Guest Author: Lila DiPasqua

This week here at Unusual Historicals we're welcoming contributor Lila DiPasqua as she celebrates the release of her debut, AWAKENED BY A KISS, available now from Berkley Sensation. This collection of re-imagined romantic, erotic fairy tales is set in 17th century France!

Sleeping Beau: Five years ago, the notorious rake, Adrien d'Aspe, Marquis de Beaulain, was awakened by a sensuous kiss--and experienced a night of raw ecstasy that was branded into his memory. Years later, he spots his mysterious seductress--and this time, he has no intention of letting her go...

Little Red Writing: Nicolas de Savignac, Comte de Lambelle, has been assigned by the King to uncover the secret identity of the author writing scandalous stories about powerful courtiers. He never expected his investigation would lead to his grandmother's house, or to a ravishing woman who would stir his deepest hunger...

Bewitching in Boots: Elisabeth de Roussel, daughter of the King, is accustomed to getting what she wants--and she wants Tristan de Tiersonnier, Comte de Saint-Marcel, an ex-commander of the King's private Guard. A recent injury has forced Tristan to leave his distinguished position, but Elisabeth is determined to make him see he's every bit the man he once was--and more than man enough for her...

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"Lila DiPasqua brilliantly pens three unique stories filled with mirth, passion and sinfully charming heroes." ~ Romance Junkies

"AWAKENED BY A KISS is a magnificent debut! Not only was I enchanted by each of the three classic tales which Ms DiPasqua has turned into delectable fiery tales, but it was so refreshing to have the setting of each of these stories in France." ~ The Romance Dish

"Lila DiPasqua puts a steamy erotic twist on classic fairy tales that will make you rethink the purpose of a bedtime story. I most certainly look forward to more from this author." ~ Fiction Vixen

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Can you tell us a little bit about your debut historical romance novel, AWAKENED BY A KISS?

AWAKENED BY A KISS is the first in my "Fiery Tales" series. It's a collection of three classic fairy tales, wickedly retold. I've taken "Sleeping Beauty," "Little Red Riding Hood" and "Puss in Boots" and have given them my own romantic and sexy twists. This steamy historical romance anthology was inspired by Charles Perrault's fairy tales. He was the first to write down folklore that had been retold verbally for generations and add morals to his stories--long before the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen. Perrault was the creator of The Tales of Mother Goose, and I set this book in his lifetime--when the genre of fairy tales was born--the majestic kingdom of 17TH century France.

Where did the term "Fiery Tales" come from?

It was actually my husband who came up with "fiery tales." I was trying to think of a title that would best describe my fairy tale re-tellings, and I thought my husband's suggestion was brilliant. It put a big grin on his face when he learned Berkley was keeping it.

Can you give some interesting tidbits you discovered while researching the time period AWAKENED BY A KISS is set in?

There was so much that's fascinating about this time period! It was deliciously decadent, full of elegance and excesses. The king, after all, was Louis XIV, the Sun King. He did everything on a grand scale and was full of interesting habits and quirks.

He spent his days strolling about the vast gardens at Versailles--his throng of courtiers and violinists following him around--because he felt it was unhealthy to be indoors. He adored women and LOVED sex. It's been said that he had sex up to twice a day into his seventies! He felt as king, he had the right to have any woman he wanted, married or not. He hated convents because he felt that a woman shouldn't be shut away like that. After all, women were placed on earth for a man's pleasure, right? With a number of mistresses, he had a brood of illegitimate children, most of whom he legitimized.

It was his second wife, Madame de Maintenon, who managed to curb his vice-ridden ways. She convinced the aging King to stop his womanizing and live a more pious life. The problem was, this pious woman's plan to make the King Louis a better man backfired on her. He may have given up his womanizing, but he still had a libido that wouldn't quit. As his wife, she was now the sole focus of his carnal attention. She was to take care of all his sexual needs.

Whenever the urge would hit him, King Louis would have his wife (who was two years older than him) summoned outdoors. Image how thrilled she must have been, in her sixties, being summoned out of prayer, once or twice a day, out to the gardens--only to be asked to step around the bushes for His Majesty's pleasure.

While courtiers stood nearby.

A red-faced Madame de Maintenon would have to walk back to the palace past a mass of softly snickering courtiers.

There are actual letters that have survived where Madame de Maintenon wrote to her confessor, asking for the Church's permission to deny King Louis sex. She felt that since the Church considered sex to be for the purpose of procreation, and she was well past the age to provide the king with any children, she and Louis shouldn't be having sex any longer. Unfortunately for her, she didn't get the Church's blessing to refuse him. Rather, the letter in response encouraged her to attend to her husband's needs as it kept the king from indulging in extra-marital affairs, keeping him from sin.

When Louis died at age 76, she wrote a letter to her cousin stating, "Oh what a martyrdom I have endured!"

What's next in the Fiery Tales series?

In November 2010, my next "Fiery Tales" collection, THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED, will hit the shelves with three more sinfully seductive historical heroes who find their perfect match. Inspired by "The Emperor's New Clothes," "The Ugly Duckling" and "The Princess and the Pea," I put my own sensual spin on these classic fairy tales written by Hans Christian Andersen. They are scandalously retold and renamed "The Marquis' New Clothes," "The Lovely Duckling" and "The Princess and the Diamonds."

In 2011 I'm excited to bring readers a full-length "Fiery Tales" novel based on one classic fairy tale! Which one, you ask? One of the most beloved fairy tales of all time, Cinderella, as it's never been done before! It will be just as romantic and steamy as AWAKENED BY A KISS and THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED. This Cinderella tale has a sinfully delicious hero and a strong quick-witted heroine. And yes, there is a ball, a lovable yet highly opinionated fairy godmother and a cast of eccentric secondary characters to keep the hero and heroine on their toes.

In the meantime, be sure to check out a juicy excerpt of AWAKENED BY A KISS.

About Lila:

At age fourteen, Lila's best friend sneaked a romance novel out of her grandmother's house. After devouring it, Lila was hooked on romance novels for life. Today she lives with her real-life hero husband and three children and is a firm believer in the happily-ever-after. She loves history and enjoys traveling. She has been to four continents so far. Weaving in interesting historical facts she discovers during her travels, Lila writes stories about historical alpha-heroes and the heroines who make them lose their hearts. Her debut novel, AWAKENED BY A KISS is featured in Doubleday as well as Rhapsody Book Club.

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Would you like to win a copy of Lila's sexy, exciting debut? Just leave a comment or question for your chance to win. I'll draw the winner at random next Sunday. Void where prohibited. Best of luck, readers, and thanks to Lila for stopping by!

Excerpt Thursday: Lila DiPasqua

This week on Unusual Historicals we're welcoming contributor Lila DiPasqua as she celebrates the release of her debut, AWAKENED BY A KISS, available now from Berkley Sensation. This collection of re-imagined romantic, erotic fairy tales is set in 17th century France! We hope you'll join us Sunday when Lila will be here to answer questions and give away a copy.

Sleeping Beau: Five years ago, the notorious rake, Adrien d'Aspe, Marquis de Beaulain, was awakened by a sensuous kiss--and experienced a night of raw ecstasy that was branded into his memory. Years later, he spots his mysterious seductress--and this time, he has no intention of letting her go...

Little Red Writing: Nicolas de Savignac, Comte de Lambelle, has been assigned by the King to uncover the secret identity of the author writing scandalous stories about powerful courtiers. He never expected his investigation would lead to his grandmother's house, or to a ravishing woman who would stir his deepest hunger...

Bewitching in Boots: Elisabeth de Roussel, daughter of the King, is accustomed to getting what she wants--and she wants Tristan de Tiersonnier, Comte de Saint-Marcel, an ex-commander of the King's private Guard. A recent injury has forced Tristan to leave his distinguished position, but Elisabeth is determined to make him see he's every bit the man he once was--and more than man enough for her...

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Excerpt from "Sleeping Beau":

Two final strides and he was before her. Tall. Muscled. With hair the color of a moonless night sky. Her fingers began to tingle. Catherine clasped her hands tightly together. She could still feel its cool silky texture between her fingers, as if it were only yesterday that she'd caressed his dark shoulder-length hair. She'd forgotten just how large a man he was--his broad shoulders, his magnificently sculpted form. She felt small, very feminine near his powerfully built body.

Give nothing away. He doesn't remember you. He can't. Then why did he leave the gardens so quickly? Why is he here?

Schooling her features, she expelled the air from her lungs and met his gaze unwavering. "Yes?" she said, amazed at the coolness in her tone when she was on the brink of discomposure.

Those unforgettable light green eyes scrutinized her face. She fought not to fidget. His presence and proximity were disquieting on so many levels. Her insides quaked.

"I believe we've met, madame."

Her heart lurched. She managed a small smile. "I'm afraid you have mistaken me for someone else. Now, if you'll excuse me." She turned.

He caught her arm. A jolt of sensations shot through her.

"Unhand me," she said, shaken, a dizzying combination of excitement and dread inundating her.

He released her, the corner of his sensual mouth lifting, stopping short of a smile. Without a word, he slowly walked around her, his bold assessing gaze moving over her body. She could feel his tactile regard right through her clothing, making her hot from the inside out.

"Sir, your conduct is outrageous." Did she sound as breathless as she felt? "You are being extremely rude."

He stopped, his towering form now a formidable obstacle between her and the door to her rooms.

"It's you," he said.

She swallowed and lifted her chin a notch. "Pardon?"

"You're the woman who sneaked into my chamber that night five years ago."

Stirring memories filled her mind. She shoved them aside as she'd done many times throughout the years.

"You are mad. I told you--I don't know you."

He tilted his head to one side, a smug look in his eyes, much like the cat that had cornered the mouse. "Madame, you do know me--in the biblical sense. Though there was nothing but sinful delights in what we shared."

Heat crept down her face and neck to her chest. "Tell me," she responded with as much calm as she could muster. "Is this a habit of yours? Skulking around hallways? Making lurid--unfounded--accusations?" she asked. "Or perhaps this is your twisted way of enticing women? By telling them of your sexual exploits. Are there women who actually fall for this ploy?"

He stepped closer. Awareness rippled through her. Yet she refused to step back, knowing he was trying to intimidate her. His mouth was oh, so close to her own... Images of that skillful mouth on her body, grazing over her skin, drawing on her breasts made her sex clench and moisten.

"Perhaps you and I have a different definition of twisted," he said. "I'd like to know what twisted motives you had when you decided to taint my wine and surrender your innocence to me."

"It sounds like you had quite an evening," she said without flinching. "Though I can't comprehend why--after five years, did you say?--it would be so vivid in your mind. How can you be certain that it was I? Surely, you managed to find a woman or two since then willing to overlook your barbaric manners. You are"--she shrugged--"mildly attractive."

His brows shot up, surprised at first, then his lips twitched as he fought back a smile.

"Have I amused you?" How she wished he'd step back. His closeness was making it difficult to breathe. Or think. She had to get away from him. From the château.

Preempt her vacation.

"You have. I'm not accustomed to receiving a set-down from a woman." He slipped his fingers beneath her chin and caressed his thumb along her cheek. Pleasure streaked from his touch down to the tips of her breasts, causing her nipples to harden.

She took a quick step back and bumped into the wall. He braced his palms on either side of her shoulders, trapping her.

"I am also not accustomed to having a woman dupe and drug me." He stared at her pointedly.

Disasters: The Fronde

Lila DiPasqua

We've all heard of the French Revolution, the reign of terror that began 1789. You don't have to know French to be shocked by its list of victims found here. Many of the ages listed beside the names are young. Equally tragic were the number of entire families that were wiped out--put to death under the blade of the guillotine.

But did you know that the Revolution came very close to happening much earlier? More than 100 years earlier, in fact.

Sadly, it's true.

The upheaval that shook the citizens of France from 1648 to 1653, claimed many lives and drove the country into financial despair for years to come was called the Fronde. In French it means the "Sling." A child's toy. Something that street urchins played with.

Yet this civil war was no child's game, but an attack against the monarchy.

The king, Louis XIV, was but a boy. Not yet ten years of age when the violent rebellions of the Fronde began--rebellions that were meant to unseat his mother, the Queen Regent, who was to rule on his behalf until he came of age, and her First Minister, Cardinal Mazarin.

Cardinal Mazarin, though beloved by the boy king, was of Italian origins. Having been handed much of the Queen Mother's authority by the Queen Mother herself, Mazarin was despised by the French. They didn't think this foreigner should run their country, and they didn't think he governed well. His high taxes and power inspired resentment among the high nobility, the Parlement of Paris and the lowly commoners. The Queen Mother, Anne of Austria, didn't escape criticism either. Considered a foreigner too, she was called the whore of the Italian pig.

The Parlement of Paris were the first to balk, followed quickly by a number of high ranking men of the aristocracy--who were driven by their own personal interests and ambition.

The Frondeurs amassed private armies against the King, put up barricades in Paris, and incited the hungry crowds. It wasn't difficult to stir a mob, not when the cost of bread had risen higher than the poor could pay. The violence escalated. The deaths mounted. As did the danger to the young king. One night a mob broke into the palace to make certain the boy king had not fled the city and was still asleep in his bed.

Louis XIV never forgot the terror or humiliation he and his mother suffered during the Fronde. He was forced to leave Paris and flee to the country for his own safety as the rebellions continued and spread beyond the city boundaries. Together with his mother, they lived in exile and slept on straw beds. Anne of Austria was even forced to sell her jewelry for food.

Mazarin, too, had no choice but to leave the country, escaping to Germany.

On July 4th 1652 there was a bloodbath in the streets of Paris. It wasn't until October 1652 that young Louis XIV, now fourteen, was finally able reentered the city. With the Fronde over, the Frondeurs subdued, he recalled Mazarin back to France. His return in February 1653 marked the end of the Fronde, but not the end of the deaths.

Now, firmly seated in power, Mazarin continued to rule on Louis's behalf, with the young king's blessing even after Louis was crowned--until Mazarin's death in 1661. Mazarin's demand of higher taxes to fund war never ceased. Ultimately, the burden fell on the poor. Famine ran rampant throughout the realm. And the deaths in some areas occurred in numbers too great for church officials to properly record.