Sleeping Beauty

By: Judith Ivory

Narrated by: Violet Primm

The beautiful courtesan Coco Wilde is famous for her ability to keep the wealthiest men in 19th-century London hanging on her every smile. But she maintains a careful emotional detachment from all admirers. When she meets Sir James Stoker, however, the raven-haired Coco is attracted by his radiant smile and dangerous eyes. Determined to capture her, James must find out how to break the spell of indifference Coco has cast around herself. As the passion between Coco and James awakens, Sleeping Beauty heats up with the intensity of their love-making. Vivid images, tumultuous emotions, and exotic settings add to the drama of their sizzling romance.

When Sleeping Beauty was first published, it was chosen by the Romance Writers of America and Romantic Times as one of the top 10 books of the year. A steamy retelling of the well-known fairy tale, Sleeping Beauty uses the classic children's story as a springboard to a very adult quest.

©1998 Judith Ivory (P)2001 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

"A beautifully romantic fairy tale, exquisitely told and infinitely satisfying." (Booklist)
"Ivory...enchants her readers with intense sexual tension, understated but powerful symbolism, great plotting and sympathetic characters who buck tired types." (Publishers Weekly)

Judith Ivory scores again!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

These characters are fascinating and they have a rare chemistry. Really a fun read because of their interaction.

What other book might you compare Sleeping Beauty to and why?

Judith Ivory is incomparable except to Judy Cuervas, her other name. Dance by Cuervas is similar.

Have you listened to any of Violet Primm’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not paid attention to names, except Patrick Tull, Anna Fields, and Frederick Davidson, but I think Violet Primm was very good and I would definitely listen again to her recordings and pay more attention to names now that I can get more books through Audible. I am not sure, but I think she did The Widow's Kiss which I enjoyed.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I felt anger for the bad way the characters were being treated. I was involved and I loved the older woman, younger man theme.

Violet Primm is Davina Porter

First, let me say I remember reading this in middle school and I liked it. It wasn't a Flowers from The Storm but it was a great read, as are all of her books. My favorite is The Indiscretion, but I digress. Her Judy Cuevas books are great too. When I heard the sample, immediately I tried to find more info about Violet Primm through Google, because being a devout Outlander fan since 2000s I knew that voice sounded familiar. And look and behold, even back in town 2010 or 2011 someone thought she sounded like the Goddess, Davina Porter. And they are on point. This is Davina Porter. I can't really find anything else on Audible read by her. Not a lot on Google. I haven't even started to listen to this book yet, but Hey I will listen to Davina Porter read the phone book ( remember those?) and I remember loving the book when younger. I will enjoy this.

Different

Odd tale for Judith Ivory and the ending is unbelievable.

For old-fashioned Romance lovers.

A fairy tale within a fairy tale..... This is a fairy tale romance indeed. I adored Sleeping Beauty in paperback (several times), and may like it even better in Audible.

I admit to finding the other Judith Ivory books I've attempted to be closer to porn than to romance, but the lovely Sleeping Beauty continues to stand alone and stand up to time - even though it certainly has it's share of sex scenes. Those scenes, however, are definitely integral to our understanding of these people and are warm and fun, rather than gymnastic and overly drawn out.

Yes, the premise is a bit ridiculous, and it's true I would normally find the hero and his absurd jealous rages completely annoying, but.... I love the heroine, I enjoy the hero for reasons I don't understand, and the story makes me happy - maybe even more on Audible than in print.

If you enjoy Regency Romance, do yourself a favor and listen to this old favorite, even if you've already read it a time or two before.

Very entertaining and different

This novel was better than most romantic novels in that the heroine was an experienced woman rather than a brainless first timer. I enjoyed a more mature, less predictable read. Their first love encounter reminded me of "Body Heat", sizzling.