I’m so pleased to have bestselling author Lila DiPasqua visiting the blog today. Lila writes wonderful and very sexy historical romance, and her Fiery Tales series of books are justly acclaimed. She has a scorching new Christmas novella out–The Duke’s Match Girl, an erotic and emotionally charged retelling of the fairy tale, The Little Match Girl.
Here’s the blurb:
As childhood friends, Leopold d’Ermart and Suzanne Matchet were inseparable. One unforgettable Christmas Eve, their relationship changed from the best of friends…to lovers. But the heir of the Duke of Mont-Marly isn’t supposed to fall in love with the daughter of his family’s physician. Or vice versa.
Is this a second chance at first love?
Years later, Suzanne is dreading her first Christmas without her father. The heartbreak Leo caused when he left seven years ago is a distant memory. And she prefers to keep it that way. The last thing Suzanne expects is for tall, dark, and sinfully seductive Leo d’Ermart to show up at her door and announce he wants her back in his life. And in his bed. Worse, the now celebrated libertine is even more devastating to a woman’s senses than ever before…
Or are they playing with fire?
The only woman Leo, Duke of Mont-Marly, has ever yearned for is the adorably unconventional, intelligent beauty who got away. He discovers Suzanne creating and selling matchsticks, elixirs for the ill…and is still so damned alluring. Leo is determined to show her the depth of his desire, win back Suzanne’s heart. And give her a Christmas beyond her wildest imagination…
This 32,000 word novella contains very hot and explicit sex scenes, so you’ve been warned!
And here’s an excerpt to whet your appetite!
A sudden clattering of horses’ hooves against cobblestones grabbed her attention. The sound rose quickly, getting louder with its rapid approach, obliterating the din of the townspeople moving about on foot and in carts outside.
This was a team of horses.
A large one.
A team of horses that had just come to an abrupt stop directly on the other side of her shop’s door.
Suzanne tensed, unable to shake the sudden dread that crested over her. Deep in the pit of her belly, she was gripped by a strong, unshakeable feeling that she knew exactly who had just arrived. Large teams of horses were not an everyday occurrence in Maillard.
No. Impossible… She’d unequivocally rebuffed Leo.
It couldn’t be him. Could it?
Lucille bolted for the window before Suzanne could stop her. “There’s a carriage with six horses here!” she all but squealed. “That’s a DUC!”
Rosalie wasted no time darting to her sibling’s side. She let out her own shriek of excitement. “There are definitely six horses. It is a duc! Oh, my… I believe he’s coming this way!”
The door suddenly opened.
Suzanne’s stomach dropped.
Three large men—including Gilles—entered her shop, one by one bowing to her briefly. Just as the third stepped to one side, a gust of winter wind stole into the room.
Suzanne barely felt the chill. She was far too stunned by the presence of the tall, familiar form now filling her doorway. And the breathtaking changes in him that had taken place these last seven years. Gracious God…
A second breeze wafted in, ruffling the hem of Leo’s long black cloak. Caressing his dark hair.
Against her will, she took in the breadth of his shoulders, which were wider, even more powerful, his handsome face that was more mature.
And more devastating.
Everything about him had seemingly intensified, from the hardness of his chiseled body to the hue of those spellbinding light green eyes. He had a presence and air of authority like never before.
Before her stood an incredibly gorgeous male who completely dominated the room. One who’s caused you more pain than anyone else ever has in your life.
And he was more attractive than ever.
The Duke’s Match Girl is available for ONLY 99 cents on Amazon, B & N, Kobo, Smashwords, and will soon be out in print.
And for my readers today, Lila is running a very special contest. She’s giving away two copies of her print backlist–reader’s choice. So, two readers who comment will each win a book, and one of them will also win this lovely Christmas Key ornament:
Wow! Thanks for your generosity, Lila! To be eligible to win these fab prizes (visit Lila’s website to check out her books) just tell us what’s your favorite fairy tale, or movie version of a fairy tale. Two readers will Lila’s wonderful prizes!
I got THE DUKE’S MATCH GIRL the instant I heard it had been released. Lila has a wonderful way with fairy tales.
My favorite fairy tale is Beauty and the Beast. I love how Beauty can *see* the real Beast and how he’s transformed by her love.
B & B is one of my favorites too, Marcy!
Aww, thank you for the lovely comment, Marcy! Hope you enjoy Leo and Suzanne’s story. 🙂
My favorite fairy tail is Cinderella and Rapunzel. 🙂
I loved Tangled, Zee, the cartoon version of Rapunzel.
LOVE those, too, Zee! Thanks for stopping by and sharing. 🙂 @Vanessa–Believe it or not, I never saw Tangled. LOL
I bought The Duke’s Match Girl when I saw that the price was 99cents. Read it over a few hours last nite. Totally agree that it has “very hot and explicit sex scenes” *fans self*.
My fav fairy tale is Beauty & the Beast. I love the scarred hero premise & of course he gave her a library.
Yes, the library is the best, Linda!
Thanks for stopping by, Linda! So glad you appreciated Leo`s natural talents. 😉
I love most versions of Beauty and the Beast–there’s always a magical library in there somewhere! Definitely going to watch the new French version when it comes out next year.
I didn’t know there was a new French version coming out – thanks for the head’s up!
OOO, how awesome that there will be a new French version! Especially since it`s a tale that was originally French! That`s awesome!
I like the movie fairy tale Ever After.
That’s a good one, KV!
Oh, yes! That`s one of my favorite movies! 🙂
Beauty and the Beast 🙂 Thanks for sharing and congrats to Lila on the new release!
Beauty and the Beast is definitely in the lead! The ultimate Bad Boy hero.
I totally agree, Vanessa. He makes the greatest transformation for his love. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by to join in the fun, Erin!
Love Beauty and the Beast! The best on was the television series
That was such a great series!
My favorite fairy tale changes all the time. At the moment, it would have to be Rapunzel. But on any given day, it can change. I have The Dukes Match Girl on my kindle. But I have to find time still for reading.
I have always enjoyed Lilas stories. 😉
Awww,thanks so much for the lovely comment, Lisa! It`s a crazy busy time of year. I`m so glad you stopped by to share. 🙂
like Cinderella
My favorite, too! 🙂
My favorite has always been Beauty and the Beast.
I`m starting to think I should do a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. So many fans of this wonderful fairy tale, here! 🙂 Thanks for dropping by to share, Lilian
I love the newest Raphunzel version – the animated movie ‘Tangled’ – romance, music & adventure!
Hi Diane! One day, I`m going to have to sit down and watch that movie. 🙂 Hugs!
I have read 3 books in Lila’s Fiery Tales series and my favorite one has to be ‘The Duke’s Match Girl’. I don’t watch TV too much, I rather read a book that watch a program. Thank you!
Hi Nicole! You are just awesome! 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by. Hugs!
Thank you for the post. I like Tangled.
Hi Lila,
Just download your new novella, can’t wait to read it 🙂
I always love cinderella and beauty nnd the beast 🙂
Btw Merry Christmas and happy holiday and for you to Vanessa 🙂
When I was younger my favorite fairytale was Cinderella. I don’t know why I just felt that she made me think that I can do anything no matter what others say. I think I felt like that because I was a bit bullied when I was younger and she made me believe that if I didn’t listen then I wouldn’t have a problem.
I watched TANGLED with my daughter just yesterday. So Rapunzel is fresh in my mind. I do love re-tellings.
I’ve always loved Sleeping Beauty and just met Aurora on a recent trip to Walt Disney World.
Hi Lila and Vanessa! *waving*
Just wanted to tell Lila how much I enjoy her books! I really enjoy your spin on the wonderful fairy tales, wild, just wonderful and wild!
Congrats on your new release which, just happens to be on my Kindle. *^_^*
I just have to wait for a bit before I can start reading it.
P.S. ~ please do not enter me in contest. 🙂