Today is a huge day in the DiPasqua household. A MIDNIGHT DANCE is officially released! And I have a huge surprise for you!
But before I get to that, I don’t need to tell all the Romance Husbands (RHs) out there how big a deal the release day of a book is…Watching your DW slave away for such a long time, and then finally see her book hit the shelves is an absolute thrill. Today I’m going to share with you my perspective on Lila’s writing career—and A Midnight Dance in particular. I hope you enjoy it. Oh and don’t worry, I’ll be interviewing myself as a RH on August 19th, just in case you think I am avoiding answering my own questions. 😉
First off, Lila’s writing career has given our family the opportunity to visit some great places. You see, we’ve often travelled with her to the RWA conferences and other such events and turned them into family vacations.
But we’ve also visited historical settings, castles and manors in France and in England.
Reading Lila’s stories reminds me of our travels together. Her love of history and attention to historical detail shines through in her work. I was there with her when she researched the places she mentions in her Fiery Tales series. And this is just one reason why A Midnight Dance is so special to me.
Ever wonder why Disney set its version of Cinderella in France (as well as Beauty and the Beast)?
Or why the popular movie EVER AFTER (a Cinderella retelling) starring Drew Barrymore was also set in France?
 |
| Charles Perrault |
That’s because of a man named Charles Perrault who lived in the 17th century, in France, and wrote a book you might have heard of—THE TALES OF MOTHER GOOSE. True to the Cinderella story, A MIDNIGHT DANCE is also set in France—during a period of incredible opulence and decadence…Imagine all the things you love about reading a historical romance set in Regency England—lords and ladies, balls, and gowns…extravagance beyond compare. Those are the very things you get in A MIDNIGHT DANCE. The places I’ve visited in France are as beautiful as any I’ve seen in England. 🙂
Now, I’ve always prided myself on being an alpha male, but Lila writes at such an emotional level, that I’ve been known to fight back a tear. In Lila’s novella The Lovely Duckling published in last year’s book, THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED, the heroine is bullied by the hero, and then they reunite 10 years later. I know this theme has been done by others since then, but this story is truly a touching tale about a woman who’s a burn victim and who learns to see herself through the hero’s eyes as the beautiful swan she truly is. I didn’t think it was possible, but Lila managed to ratchet up the emotional sentiment even higher in A MIDNIGHT DANCE.
Lila’s heroines are always strong, and I personally love each one. I see a piece of Lila in each. In A MIDNIGHT DANCE, Sabine — our heroine— has the weight of the world and the future of her family on her shoulders. She’s in dire straits. How far would you be willing to go to save those you love? Sabine’s loyalty and courage make her, in my opinion, a great heroine and a woman to be admired.
As for the heroes, well . . . at the A Midnight Dance Blog Party, we’ve heard many of the RHs express that they believed they see themselves in the heroes their wives create. I’m no different. It’s true that Lila may have used one or two of my good qualities in her heroes (I still hold on to this thought 😉 ) but there’s no doubt in my mind that a hero’s tragic flaw is what gives him depth and dimension. Jules, the hero in A MIDNIGHT DANCE is multi-faceted. Yes, he’s all male, but how the heroine embraces those flaws, and how they overcome the obstacles keeping them apart are what make a true fairy tale ending.
Lastly, I’ve got to mention Lila’s fans. They’re the best. I’ve always raved about Lila’s ability to write emotion, details, dialogue and one heck of a HOT love scene!!! But the greatest validation comes from her fans. So, I thank you all! Whenever Lila gets an email from a fan and it confirms what I have been saying all along—and gives me my one and only opportunity to say, “See I told you so”. (Note To Self… NTS do not try this line unless you have been fully trained to do so, the consequences may be dire!!)
In case it’s not obvious, I’m Lila’s greatest fan. And I’m excited for her big day. I know her publisher Berkley is as well.
Here’s the surprise part—are you ready? Berkley is so excited, that they’ve decided to celebrate by giving away 30 FREE copies of A MIDNIGHT DANCE at The Season Blog TODAY!
THIS GIVEAWAY IS OPEN TO THE US & CANADA ONLY.
It’s no surprise that it’s one of The Season Blogs August TOP PICKS! If you don’t win a copy, I hope you’ll read A MIDNIGHT DANCE (remember, if you can’t purchase a copy, you can always ask your library to order one! It’s still a sale!) I hope every one of you love this book as much as I do! As for tonight’s celebration, I hope to have a quite dinner, watch EVER AFTER. Or maybe dance to our wedding song at midnight with my Princess….
Mr. D
PS See you tomorrow when the interviews continue!!
I can’t wait to read this book!! I love ALL of your books and have all of them except A MIDNIGHT DANCE.. I hope I win a signed copy… I’m so excited its finally out..I’m so Happy for you.. Congrats on Another Amazing Book!!! Lila you ROCK!!
XOXOXOXO Debbie
This is an awesome blog and great giveaway. I can’t wait to read the book
Congratulations! Such a terrific day!
Congrats on your release Lila! I am LOVING ever word of A Midnight Dance! Woot Woot!
Congratulations to Lila on her new release today.
Mr. diPasqua, that was a wonderful perspective on Lila’s career. And so romantic! As for A Midnight Dance – well, I can hardly wait to get my hands on this fabulous novel. Congratulation, Lila!!!
To Mr. DiPasqua: Reading your post today has only confirmed the reason Mrs. DiPasqua fell in love with you. You are the alpha male unafraid to show his love for his family. The pride and respect and love was alive in every word you wrote and brought tears to my eyes. Go for the midnight dance to your wedding song! Thank you.
To Mrs. DiPasqua: Congratulations on the release of A Midnight Dance! I hope that it is wildly successful for you. Have a wonderful day!
🙂 I hate to admit this, but my sister and I had a Disney Marathon binge on Sunday consisting of those very movies set in France! Beauty and the Beast our absolute favorite. Mr. DiPasqua, your words and perspective of Lila’s work are perfect, her characters are simply believable, it’s so easy to invest time in them. Congratulations on the release of a Midnight Dance Lila – and thank you both for taking time out of your very busy schedules for us – your fans! Cheers
I can’t wait to read the book. I have to wait until tomorrow when I get back home. I’m hoping it will be waiting for me.
Mr. D. – that was just lovely. You two seem well matched in your abilities to express sentiments. Best to you both on this day of joy!
Mr. D, what a beautiful testement to your beautiful wife! She is a true heroine in the eyes of her readers but you have now become my favorite hero. You show thru your words and acts the love you feel for your wife and they are reflected back in her wonderful stories.
It is said that a writer writes what she feels and lives. The true love you share for each other shines thru in Lila’s stories.
Awesome giveaway and would love to win so please choose me. Love your work and this book sounds great. thanks for the giveaway and the chance to win.
Congrats to both of you on the release of A Midnight Dance!!I agree with Mr. d..Lila is AWESOME!! Can’t wait to read her newest.
What a beautiful post Mr DiPasqua and I have to say I loved Lila’s first 2 books and am sooo looking forward to reading this one, I just loose myself in the stories and they take me on wonderful adventures to fantastic HEA’s.
Huge congrats on release day
Have Fun
Helen
Mr. DiPasqua, what a wonderful and revealing post. You and Lila are well matched. She is so lucky to have you as her husband and sounding board. I love your RH posts.
Lila, a big congrats to you on the release of A Midnight Dance! I know it will be a best seller!
I can’t wait to pick up a copy of this book. I love Lila’s books and I just know this one will be awesome.
Danielle @Ramblings From This Chick
Happy release day!!!!!!!! I can’t wait to read A midnight Dance!
Happy release day! This is just awesome.
lead[at]hotsheet[dot]com
Congratulations on your release. Wow, what a way to celebrate 🙂
Awe Mr D you are so awesome Your a Keeper.
Enjoy your magical night.
Ann/alba
First, Congrats Lila.I was hooked from your very first Fiery tale and I’m looking forward to reading A Midnight Dance. No one does Fairy Tales the way you do. I’m a forever fan. Mr. D, your love and pride showed in every word of your post.
You definitely have your own Fairy tale going. 🙂 And that’s okay because it comes through in her stories. Thank you so much for sharing.
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
Congrats on release day! Hope you two are celebrating!
Brava! Brava! Bravissima!!!
Allow yourself to be caught up and carried away by the romantic dreams and passionate reality of “A Midnight Dance”!
Here’s a link to my *5 STAR* review: http://www.amazon.com/gp/cdp/member-reviews/AG4U11RFDY7LU/ref=cm_cr_yc_cdp?ie=UTF8&sort_by=MostRecentReview
US Resident, GFC Follower, Subscriber
gcwhiskas at aol dot com
Congrats on the new release Lila!!!!! Absolutely GORGEOUS cover.
That is such an amazing thing. Mr. D, your DW has such an amazing job and being able to travel because of it is just awesome!
My favorite version of Cinderella is Ever After with Drew Barrymore. I watch it at least once a month.
_______
Kati R
Congratulations to you Lila!
I can’t wait to pick up my copy! Winning a signed one would be fantastic!
Mr. D, thank you for such a heartwarming post! We can all see the pride you have in Lila! Loving these blogs! Can’t wait for YOURS!
😀
Congratulations to you both on the release of A MIDNIGHT DANCE. I am certain it will do well. I wish I were still working at the library and doing the ordering.
I am glad to see that your family is taking advantage of the opportunities that work related travel affords.
I hadn’t realized that Cinderella was originally set in France. Nor did I realize that Mother Goose was french.
I am a follower of The Season Blog and have been looking forward to this giveaway.
Hope the sales this week exceed expectations.
librarypat AT comcast DOT net
I’m really looking forward to reading this book! I read the excerpt and I love it!
Robin D
robindpdx (at) yahoo (dot) com
Hi everyone! Thirty-five minutes to midnight, so I have to write this quickly. LOL In all seriousness, thanks so much for all the wonderful comments and good wishes!
Virginia–That’s an awesome review. Having just googled “Scheherazade”, I couldn’t agree more. She is a great story teller. 🙂
Mr. D.
Congrats on your release, Lila! I’d certainly love to dance a “midnight dance” 🙂
Oh wow. If a person is measured by the quality of the people they attract, then I am the richest woman in the world. For you are ALL the finest! Thank you everyone!! Debbie–Thank you so much!! I think you rock, too!! Pam M–Thanks so much for your wonderful interest in AMD! I’m so happy you like this blog party and giveaway. 🙂 kissablesweet1 –Thank you! People like you make it special! YzhaBella’s BookShelf—That’s great! I’m so delighted you’re enjoying it! Carolyn—Thank you! He’s definitely a keeper. And pretty darn wonderful, too. 🙂 Maria–Thank you very much! Karen–What a lovely… Read more »
Congrats with the release Lila! I love Ever After and that is one if my fave movies.. hmmm as a child I had an old book with collections of the classic stories in their orig form and I read Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella (I think the title was The Glass Slipper or something) and bith were different from Disney’s sanitized version… Read the first chapter of A Midnight dance and loved it! Already bought it on my Nook!
Happy Book Release Day!
GFC follower
ironss [at] gmail [dot] com
Twitter follower (@infinitieh)
Fan on Facebook (@S G-s Tieh)
Yahoo Newsletter group member (@infinitieh)
Bummer, I was so busy @ work etc…yesterday that I missed this. Mr.D, I’m loving your blog & your support and love for Lila is a sight to behold. I’d be here, giveaways or not, just because it’s such a fun, loving, & supportive place to visit.
Looking forward to more!
*sigh* I’m so jealous that I’m not able to enter this contest ;-(
Enjoy the win people you are in for a treat ;o)
Rita from South Africa
bitemeash(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Fan on Facebook
Fan on Yahoo Newsletter group
Follower through Google Friend Connect)
I think Disney’s Cinderella and Ever After (Loved that movie!) are set in France because France is supposedly the “land of love” and where romance supposedly originated. Isn’t it?