Awakened by a Kiss by Lila DiPasqua

Note: The book reviewed is not suitable for persons under the age of majority.

SUMMARY (from Goodreads): Three classic fairytales – “Sleeping Beauty,” “Puss in Boots,” and “Little Red Riding Hood” – cleverly retold with enough sensual twists to prove wickedly ever after does exist….

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..

MY OPINION:

Awakened by a Kiss is a collection of three novellas loosely based on classic fairy-tales. The stories are set in France during the reign of Louis XIV and faintly depict the glamour and the intrigues of his court.

The connection of the stories to the corresponding fairy-tales is VERY loose. The main characters and an echo of the fairy-tale plot can be recognised, but no more than that. All three novellas are focused on sex, therefore the plot and characterization are all but non-existent and serve only as a background.

The plots and characters' depictions are rushed in order to make place for erotic scenes. Now, I enjoy erotica when it comes in package with a compelling plot, possibly some suspense, and well-developed characters, which is not the case in these stories. The stories in Awakened by a Kiss have interesting premises, but their potential remains largely unrealised.

Of the three stories, the third one, Bewitching in Boots, is the one I enjoyed the most. Even though everything said above holds true for this one, too, I liked that Elisabeth actually helped Tristan go through some difficulties.

Finally, I think these three novellas would be much better if expanded into full-length novels, thus allowing for plot and character development. Anyway, Awakened by a Kiss is an easy read for when you just want your brain to rest for a while.

RECOMMENDATION: Awakened by a Kiss is readable if you want just a light adult read. However, if you are looking for erotica with a memorable story and the characters you fall in love with, this is not it.