Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Today's Special -- Lila DiPasqua






I'm thrilled to welcome back to The Romance Dish historical author Lila DiPasqua!!  We always have a wonderful time when Lila visits and today is bound to be no exception.   Lila rewrites classic fairy tales with a fiery twist.   And let me tell you, Lila writes fiery very well indeed!!  Her latest release, UNDONE, is based on the old tale of Rupunzel.   Please join us as Lila tells us about UNDONE and discusses keeping secrets.





Excerpt from UNDONE:

Once upon a time there was a woman who was shut away in a tower.  It was said, she’d been there for years. Rumored to be a prisoner of her own making. No one knew much about the mysterious beauty. Or the secrets she guarded.  It was certain she’d live out her days cloistered.  Yet one day, out of the forest, they say her prince appeared.  One look at the lovely enchantress, and he was enthralled.  Upon hearing her ethereal voice, he was undone . . . What happened next, you ask?  Well, he scaled the tower and rescued the beauty, of course . . . Was that the end?  No, my dearlings, that was only the beginning. 
And what was to follow was stuff of fairy tales. . .

For those who know me, you know I’m a historical romance author who writes scorching retelling of favorite fairy tales.  My latest, UNDONE, is inspired by Rapunzel. 

I have a beauty in a tower – so to speak—with beautiful hair (though not long enough to climb :)  She has a stunning singing voice, too.  You see, Angelica has been hiding from her past in a convent for ten years.  She’s been keeping secrets a very long time.  And she has every intention of maintaining it that way.

But along comes our hero, Simon Boulenger.  Upon seeing her attacked, he does the heroic thing—and rescues her.  But this sexy privateer thinks he’s done her a great service.  He hasn’t. He’s placed her in great danger.  There is one man who can ruin her life, and Simon has inadvertently put her within striking range of this man.

My favorite kind of romance novel is the kind where the heroine brings out the best in the hero–and vice versa. It’s because of Simon that Angelica learns to really experience life.  To let down her hair. It’s because of Angelica that Simon sees himself as more than a commoner.  But it takes time and trust before either can reveal their painful secrets.

And no matter how much Angelica wants to pull away from Simon, the attraction these two characters feel for each other is intense.  Utterly magnetic.  Tall, dark and dangerous, (and a knee-weakening set of sinfully gorgeous light blue eyes), Simon is one carnally-gifted, bad boy historical hero no woman can easily resist. :)

I’ve been told by a number of readers that I made them cry or tear up in this emotional, steamy retelling of Rapunzel.  I hope you’ll enjoy it, too!

So dear reader, what was the last book you read or movie you watched that made you cry?

One random commenter will win a signed copy of A MIDNIGHT DANCE, my spicy, romantic retelling of Cinderella AND a signed copy of Delilah Marvelle’s ONCE UPON A SCANDAL.  (Giveaway open WORLDWIDE.)

~ Buffie

Visit www.LilaDiPasqua.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LilaDiPasquaAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/liladipasqua
Buy on:  (Coming soon on B&N and in print!)

NOTE: UNDONE is a Rock*it Reads book.
Rock*It Reads is made up of traditionally published authors committed to bringing high standards and professional quality to their self-published works. Whenever readers see the RIR logo, they know the book they are purchasing is held to an excellent standard of quality. We are Authors You Love with Stories that Rock. You can visit our site and check out more great reads at http://www.rockitreads.com/



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UNDONE
A Fiery Tale
Lila DiPasqua
HISTORICAL ROMANCE
April, 2012
Inspired by the tale of Rapunzel, Lila DiPasqua offers a new steamy, emotionally charged historical romance in the acclaimed Fiery Tales Series . . . Rescuing this beauty from the ‘tower’ is only the beginning . . .

Maintaining her ruse as a commoner, and trusting no one has kept Angelica safe. But a chance encounter with a handsome stranger lands her right where danger lies. Now, this sinfully handsome man with arresting blue eyes and a polished manner thinks he’s saved her life, when in fact he’s placed her in great peril. She’s intent on keeping him and everyone else at arm’s length. Yet, the smoldering attraction between them is difficult to deny. And impossible to ignore.

As commander of a number of privateer ships, Simon Boulenger dresses and speaks like an aristocrat, and has obtained wealth. But he is still not a noble. Or an officer in the King’s Navy. His lifelong dream to elevate himself from his station of birth and attain a respectable place in society is dead. Worse, he’s ensnared in a deadly scheme, and must get out. But how is he to stay focused on his dangerous mission when the mysterious beauty has him utterly intrigued? He can’t afford the distraction any more than he can resist the carnal hunger she stirs. Simon soon discovers that she’s not only a passionate soul mate, but a woman born into privilege. A woman he can never have. But they’re in too deep. Their hearts are at risk . . . as well as their lives.





97 comments:

  1. WOW!!! UNDONE makes my list. I love stories inspired by Fairy Tales.

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    1. My list too, Marybelle! Doesn't it sound terrific?

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    2. Thanks so much, Marybelle and PJ! There's something about fairy tales that are just timeless. :)

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    3. Hey Marybelle! I sure hope you enjoy UNDONE. Have you read any of Lila's books? If not, you really need to her a try!

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  2. Undone sounds like a wonderful read!

    I haven't read any books or seen any new movies lately, but an episode of Private Practice from a couple of weeks ago sure had me bawling like a baby!

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    1. I don't watch Private Practice but from the promos I see on TV, I have the feeling it would have me crying on a regular basis.

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    2. I don't watch much TV but now I'm intrigued, Trisha. Thanks for stopping in to chat with me. :)

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    3. Trisha, you would REALLY enjoy Lila's writing.

      I used to watch Private Practice, but gave up on it a while ago. It just didn't hold my interest any more.

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  3. Lila,

    UNDONE sounds fabulous! Angelica and Simon against the odds, escape at sea, danger

    ...his rescue of her from her tower. I'd love to read your fairytale version of Rapunsel!

    Last movie that made me cry: Autumn Rush
    Book: A Woman Without Lies- Elizabeth Lowell.

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    1. Off to look up Autumn Rush. I've not familiar with that movie. I love Elizabeth Lowell!

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    2. Thanks for the lovely comment, Laurie! I've just jotted down both your tear-jerking suggestions. :)

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    3. Thanks for stopping by Laurie. I'm off to check out your recommendations.

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  4. Lila's Undone is a must read as soon as possible.I love her Fiery Tales.Lila, congrats on this release.
    I just finished a book called Overseas by Beatriz Williams.Her Debut book.
    Everyone should read this story.
    Carol L
    Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com

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    1. I have Overseas on my tbr. I may just have to move it up the list!

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    2. Hi Carol! Great to see you here! Thanks for sharing and the great book suggestion. :)

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    3. Hey Carol! I absolutely love Lila's writing too. I'm diving into UNDONE tonight!

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  5. Never read Lila's work and I believe I am missing something! Book don't usually make me cry. Movies are more apt to bring tears to my eyes, but for the life of me, I can't remember a tear-jerking film that I've viewed recently. Signs of age I guess...sigh...

    Thanks for the giveaway.

    kareninnc at gmail dot com

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    1. I know what you mean, Karen. Most times I can't even remember what I had for last night's dinner! lol!

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    2. LOL...I'm with you, ladies! Too much other info on the brain! :) The last movie that made me cry was Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. Oh, how I cried in that movie.

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    3. Hey there, Karen!! You really need to read Lila's books ... I think you would love them.

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  6. Undone looks great. I love books that are retold fairy tales. I just can't get enough of them.

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    1. Me too, Rebekah! I loved fairy tales as a child and love the grown-up versions now that I'm an adult! :)

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    2. Thanks so much for the lovely comment, Rebekah! I hope you enjoy this very special retelling of Rapunzel. I can't tell you why it's special without giving away a big spoiler, but it definitely is one of the most emotional books I ever wrote. :)

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    3. Rebekah, if you love retold fairy tales, then you need to read Lila's books. Her writing is fabulous!

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  7. Congratulations on the new book which looks like a really interesting twist on the story. The last book which made me cry was Home Front by Kristin Hannah.

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    1. Home Front is another one on my tbr. I love Kristan Hannah's books!

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    2. I love her books, too! Got to get to that one, Maureen! Thanks for stopping in to share with me. :)

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    3. I hate to admit this, but I have not read anything by Kristin Hannah. I know, I know. One day I will. I hear so many wonderful things about her.

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  8. Hi Lila! Congrats on the release of Undone! Looking forward to reading it. As for the last book and/or movie that made me cry, I have to say that the excerpt from A Lady By Midnight at the back of Tessa Dare's A Week To Be Wicked totally had me in tears. And I admit I am a total sap so all of those cheesy sentimental Hallmark/Lifetime movies gets to me everytime!!! When the characters overcome obstacles and get the happy ending they so deserve, I get all misty.

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    1. Right there with you, Lisa. Even the Hallmark commercials make me cry! lol!

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    2. Me, too! We need to start a club, I think. I love a moving movie or read. It's the best. And so is Tessa Dare! Thank you for stopping by to chat with me.

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    3. LOL at the Hallmark/Lifetime movies ... I'm SO with you!! :-)

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  9. Lila,

    still cant po your new book - undone :(

    my friend also asked me to buy once this book available, hope it soon :)

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    1. Eli, I don't know when the print version will be available. Maybe Lila can tell us when she checks in.

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    2. Hi Eli! Great to see you here! I have the ebook up on Amazon and Smashwords right now. It will be up on Barnes & Noble very soon, but if you want a print version, no worries! That's in the works and will be available shortly, too. I'll announce it on FB as soon as it's available for purchase in print and on B&N. Thanks so much for your interest in UNDONE. Hugs! :)

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    3. Good to see you, Eli!! This is one book you will just LOVE!

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    4. hurray cant wait it Lila :)

      Hi PJ & Buffie,

      really can't wait to read this one :)

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  10. Sounds so good....added to my tbr list!!!!

    andieleah78@gmail.com

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Andieleah!

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    2. Oh, that's fantastic, Andieleah! I hope you enjoy it! So glad you stopped by. :)

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    3. I know that you will enjoy it, Andieleah!

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  11. Oh oh oh, I soooo want to read Undone!! Love Lila and Delilah!! :-)

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    1. Lila is such a sweetheart in addition to being a very talented author!

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    2. *blushes* You ladies are just awesome! Thank you both for the wonderful compliments. :) As for Delilah, I adore her, too! Great author and a totally amazing lady!

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    3. Thanks for stopping by krazymama! Just like PJ said, Lila is just so sweet! And her books are utterly delicious!

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  12. The last one that made me cry real bad was this Chinese book I read. It wasn't a HEA, and I cried like a fountain! Seriously! The way the author described it was superb, and just beyond saddening. Her descriptions were very unique, and she could really play with the reader's emotions.

    I've been wanting to read Undone for so long already!!!! Even the cover's begging me to read it!! I love all that fiery red, and that pose! Haha, anyway, thanks for making this giveaway international!

    CYP
    cypsays_hi[@]hotmail.com

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    1. Isn't that a gorgeous cover??? I'm looking forward to this one too!

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    2. Thank you, Cyp and PJ! I'm so delighted by your interest in UNDONE. That red dress is definitely stunning. I was so thrilled by the design of this cover. I love my international readers. :) You're very welcome!

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    3. Hey Cyp! Thanks for stopping by. I see that we agree on the cover of UNDONE. It's so beautiful!

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  13. When I read Jennifer Weiner's novel, "Then Came You," I was so touched by the outcome of one single egg donation and all of the lives changed by this one child. How anyone could read this book and not shed a tear is beyond comprehension.

    I'm so looking forward to reading "Undone" and find out how you have created your own version of the beloved Rapunzel. Crossing my fingers and toes in hope of being selected as a winner.

    Thanks for sharing this fun giveaway with your readers.

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    1. Thank you for your interest in UNDONE! I hope you enjoy the book. It's definitely done in a different and fresh way. And it's centers on an issue that I can't reveal without giving away a spoiler. Thanks for stopping in to share! :)

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    2. Hi Connie. I have not read anything by Jennifer Weiner, but I'll be looking checking out THEN CAME YOU. It sounds fabulous.

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  14. Congratulations on the new release. I have one of Lila's books on my TBR pile, but I haven't gotten to it yet.

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    1. Hi Kim, Thank you for the good wishes! I hope you enjoy my Fiery Tales world. Glad you stopped in to chat with me. :)

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    2. Hey Kim! Oh, girl, move that book up in your TBR ... you will NOT be disappointed!! :-)

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  15. Congrats on the new release! Thanks for a fun post and giveaway! Definitely on my wishlist and I would love a chance to read your "fairy tales".

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Erin! Lila's writing is so wonderful ... I think everyone would enjoy it.

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    2. Thanks for stopping by, Erin! I'm thrilled by your interest in my Fiery Tales. :)

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  16. Undone sounds wonderful! :)

    The last book that made me cry was Julie Anne Long's novel What I did for a duke....

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    1. Hi May! I haven't read that one by Long yet, but I did hear so many wonderful things about that book.

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    2. Thank you for the lovely comment about UNDONE! I adore Julie Anne Long. :)

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  17. Welcome back, Lila!! Congrats on the release of UNDONE. I have it next to my bed and will be starting it tonight. Can't wait!! Iknow that it will be just as fabulous as all your others.

    As far as the last thing to make me cry ... I really couldn't think of the last movie or book, but I did tear up a bit earlier this week while watching the reality show GUILIANNA AND BILL. I know you probably don't think a reality show can make you cry, but Guiliana and Bill have been struggling with having a child and then Guiliana was diagnosed with breast cancer. On this episode they found out their surrogate was pregnant with their child and both of them were so overcome with joy that I cried.

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    2. I'm so thrilled to be back, Buffie! Thanks so much! Oh,wow. I've never watched that reality show but it sound incredibly moving. Hugs to you and all the wonderful The Romance Dish ladies. :) I hope you enjoy the book!

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  18. The last book that made me cry was Kathryne Kennedy's The Lord of Illusion from her Elven series. I love when a story makes me cry or laugh or both! Gorgeous cover and sounds like a wonderful story!

    catslady5(at)aol.com

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    1. I'm with you ... I love when a book makes me laugh and cry.

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    2. I love it when a book makes me cry, too. Thank you for the lovely compliment on UNDONE. :)

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  19. Late as usual, but still execited for your new release, Lila. I love stories like this and the cover alone would make me buy it! The last book that made me cry was also based on a fairy tale:
    "When Beauty Tamed the Beast" by Eloisa James. I hope that UNDONE earns you a RITA nomination this time next year as well!

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    1. Hey Flora! Isn't it a beautiful cover?

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    2. Flora, you are too wonderful! Thank you for leaving such a lovely comment! I'm so glad the book sounds appealing and that you like the cover. I'd give anything to wear that red dress for a day. lol :)

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  20. I love the concept of romances based on fairy tales. Absolutely love the TV series Once Upon A Time!!!!!!
    I pretty much cry during any Hallmark movie, not because of the movie, but beacause of the Hallmark Commercials.
    Nothing is better than winning a free read, unless of course there is free chocolate :)

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    1. Hallmark commercials always get to me. It never fails

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    2. LOL---Gwen, I like your thinking! :) Oh and I like ONCE UPON A TIME. I'm so glad you stopped in to share!

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  21. Hi Lila! Your books are a must read for me. Haven't read any of them yet, but they are on my list. Count me in as another one that can't think of any books or movies that have made me cry. I did see an old episode of Too Close for Comfort last night that made my eyes tear up.

    kscathy@yahoo.com

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    1. Hey Cathy. So you are a lover of Lila's books too? Aren't they fabulous!!

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    2. Hi Cathy! Thanks so much for your interest in my books! I'm delighted you stopped by to chat with me. :)

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  22. Undone is already on my TBR list. I found her through other authors she is involved with in RIR.. I can not wait to get out to pick up this book. Congrats on your release and starting your group eith the other fantastic authors, can't wait to find out more.
    purpleunicorn19 at yahoo dot com

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    1. Thanks for stopping by! I love Lila's books and hope you enjoy them too.

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    2. Thank you for the good wishes and lovely comment! I'm so glad UNDONE has captured your interest! So glad you stopped in to share with me. :)

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  23. Hey, Lila! Congrats on your new release! I seriously need to pick up your fiery tales. Buffie raves about them and her taste in books is very similar to mine. :)

    As for your question--I'm a baby, so it doesn't take much to make me cry. Heck, a Publix (local grocery store chain) commercial makes me cry. LOL! And don't get me started on Hallmark movies....

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    1. LOL! I'm very much like you. It doesn't take much to make me cry either. Thank you for having me back here! I love The Romance Dish! :)

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  25. Undone sounds really good.And that is a beautiful cover.
    I don't remember the last time I cried at a book or movie/tv.Shows where people have cried I haven't.Although I've been told I am a bit of a hardass..lol.Not much can make me cry.


    elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net

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    1. LOL! Sounds like you're my kind of person! :) I hope you'll try UNDONE. I'd love to know if it makes you tear up!

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  26. Congratulations on the book! It was The Notebook.

    bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  27. Unclaimed by Courtney Milan but it doesn't take much to make me cry. I tear up at the slightest provocation, it's embarrassing.

    thumbelinda03@yahoo.com.

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    1. LOL. I'm often the same way, Linda. Maybe we should start a club? Thanks for sharing!

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  28. Sadly I cry at movies easily! We just watched WarHorse and I bawled at the ending! ;) 4hrjc(at)mchsi(dot)com

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping in to share! I haven't seen the movie, but I'm definitely interested now. :)

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  29. I don't usually cry due to movies or books (rather when I'm too tired and emotional), but there is one movie which always makes me tear up: Message in a Bottle with Kevin Costner, a guaranteed tear-jerker :-)

    stella.exlibris (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Oh, yes! That movie made me cry like a baby. So great to see you here! :)

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  30. Lila -

    Congratulations on the release of Undone! Once again you have shared with your readers the joy and fantasies of our childhood and brought them to life!

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  31. I love the cover haven't read anything byb you yet but wll put it on my wish list...


    Donna

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  32. Hi ladies!!
    Wow for the cover.. I love the dress very much ;)

    The last movie that made cry was The Vow. It didn't get me all out cry, only teary eyed. Too bad it didn't show the second wedding..

    smile_1773@yahoo.com

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  33. About any emotional book will make me sleep or tear up at least. One that I read last year that I had to take breaks from a few times was Sarah MacLean's 11 Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart. Juliana was a great, emotional character and I had to walk away from the book a few times because it caused to to get very teary.
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    June
    manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com

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  34. HI LILA, I don't cry easily, but i remember one time i cry over a book is a book called the star from danielle steel:). Till today i still can imagine the girl from the book comes alive started singing and it totally touch my heart, arethazhenATrocketmailDOTCOM

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