the next fiery fairytale in the series.

[Tiblu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet,kinda erotic but very sweet none the less.....

I really love the idea of one the main ppl to have her our sweet,feisty h is the same one to fix the damage wrought,that's soo very fitting to me...I love also how both the MC's grow her,Emilie finally gets to see/feel her beauty and Joseph seems to undergo what I'd call some "Grinch growing" moments where he's finds/discovers a heart he hadn't known he had,not truly... Not til Emilie... I wish their been a bit more story than them just really coming together for sex but at least unlike to many other stories where this happens,they did already have a set backstory where they'd been corresponding for a year already getting to know each other but none the less I wish we gotten MORE,more talking MORE something beside sex,now don't get me wrong for a book where most everything revolves around the bedroom,or hallway

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this story! In such a short read Dipasqua delivers a highly believable love story thanks to its background (the correspondance between Joseph and Emile makes for a more credible slow-cook love, which I prefer over the thunder-lust/love-at-first-sight, as for me it lacks depth and realness, although I understand its use in a short novella).

I truly enjoyed every bit of this read, specially Joseph 😏. The man was everything a hero should be: sexy, madly in love with his woman, a skilled and hot lover, tender and sensitive with the heroine knowing how to best deal with her insecurities... In short every woman's dream man! (if they only really existed...*sigh*).

Ladies, give it a go! It won't disappoint!

[Samurdhi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Warning – The story is predictable and the writing can be a little bit boring BUT does it affect you in enjoying this wonderful story? NO.
It is kind of hard to meet up to my expectations that happens, after you have read a considerable amount of historical romances. The story could’ve been better had the author actually used the premise of Ugly Duckling as was promised through the excerpt, but the author went on on another direction.
HOWEVER, the story is sensual and engaging at times. Occasionally, the reader might fall in love with both characters; Emilie and Joseph.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from the author. Lila is one of my favorite authors, she writes brilliant stories with fascinating characters. This is a sweet, sexy and amusing story. Joseph is a lovable reformed jerk who falls in love with a woman who hates him by writing to her using his brothers name. Emilie has been a recluse for 10 years because of Joseph and his friends. When they meet at a party, Emilie believes Joseph is Vincent and they become close. It's amusing what Joseph goes through to avoid being caught. This is a must add to your TBR list, it's so adorably sweet.

[Layna Pimentel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lovely Duckling is an awakening of deception and seduction at its best! Ms. DiPasqua does an incredible job of reeling the reader in to the glamorous setting of 1683 France. Toss in the not so wise scheme of Joseph d’Alumbert, and the lovely Emilie de Sarron, and you've got yourself one hot trial of passions. The Lovely Duckling is a fast-paced, incredibly sensual novella that tempts the senses. You don't want to miss this book!