Romance that thrives in the dark

Birthday contest and giveaways!

2011-12-21T14:46:00.000-06:00

January is my birthday month! Now a gentleman wouldn't ask my age, and I sure ain't tellin'. LOL

But to celebrate it, I want to give away goodies! A swag bag a day. Super easy stuff, right? At the end of the month, I'll be drawing a name for a Kobo Ereader and case. Just in case Santa wasn't listening when you sent in your Christmas list....

Here's how you can win AKA Da' Rulz:

Must be a member of Diana's Sizzlers List. (A low volume Newsletter/announcement list) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Dianas_Sizzlers_List/
One name will be drawn via Random.org every day from January 1st through January 31st. The name will be announced on the loop and direct contact, and the winner will have 48 hours from the timestamp of the sent email to claim their prize or it will be forfeit. All claims need to be made direct via email, not through the Loop or Facebook, or any other extraneous means. Email will be included in the winner's announcement and notification.
All registered emails on Diana's Sizzlers List must be able to receive email, as these are the only means all winners will be contacted.
Replies must have BIRTHDAY CONTEST in the subject to ensure it is spotted and not dumped as spam.
At the end of the giveaway month, a name will be drawn via Random.org from all names registered with Diana's Sizzlers List. The chosen winner will have 48 hours to respond and claim or a new winner will be chosen.
Each person is eligible to win one goodie/swag bag. All persons are eligible for the Kobo giveaway.
Due to legal issues and book rights, Contest is open to United States and Canadian residents only.
Postage is paid by the supplier for all prizes. All winners must have a valid mailing address to receive any and all prizes.
Supplier is not responsible for damaged, lost or misdirected prizes. All efforts will be made to ensure you receive any winnings.

So now that the legal junk is out of the way, we're going to have a great time come January!
And don't forget, for every twenty readers on the loop, I'm giving away a backlist of any PDF copy of either name to a lucky winner. When we get to 100, I'm drawing for a print book! (Not a part of the Birthday Contest, but heck, who doesn't like free books?)

Authors After Dark 2012

2011-10-17T09:47:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone! I know it's still almost a year away, but I wanted to drop a bug in your ear. Authors After Dark 2012 is going to be in NEW ORLEANS!! I know! I'm so excited to be going again next year. I'll be attending, along with 80 other fabulous featured authors! Some New York, some indie, and some small press, so you're going to get a wide mix of what you want, both to read and to learn about.

This con is a great way to rub elbows and just hang out, not only with the authors, but with other readers who share your interests and industry professionals who can give you a behind the scenes low-down on what really happens. Kind of like having the Hollywood backstage pass, this is THE place to be.

There will be panels, and parties and of course the Masquerade Ball. But... BUT!!! It's in New Orleans! The home of Mardi Gras! Can you tell I'm excited? I've never been (driving through and plane changes do NOT count LOL).

So you want more info? Want to know what the 411 is on all of this and more? Check out the website. But don't delay if you want to go. Word is it's already more than 50% sold out. Registration hasn't even been open a full 60 days and we're well on our way to tapping the hell out of this one.

Want to know who else is going? The list is growing! Want to know what kind of panels there will be? There's an app for that! No seriously! Check out the forum for the details. (If it's not up yet, it will be. It's Guidebook.com) The forum is free and open to the public, not just attendees or authors, though authors have been known to lurk.

So who do you wish you could meet? What kind of costume are you bringing? And what books are you reading to get in groove for AAD? Spill.....

I'm in bad shape

2011-10-16T15:10:00.001-05:00

I won't go into details, but life sure does like kicking hard when a girl is down. A lot of people know that my family was affected by the Texas wildfires in September. They're doing well, getting things in motion to rebuild. I'm thankful every day that they are here (Not literally, just that they are well. Can you imagine? My parents here too? Eeep! :) ) and can do this when so many are struggling.
Well, three weeks ago, we had another kick in the teeth happen. This one is personal to just myself and my family and let me tell you, it sucks huge. I've been hiding in my bedroom for three days just because, well, I can. I have my laptop, though for the most part, I haven't been very visible online. I know we'll come out of this spiral. I am not looking forward to the upset stomachs, headaches and uncertainty that is sure to come with it all.

I've dealt with depression before, and I know things will improve, so I'm doing my best to not let it overwhelm me and get worse and make things for me and my family worse all the way around. But I think for the moment, I'm going to stay tucked into bed.

I'm going to end this with an upbeat note because I need some happy. The Texas Rangers are going to World Series for the second year in a row! I have my fingers crossed (When they're not typing. LOL) and I'll be rooting for the home team!

Go RANGERS!!

We hit our inaugural twenty!

2011-10-01T11:29:00.001-05:00

Thank you to all of you for being the first to join! As promised, I'm giving away an ebook to a lucky winner.

And by Random.org our first winner is...... *drumroll*

pommawolf

Congrats Darcy! Email me direct for your choice.

Ask your friends to join. Another 20 and we'll have a new winner!

Want a chance a free books, contests and announcments for releases? Join Diana's Sizzlers List!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Dianas_Sizzlers_List/

Want a Kindle autograph?

2011-09-29T08:47:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all the apps and programs out there, there is now the Kindlegraph, a digital page signing program for ebooks. If you have Kindle ebooks and would like an autograph, or a sentiment page, or a momento... You get it *wink*, then hit this link --> http://kindlegraph.com/authors/DianaCastilleja
It'll take you to all my books. It shouldn't take more than 24 hours for a respone. I'm pretty quick to get these out. And I'd love to get one to you!

Diana

Debut of an author's loop and books!!

2011-09-26T11:25:00.002-05:00

A new loop debut!

Hey everyone! I'm debuting my new author's loop DIANA'S SIZZLERS LIST. For the debut, I'm giving away an ebook title for every 20 who sign on, and when I reach 100, I'll give away a print book. So, that's six chances to win just for signing up! Check out the front page for the details of the loop. It's not going to be insane or anything (Well, maybe a little *grin*), but I hope you'll come join me.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Dianas_Sizzlers_List/

The seasons are changing

2011-09-22T09:45:00.001-05:00

Did you hear that sound? It was a loud sigh of relief! Texas has been audtioning for Hell this summer, and I think, if it weren't for the fact that Hades would have to have give up his Otherworldly comforts, Texas would have had the job, hands down. A few other states were in the running: Arizona, New Mexico, but wow.... Just wow.

So the good news is we're done with the high heat. *crosses fingers* I mean really, we're almost to October, right? And please, no more wildfires. I'm so not a s'mores kinda girl. :D

I've been busy this summer with writing, and a few things related to those fires. My parents were affected, as were my brother and sis-in-law. It's been a struggle this month, but it's getting better. I'm trying to stay upbeat. It's all any of us can do. (P.S. If you want to help the many families affected, the RED CROSS has a mobile station in Bastrop, and you can donate to the RC to aid them. www.redcross.org) -- End pitch.

Other brighter, GOOD news... Wolf Brother's Legacy: Resurrection will be available by the end of the month in print. Yes, you read that right. It's only taken.... *mumbled* weeks. And that's been my fault more than anything. There's a step in the process called "proofing the galley", or eyeballing the final print book before it goes public. That is the stage we are in now, and I will have it done, or else. *waggles finger at self* So watch for more news on that front.

Also, I want to wish my Mom a happy birthday. She's going to be a lovely *crackle interference* this Saturday. Probably be taking her out to dinner or something. With the month they've had, a month at a spa probably wouldn't hurt either!

So for now, that's all the news from my corner of the world, AKA my office. Have a great day and weekend!
Diana

Relaunch of an old ship

2011-08-29T08:28:00.000-05:00

Okay, I'm going to try this again. Hopefully the hackers have found better playgrounds and can leave me and mine alone.

I apologize for the interruption of the truly mundane mutterings of me and my blog. Join me in September for new updates and information.

Temporarily closed

2011-05-05T11:50:00.002-05:00

Due to an extreme amount of hacks on this blog site, I'm closing it for the time being. I apologize for any inconvenience these people have caused.

Hopefully, I will be back. Look for news.

Thank you for following and for reading.

Sincerely,

Diana Castilleja

An appalling attack on a writer

2011-04-27T14:20:00.001-05:00

A high school teacher in Pennsylvania has been outed for being a romance author, bullied by parents of students for her writing. It is proof positive that bullying is not only a child's problem.

The teacher writes with a pen name, never discusses her work, doesn't bring it to school and doesn't combine her two careers, yet the parents want her fired.

This is their take on it.

http://discussions.wnep.com/20/wnep/wnep-sny-parents-buranich-english-teacher-writes-racy-novels-20110426/10?page=2

Personally, I see nothing more than bullying, and small minds who can't and don't respect privacy. They should be appalled and embarrased, and at the least, the news channel needs to post an apology. What's next? Not letting our children GO to a school because the parent writes?

I'd be honored to know that I have a teacher who is published, who uses her chosen academic field in a positive manner. This is proof of a good education, not a demented mind. Quit confusing them!

If you'd like to show Judy support, please visit here:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Support-Judy-Mays-Mrs-Buranich/125856067491517?sk=wall

Monday blahs

2011-04-25T14:15:00.001-05:00

Not sure what else to call this.

I've been trying to write for weeks. I finished a story that I turned in about mid-March, and I've done jack since. There have been repairs needed on the car, plans for the summer (that I don't really want to deal with), thoughts of what to do for Authors After Dark....

Really is it any surprise my muse has vanished? Not to me.

I've been reading a little, but sad to say, it hasn't been inspiring me. I have books that I have to write. Ideas that I need to focus on. Instead, I'm here, or on Facebook, or anywhere, but doing what I should be doing. Writing.

When someone finds my motivation could you return it please? My brain is likely attached to it.

Party animals.

A small interruption in our daily lives

2011-04-04T07:59:00.000-05:00

Yeah, well, in mine anyway.

Okay, so I tried this thing with Facebook, to combine pages because it was hard to keep up on two pages. Didn't work so well. So I'm trying something with the hopes that it will be like wiping the slate clean for my email and I can go back in and recreate like I'd never been.

What does this mean?

Not a whole lot at the moment. I AM still there only it's just a holding page under my DeRicci email with my name all over it. I'm not going to be using it and will (if this works) be purging that one too.

So, for the next two weeks (14 days to purge--sounds like a really bad grapefruit diet to me) I'll be very quiet on FB waiting for this all to happen. Though I hope if this works, you'll come join me, ask me to be your friend (Facebook limits requests so there's no "abuse" How little they know I only want my listed friends. Not my fault I actually know that many people from all over online! *grin*) In doing this little experiment, I lost over 3,000 "friend" contacts, many of them I DO know, so don't leave me friendless. And keep your fingers crossed that this actually works.

No more linkedin

2011-03-15T10:28:00.000-06:00

Sorry about all the hassle, all the "reminders" that I cancelled. I've closed the account. I can't babysit a "social network" when its own controls are faulty. My apologies to those are still getting "reminders" of the invite. I cancelled those days ago.

I'm boycotting you!

2011-03-13T12:17:00.000-06:00

Yes, I am. No, I'm not going to list names, countries or even what universe you're in, but I am going to leave you and your entire book catalog in the dust. You're a bad example of professionalism. You're disrespectful to authors. You have no concept of voice, editing, or literacy. I'm appalled at how you trample spirit, voice, ethics, morals and imagination. You do not respect the written word--you rewrite the entirety to suit you. To me this is not a publisher I would trust with my garbage.

Oh, and if there's any doubt, this is a New York process I'm mentioning here, not even small press. No, this is the manhandling, bullying and downright maleficent treatment I've witnessed this year. So, that being my rant, as of today, I am not buying another book published by this esteemed New York conglomerate. I am sorry authors, for the minimal twelve cents of my purchase you will miss, but I can't in good conscience support this type of brutality on authors.

*end rant*

Japanese aid

2011-03-11T17:25:00.000-06:00

If you haven't heard, Japan was hit with a massive earthquake today (now their yesterday). Authors all over are fund raising, doing matches and encouraging aid and support.

Here are a few links:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/11/how-to-help-japan-earthquake-relief_n_834484.html (A list of committed organizations already for aid)
http://jesshaines.com/blog/2011/03/11/please-help-japan-after-todays-trajedy/#respond (Jess is doing an equal match up to $250 fund raiser on her blog. Details can be found there.)
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/11/japan.quake/index.html (This isn't easy to watch, and for those who were close to Katrina, be prepared.)

Red cross is doing a text fund raiser: Text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10
Convoy of Hope Go to http://www.convoyofhope.org or text TSUNAMI to 50555 to donate $10.
Salvation Army: Text either the word JAPAN or QUAKE to 80888 to make a $10 donation or call 1-800-SALARMY or go to http://www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.

If you can spare even the $10 for aid, it would help. Entire cities are destroyed, homes, oil refineries, airports. This has been the worst earthquake in their history since they began tracking them. And they're still suffering aftershocks.

There are warnings along the west coast and Hawai'i as well for tsunami waves. For those on the west coast and further, my prayers are with you.

Diana Castilleja

Diana Castilleja

Diana DeRicci

Draven's Crossing

Stop Copyright Infringement!
Do not download illegal copies of books.
This is theft right out of the pockets of authors.

My apologies

2011-03-10T16:20:00.000-06:00

Someone hacked my blog. I'm sure it was a direct result of the blanket invitation sent from LinkedIn. Please ignore that post, and if you wish to "friend" me through LinkedIn, please search me by name. I WILL NOT be processing any more auto emails from them.

Thanks, and again, my apologies.

Stylish Blogger Award!

2011-01-20T20:05:00.000-06:00

Wow! This was quite the surprise. Thank you K.C. Kendricks for suggesting my blog for this. Like K.C. my week has been very full.

Monday, I was a guest blogger at Jojo's Book Corner. Tuesday was my birthday, and I helped host a forum day on Coffee Time Romance for their Bringing in the New Year party bash. Check it out for a chance to win a Pandigital reader. Also on Tuesday, I learned my alter ego was nominated for one of Love Romances Cafe's Best of 2010 awards. Color me tickled.

Then today was Sweeter Romantic Notions sweet pitch day! It was a total success, so this has been a week for sure!

So for K.C., I say thank you for this!

The rules are simple:
For those who have been nominated, there are few criteria to meet:

1. Thank and link back to the person who nominated you, only do not re-nominate them.
This I can do. I don't even need a compass!

2. Share 7 things about yourself
Okay if you insist.

I love the snow. Don't see it often enough to hate it. LOL
I owned horses for years. Love them! Wish I still had them to ride. Miss them.
I will probably never stop tyring to convert my mother to an e-reader. She will be assimilated! I've already converted my BFF. I have the power!
I don't watch TV. Maybe an hour a month, or a movie with the fam. I rarely even have one on.
I'm a Cityville addict.
I love pens. PENS people. Sheesh.
I love fireworks and laser shows.

3. Pass along this nomination to 10 recently discovered stylish and cool bloggers
This is the only thing that will disappoint. I don't forward memes, but thank you so much for adding me in this one. :)

4. Contact them and tell them about their nomination.

So that's the blog. Hope you have a great weekend. Friday is right around the corner.

Sweet Pitch Day

2011-01-20T08:27:00.000-06:00

Sweet Pitch Day!

2011-01-18T06:38:00.001-06:00

Title:		Sweet Pitch Day!!

Date:		Thursday January 20, 2011
Time:		All Day

Location:		Sweeter Romantic Notions Yahoo Group

Notes:		Pitch Day will bring to our group several Publishers of which you will have the opportunity to Pitch your story/book to. Please adhere to SRN guidlines as posted to our File Section.

Diana Castilleja

Diana Castilleja

Diana DeRicci

Draven's Crossing

Stop Copyright Infringement!
Do not download illegal copies of books.
This is theft right out of the pockets of authors.

Places to catch me this week

2011-01-15T14:29:00.000-06:00

On Monday, I'll be crashing at JoJo's Book Corner. A full interview, and whatever happens ... Well, let's just say, I'm giving away a $10 gift credit to ARe. I'm doing the sharing for my birthday.

Then on Tuesday, I'll be at the Coffee Time Forums, found here for the Bring in the New Year with Coffee & Books. One lucky person is going to receive the full PDF set of the Aiza Clan Shifters series. That's all four books to enjoy and savor. And CTR is giving away a Pandigital color reader (think iPad's little brother. Just as useful and half the size.) So check out the other authors who are showcasing through February 10th and check out how you can win the reader.

So come celebrate my birthday with me. It's as good an excuse as any to stay inside and stay warm.

Diana Castilleja

Diana Castilleja

Diana DeRicci

Draven's Crossing

Stop Copyright Infringement!
Do not download illegal copies of books.
This is theft right out of the pockets of authors.

Celebrating my birthday next week

2011-01-14T10:06:00.000-06:00

As part of my birthday shenanigans, I'm hosting a day at the Coffee Time Forums. There will be giveaways and other good stuff, and one lucky winner will receive the entire four book set of the Aiza Clan Shifter series. No telling what mayhem will break out.

Hope to see you there.

Tuesday, Jan 18, All Day.

http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/board/forumdisplay.php?f=1592

Diana Castilleja

Diana Castilleja

Diana DeRicci

Draven's Crossing

Stop Copyright Infringement!
Do not download illegal copies of books.
This is theft right out of the pockets of authors.

Do you have items to sell? AAD wants you!

2011-01-04T09:23:00.000-06:00

Authors After Dark is looking for vendors for its 2011 convention, August 11-14th in Philadelphia PA.

AAD is an eclectic mix of readers and authors, and I know this sounds a bit broad, but almost nothing is taboo at AAD! It is an 18+ convention, 99% women, and attendees are readers of romance, erotica, urban fantasy, scifi, and fantasy. Our attendees are interested in a wide range of products and services, and we are the only romance convention to have an in-house tattoo artist!

Are you interested in being a vendor at this up and coming event? Please contact Stella Price ASAP for info at blueflamesabove@yahoo.com and I will send the information! Space is limited, but this is our first year with a room the size of a ballroom for our vendors! Also, please ask for availability, as we only pick ONE vendor for each kind of goods (IE: one Bath and body vendor, one tattoo artist shop, one seamstress, etc) Though we do have several spots open for publisher tables still!

Please spread the word!

Stella P.

__._,_.___

Bloody Kiss-mas!

2010-12-01T09:02:00.000-06:00

Check out www.paperbackdolls.com for a chance to win autographed books, swag, totes, candles... all kinds of awesomeness!

I'm giving away a copy of UNBOUND TRUST, signed of course. :)

Updated my website!

2010-11-27T13:26:00.000-06:00

I know, it was loooong overdue. LOL Okay, not that long. Only a month late. *snicker giggle*

But there's news, new releases and coming soon info, and links in the media room for new puzzles!

So feel free to wander around.

www.dianacastilleja.com

Diana Castilleja

To Wed A Centaur King

2010-11-16T15:31:00.000-06:00

To Wed A Centaur King

By: Diana Castilleja
Published By: Tease Publishing LLC
ISBN # 9781607671244

Word Count: 25700
Heat Index

All Romance Ebooks

About the book

Pasha really doesn't believe the fantastical things Darmitus has told her. Even when he shows her the truth, she still doubts his true intentions. Can his envious cousin use her doubts and fears to tear apart their fragile new love or will Pasha see through his schemes to destroy Darmitus?

An excerpt from the book

He leaped, scrambling forward oblivious to those around him, following his nose then stopping with a lurch beneath an awning covering a locked service door. He drew a disbelieving breath deep into his lungs and almost quivered with the discovery as the scent hummed through his body, filling his bloodstream and striking against hungry nerves. His eyes shut, just absorbing the essence of what he'd found. "Thank you, At' Atan," he murmured a moment later. His eyes opened, piercing the unending stream of bodies. It was there in the menagerie of aromas of the city, a single gentle scent, almost buried beneath the weight of so many others. Delicate and pure.
A mare. A true Ixion blood mare. He clenched his hands in his pockets reflexively and followed. It was late in the afternoon and people were returning to the many apartments in the district. Drones. That was what they reminded him of. One day after another. So very few showed real life, real joy. He prayed his princess was among them. Darmitus would be only too happy to pull her out of this kind of Hell. He knew she hadn't passed him so he walked onward, catching the lingering fragrance of her on the breeze every few steps. Now that he had her in his senses, he could separate any others to find just her. A delicate summer scent that defied the heaviness of the city's odors.

Rerelease! Ice Cream In The Snow

2010-10-17T18:41:00.000-05:00

Ice Cream in the Snow

By: Diana Castilleja | Other books by Diana Castilleja
Published By: Purple Sword Publications, LLC
ISBN # 9781936165636

Word Count: 52603
Heat Index

Available in: Adobe Acrobat, Palm DOC/iSolo, Microsoft Reader, HTML, Mobipocket, Rocket, Epub

About the book

A past she never knew, a debt never paid. Will it cost her life, and her heart?

Jessica Harden has lived her adult life raising and protecting her son. Except her surprises have been lying in wait. With the inheritance of her own business, her ordered life begins to experience the darker side of her ex-husband's history, involving secrets and money. And someone in the shadows knows about both.

An excerpt from the book

"Jacob, don't forget your book bag," Jessie called over her shoulder from the kitchen. She shot an anxious look at the clock on the wall to find they were both cutting it close.

"Got it here, Mom." Jacob rushed into the kitchen, grabbed his lunch, and stuffed it into his bag. Watching his total disregard for the poor sack, she knew instinctively his lunch wouldn't resemble food in four hours.

"Did you finish all of your homework?" She screwed the cap onto the juice, and placed it in the refrigerator. She frowned, noticing he hadn't buttoned his shirt all the way again. She wondered if other parents had problems getting their children to dress themselves. Had to be a teenager thing.

"Yeah, all done. Don't worry, Mom. The essay isn't due until the end of the week." He gulped his juice in seconds, then tossed the cup into the sink. She saw him make a final, searching look before he whipped around, rushing to catch the bus.

Jessie planted her hands on her hips and tilted her head. "Hey mister, forgetting something?"

Jacob turned, a bashful hue tinting his cheeks. With a quick kiss to her cheek, he made good on his escape.

"Don't forget to tuck in your shirt!" Jessie yelled after him.

She smiled at his disappearing back, knowing with a mother's intuition her words would be ignored. The slam of the door echoed through to the kitchen. Going nothing to ninety. She envied his constant energy, and not too secretly either.

Jacob was an incredibly smart young man, at least in her eyes, although twelve wasn't considered as young as it might once have been. So much more was expected of kids today, far more than she could remember. She was glad he had some good smarts to work with. If Jacob kept his classes in order, and kept his grades up, colleges would be looking for him instead of the other way around. It was a promising prospect for her son's future, which made her very proud of him.

The two of them were a good team. They both had a say in whatever happened in their world, although when necessary, she did take the 'Because I'm the mom' stand. Even then, she took the time to explain the whys if she could. All they had was each other, so their relationship had to be understanding if not equal, as much as possible. It showed in Jacob's maturity. She was always receiving end of year notes from his school teachers praising him.

She flipped the switch to the light in the kitchen and made her way through the house. She remembered when she'd bought the three-bedroom house, not long after her divorce from Arthur. It wasn't large, but it was permanent. It exuded that homey feeling she remembered from growing up, a feeling of family. It held a certain appeal she had immediately felt drawn to. There was a warmth in the house, almost a calming quality. It was the perfect house for her when she needed a home to give a stable life to her and Jacob.

The sunlight beaming into the kitchen was what had sold her on the cozy home from the beginning. The way the light shone through the windows over the sink had seemed so perfect, bringing back those moments from her childhood that she'd wanted to impart on Jacob. The bright arcs of yellow warmth scattered across the floor, and late into the day they would almost reach the counter across the table's width, giving it an enchanted feeling bathed in that glow. She'd fallen in love on the spot.

She'd needed the security the house offered her when Arthur relinquished any rights to her life, the day she caught him in their bed with another woman.

I'm taking part in Spookalooza

2010-10-11T16:36:00.000-05:00

Myself and tons of other authors, in all genres, are posting excerpts, recipies, and generally fun stuff for TRS's Spookapolooza. Check out the front page here < http://theromancestudio.com/spookapalooza.php > for the details. There's books, ebooks, prize packs, and a Kindle being given away. Check out the blog pages for new reads, favorites and fun things to do for Halloween. The comments you leave, the better your chances, so check back every day for new posts from authors.

Happy October!

Diana Castilleja

Diana Castilleja || Diana DeRicci

Stop Copyright Infringement!
Do not download illegal copies of books.
This is theft right out of the pockets of authors.

His Redeemer's Kiss || Print New!
Crowning A Warrior King || Print
Aiza Clan Shifter Combo 1&2 || Print
The Eternal Kiss || Print

Signing in Bastrop!

2010-09-30T17:01:00.000-05:00

Hey gang. If you're in the area, I'll be at the BOOK BASKET in Bastrop, Tx this Saturday.

Starts at 11a.m. and goes, well, until we sell out, or they kick us out. I'll be joined by the talented Linda Mooney and her awesome Sci-Fi romance Novels.

I'll have goodie bags, and new copies of Unbound Trust and His Redeemer's Kiss on hand for you.

So come join us for a chat, to browse some awesome books, and see what's new. We'd love to see you.

A new sale

2010-09-27T18:18:00.000-05:00

There really isn't a sequel involved here, but a follow up to Crowning a Warrior King has been accepted by Tease Publishing. Currently, it is only known as Darmitus, a centaur-fantasy romance.

It loosely follows with a futuristic thread to Crowning, a prince searching for his princess, and being pressured to find her...or else.

More news on the release coming soon.

So this is out of the blue

2010-09-23T11:42:00.000-05:00

People are going to think I'm possessed. I'm posting AGAIN to my blog. Crazy, I know.

Anyway, I've been sitting here (since AAD mostly) thinking I really should be writing, but I haven't the foggiest idea of on what. I have stories to write, some are pretty darned necessary others are 'as I can'. My brain hasn't been able to get back into the game. Life-1/Brain-0.

I have three series I should be working on. Note where I am actually writing at the moment, however. *grin* I just don't think I'm fully recovered yet. On top of the jetlag of the trip, I've discovered my lovely allergies morphed into a chest congestion/head thing. So I'm taking something for that.

Good news since I've returned though. Two of the three books I sent out to publishers prior to AAD have received contracts. I think the third is in the bag, but until I get the yea/nay, I'm being as patient as possible.

Also, Ice Cream In The Snow has made its way to print, just waiting for the final "It's Live!" email. Lovely new cover and everything. Not a bad week to come home to overall. I know I'm rambling so I'm going to back out of the room before I go on much longer. Maybe I'll have more news or thoughts, or whatever in the near future. You never know.

Post-AAD and recovering

2010-09-20T16:03:00.001-05:00

Well, I'm home. I still have allergies. For those that were there, my deepest apologies for sounding like Kermit on steroids. Not fun, but we managed, right?

There was so much going on. It was a crazy, hectic weekend. Panels, editors, publishers, READERS! (YAY!) It was awesome seeing everyone again who returned from last year, meeting new faces (Giving the hotel hell! LOL).

Thursday was laid back. Just get in, get your room, and get fed. And OMG!!! The layout of this hotel block was awesome. Could live there. Restaurants galore, Walmart down the street--literally two blocks away! A movie theatre... Next time. Everyone arrived on Thursday night in our room (Got to meet the wonderfully talented Sonya Bateman as a roomie and spent a wonderful time with the gorgeous Selena Illyria. Can't wait to do it again next year!)

Friday was Meet and Greet with the start of books falling from the sky!! Seriously. Books were everywhere for the taking. At every seating of a meal, at panels, at parties. You went, you got GOODIES!!! And not just books. We got scented oils, candy, SWAG by the bucket. Just... Believe me. You need to go to Philly next year. More on that later.

Saturday was the rest of the panels, and the masquerade ball. That was a blast. Awesome music, fabulous desserts and costumes!!! Incredibly well thought out comstumes. My fave was Neil Gaiman's DEATH. You so have the balls man. There were gorgeous muses, fun gypsies, a belly dancer, Eve Dallas (from J.D. Robb fame) and so many that I know I'll screw up who they were and what books they were from. The theme was literary characters. As a small shout out squee, because of my bestest friend in the whole world it wouldn't have happened, Kathy and I got second place in the costume contest. Little Red and Grandma. Tag team baby!

Sunday was the basket giveaways and there were some scrumptious ones to go!! Some I know I'm glad I didn't have to take through airport security. EEEP! But to all the wonderful winners, I'm glad they enjoyed winning them. There was also no less than three (yes that's 3) NOOK giveaways, an iPod Touch, and oodles of wonderful fun stuff. See? And this is going to only get better.... Start planing....

Okay, now for the 'later'. 2011 will be held in Philly. There will be a new website and blog design coming up soon thanks to the most awesome energizer bunny, Stella P. So if you want to go meet and mingle, hang and generally have a great time while getting to know some of your favorite authors, AND finding new ones, then check out this link for the details. Authors After Dark Because you have TO GO to do any of this. Everyone comes away with something, no one leaves without winning a prize, without more reading material than your local library, and without making new friends that will last for years to come.

So to all of you, I extend the invitation and a challenge. Will you be there next year?

I know I will!!!

A short list of attended (squuuueeeeeee!!!!!) authors:

Jacquelyn Frank
Caridad Piniero
Joey W. Hill
Stella Price
Rosemary Laurey
Diana Castilleja/Diana DeRicci
Leigh Ellwood
Samantha Sommersby
Eliza Gayle
Bridget Midway
Jess Haines
Jennifer Armintrout
Laura Baumbach
Augusta Li
Sylvia Day
Selena Illyria
Cat Johnson
Leanna Renee Hieber

So who do you want to meet?

Excerpt: A Trust Revealed Aiza 4/Castilleja/para romance

2010-08-16T11:27:00.000-05:00

AVAILABLE NOW!!

Trust Revealed Cover

Trust Revealed

By: Diana Castilleja | Other books by Diana Castilleja
Published By: Tease Publishing LLC
ISBN # 9781607671169

Word Count: 97,495
Heat Index

Categories: Vampires/Werewolves Paranormal/Horror Shape-shifter

Available in: Adobe Acrobat

Morgan Aiza is tormented by a dream seductress, a woman who has haunted his dreams like a nightmare, but leaves him craving for a completion he's never known--and has never wanted. When Fate steps in and his dream woman literally runs right past him, Morgan is determined to prove he has no need of a wife, or a mate.

N'Rea Gordon has been alone since she was a teenager, moving and hiding, but from what she's never really admitted. When Morgan appears and offers more of himself than any other person in her lifetime in the name of compassionate aid, she is compelled to fight the attraction and help tooth and nail.

Trouble is hounding him, and evil is stalking her. From the gates of the Renaissance Faire where Morgan is granted an honorable knighthood, to the very doors of the family, they are stalked by an unknown danger. To survive and to acknowledge the deepest trust either have known, they are going to have to face the ultimate good versus evil struggle.

Together.

Prologue

It was the dream, the merciless attack on his sleep Morgan couldn't avoid. Unconscious, he craved it, though he silently decried it and its meaning when awake in the light of day. The nameless goddess had plagued Morgan for over a month. A woman of uncommon beauty, with eyes the color of the darkest green, like the dew-kissed nettles of a mountain fir tree. Helpless in his sleep, he tossed restlessly as the image of the woman enthralled him, made his blood sing, creating sparks of flaring desire that never really faded.

Within the hidden secrets of his dream, the silken sweep of her lustrous hair seared his thighs. The long ebony tresses defied its own darkness, glinting a red and gold fire in the full moonlight slicing into his room, as though there were flames hidden within the heavy fall of midnight. A wild, untamable fire flowed through her, moved with her. Even in a dream, the surging heat lingered under his skin, everywhere she caressed and teased him. He tasted it in the air. When she moved, her hair swayed with a scalloped motion, a natural wave that called out to him to touch, to worship. He followed it hungrily, feasting on all of her like a starving man.

This woman had become an enticement, a temptress of unfulfilled desire as he slept. She beckoned to him, calling to him not by name but by a word—mine. The one word was all she ever said, a seductive whisper winding over his ear, a sultry sound that made him ache and reach for her.

His goddess would appear slowly, only her eyes, as if his vision were panning out, opening wider to enjoy her completely. Her features focused until he could see her entire face, smooth fair skin crowned with the full, rich midnight and fire of her hair. Delicate features, high cheekbones forming to a lush mouth, parted with the promises of passion. She glided over him with a graceful presence as he hungered for the next moments of the dream. After so long, he knew what to expect, and she didn't fail him.

Her body was long and lean, supple hot flesh, arching and writhing beneath his fingers. She brought the same burning hunger he carried when she invaded his dreams. Long red nails, sharp but purposely teasing, brought him to a fever pitch, stroking, holding, tempting. The sensations were electric, tightening his skin until it was almost painful to breathe. He never questioned her weight as she rose over him, taking him deep inside of her heat, like a velvet caress. It was a dream but it was so good. She would cry out and he would moan in pleasure as they met, the length of her hair singeing the heated skin of his thighs with her rocking movements. He quivered when she raked his stomach with her nails, her green depths blazing with possessive ecstasy, daring him, challenging him. Demanding he fulfill her every wish.

Morgan would exist in his dream, fall into the between world of real and make-believe willingly. Regrets would be for later, when he lacked sleep and the cold stab of deception mocked him. Right now, he imagined every word, every caress, every desire he knew he wanted. Desires she wanted from him, that together they wanted to share. Her cries filled his ears, her spine bowed tight, moonlight streaking over luscious breasts like a beautiful offering to the gods. Rocking over him, he would revel in the fire burning between them. Smooth skin would flow like heaven beneath his fingers, heat roaring up his arms to settle in his chest with every caress.

Until he couldn't take any more. Until he was thrusting his hips, dying to feel her rapture. Needing to bury himself inside her silken sheath, wrapped intimately by her. An ecstasy in itself.

Morgan awoke, snapping straight up in bed, the images crystal clear in his mind as his body finished what had started in the dream. He groaned thickly as a fierce orgasm ripped over him, his hips clenching in release unable to stop the result of her nightly visit. Clutching cool sheets in shaking fists, snarling his frustration with a loud echo into the dark room, his head reared back at the cruel misleading vision of passion.

Because he was alone.

The green-eyed vixen who had tortured him for over a month was not there, and never had been.

He tore the twisted, sweat-soaked sheets away from heated, naked skin, the keen disappointment like a scorching, stabbing knife. A heated blade he was familiar with and wished he weren't. Rising, he stalked to the open window of his bedroom glaring out into the unforgiving Oregon sky.

His heart pounded behind his ribs. If he breathed deep enough, Morgan could find the scent of her skin, of her heat surrounding him. On him. He gripped the window mercilessly, wanting to throw his head back and howl with rage.

None of this made sense to him. Morgan had never met the woman of his dream. There was no name for the goddess of seduction who came to him with an unerring nightly appearance. A woman who tortured him with an unbelievable body and a voice that spoke of promise and pleasure. With one word, she invited him. With only one word, she seduced him. Every night.

He breathed deeply of the late summer air flowing over him, the cooling breezes of the night's darkness soothing his stressed sex. Gradually, his reaction to the dream faded. His tensed muscles relaxed until he could stand at his full height without animalistic need clawing through him, without the desire to be sated spearing him with a viciousness never experienced in his lifetime. The breeze entering his home through the window danced over cooling skin, teasing shoulder length black hair, raising a ghost of the sparking touch he had yet to experience, yet knew too damn well regardless.

Morgan was the last of the four. Roman, Selene and Brooke were all either married or bonded. He was the lone wolf, remaining single by choice. His head sank forward a fraction, his gaze unfocusing as adrenaline continued to resonate through his blood with the hunger of his unsatisfied sexual dreams. He wasn't disappointed that of the women he'd shared an occasional interlude with, none had met his long term expectations or his deepest desires. What did bother him was this unknown vision who tempted him, drawing him into a world of seduction and sex, every night.

Since her initial invasion of his dreams, no other woman had raised even a whisper of attraction or appealed to him. Even the thought of slackening the lust with another woman was impossible. Any woman other than his dream induced siren left him cold and disinterested.

His seductress was mystery, desire, hunger, and maybe something more he couldn't put a finger on. Something that called to him almost as strongly as her voice and scent, a hidden element that he knew he recognized but couldn't place. And with just a dream, she could make him experience things he'd never felt wide awake and in bed with a flesh and blood woman.

Needing to escape the torment of his dream, Morgan stepped away from the wide window and called the heat of the change. Craved the rush of blood, the changed tempo of his heart pounding in his ears. He needed the change like a dying man needed forgiveness. The lupine form standing within his room a moment later was as well-known to him as his own human one. Anyone in his family would have recognized him.

He leaped through the window with a fluid movement, sprinting into the starry night. His long, harried gait carried him miles into the woods where he slid to a stop in the complete stillness, breathing heavily, trying to leave his misery behind, and knowing he failed. He let out a long, piercing song hearing the reverberation of his voice combined with the echo of nature. Gradually, peace calmed his erratic pulse, though he knew it was only temporary, until he slept again.

For nearly thirty-two years, he'd lived a contented life, living and sharing with his family and pack, having never really sought out his own mate. Never compelled to be proactive for the one woman who would be his.

Evidently, she was tired of waiting.

Available here!

Diana Castilleja

Diana Castilleja || Diana DeRicci

Stop Copyright Infringement!
Do not download illegal copies of books.
This is theft right out of the pockets of authors.

His Redeemer's Kiss || Print New!
Unbound Trust || Coming Soon!
Crowning A Warrior King || Print
Aiza Clan Shifter Combo 1&2 || Print
The Eternal Kiss || Print

A few updates

2010-08-15T11:59:00.000-05:00

I'm guilty. Completely. Well, it's summer. I have a child at home. Series that I'm writing, a conference to prep for.

What am I guilty of?

Completely ignoring my blog. I'm sorry. *facepalm* No, I'm not one of those who loves to share tons of personal doings. Seriously? You want to hear about my bi-weekly trip to the grocery store? Yeeeaaah. I thought not. And other than writing and not going crazy when my child begins to whine that he's booorred and there's no one to plaaaay with, while I count days to the beginning of school, (One week and counting), there just isn't that much to blog about in my corner of the universe. The house is still standing, the husband is still working and I'm still writing. That's the lump sum. Frightening, I know. LOL

Luckily, a couple of good things are happening or coming that I want to share. Firstly, Unbound Trust will be available for purchase (and signing!) at Authors After Dark in September, as will His Redeemer's Kiss. I'm glad to finally have that one coming to my hot little (little is a refernce, folks) hands. LOL (If you're not going, I will have copies of both here, that you can order direct, signed and shipped. Visit this link for the details.)

Also, coming August 18th, this week, is the final installment of Aiza Shifter Clan quad series. Trust Revealed will be on All Romance Ebooks, and in fact is there now, available for pre-order. Want it as soon as it goes live? Go ahead and request it now. Then... Now... Tomayto, Tomahto. LOL

I've also decided to put a test title on Kindle. It'll be a re-release of one of my early contracted books, with a new cover. I'll keep updates on that as well. I have pages on Amazon, and books available on Kindle or in print already, so if you miss it here, just check there every now and then for changes.

Now available for Pre-order! Aiza 4 - TRUST REVEALED!

2010-08-11T20:13:00.000-05:00

Trust Revealed

By: Diana Castilleja | Other books by Diana Castilleja
Published By: Tease Publishing LLC
ISBN # 9781607671169

Word Count: 97495
Heat Index

Available in: Adobe Acrobat

About the book

Morgan Aiza is tormented by a dream seductress, a woman who has haunted his dreams like a nightmare, but leaves him craving for a completion he's never known--and has never wanted. When Fate steps in and his dream woman literally runs right past him, Morgan is determined to prove he has no need of a wife, or a mate.

N'Rea Gordon has been alone since she was a teenager, moving and hiding, but from what she's never really admitted. When Morgan appears and offers more of himself than any other person in her lifetime in the name of compassionate aid, she is compelled to fight the attraction and help tooth and nail.

Trouble is hounding him, and evil is stalking her. From the gates of the Renaissance Faire where Morgan is granted an honorable knighthood, to the very doors of the family they are stalked by an unknown danger. To survive and to acknowledge the deepest trust either have known, they are going to have to face the ultimate good versus evil struggle.

Together.

An excerpt from the book

Morgan glanced up from his plate to find both his sisters waiting expectantly. "I'm sorry. Did you say something?" he managed to mumble around the mouthful he chewed. He swallowed the chunk of meat, wincing as it slid to weigh heavily in his ungrateful stomach, and waited for the coming storm.
Selene waved an impatient hand at him. "See? That's what I'm talking about. He's oblivious to the entire world." Facing her brother, she placed a hand across her growing abdomen. "Morgan, you've been in a serious funk for weeks. What's going on?"
He shrugged, setting his fork beside his plate, avoiding his sisters' contemplative gazes, glancing at his dinner with longing instead. Somehow he didn't think he'd get to eat more anytime soon. "I don't know. Nothing I can think of," he replied innocently. Too bad Bram and Mitch had stepped outside for some brotherly bonding when they'd finished dinner. Morgan felt outnumbered two to one.
Selene's gray eyes flashed at him with irritation, her brow taut with her frustration at his answer. Morgan knew that stare. He had the exact same storm-gray eyes, just as capable of slicing a person in two. She'd learned it from him. Maybe too well.
"You're lying. You never used to," Selene scolded coolly.
"Maybe he needs a change of scenery," Brooke suggested with a teasing pitch in her voice.
Morgan didn't think so, but he knew her exuberance usually meant something he wasn't going to enjoy. He waited to be proven right.
"Hey, I know! Mitch and I are going south for a couple of weeks. There's a Faire we wanted to wander through before he starts with the fire department here."
"A Faire?" Morgan echoed with a sour burn. Yep, just as he suspected. It might have been his dinner making that ache in his stomach, but he doubted it. "Why a Faire?"
Brooke's whole face lit up with the idea of a new adventure. "Something different. Malls are boring. It's near Sacramento, I think. Autumn is right around the corner. It'll be beautiful with all the trees. Summer days and cooling nights," she told him.
"Call Roman," Morgan suggested with a firm 'no thank you' tone.
"Oh, come on," Brooke cajoled with a winsome smile. "It could be fun."
"It could also be the most nauseating time of my life," he muttered. "I don't want to go."
"Morgan," Selene said with a sharp undertone. "You need to do something. You've been haunting the woods like a damn ghost for weeks. You're restless."
"So? Since when has it ever mattered?" He didn't restrain the cold chill in his tone. He didn't need his sisters needling him over this.
Selene drummed her fingers over the table in a rapid rhythm. Morgan knew she was aggravated with him, and he wasn't making it any easier on her. She was seven months pregnant with Bram's child. Except for the annoyed frown she wore between her brows, she glowed with the pregnancy. Both his sisters did. Brooke was barely six weeks pregnant herself.
Brooke and Mitch had returned from Belgium a few days before after a stay with Aunt Jerry. Except for the absence of Roman and Delilah, the quadruplets were at Selene's for dinner. It was a regular gathering, and silently, he wished he could have missed this one.
Selene's voice lowered with anxiety for her brother. "You may be the oldest Morgan, but we do have the right to worry about you." Her face smoothed, her hidden concerns out in the open. "And right now, I'm worried."
He controlled the black thunder pulsing under the surface of his skin, raking over sensitive nerves, the urge to snap painfully close from too many restless nights spent first enjoying, then suffering, his dream seductress. His sisters weren't the meddling types, but being family, both were more than capable of getting under his skin. He tempered the impulse to a simmer with deliberate effort. His lack of sleep wasn't their problem.
Brooke leaned toward him, pulling his attention in her direction. "I know we're going," she said, her brow twisted with her own worry. "We put a bid on the old Victorian on the outside of town. Mitch wanted to be closer to town than this for his shift duty. We've got a lot of work ahead of us if we get it, and I'm looking into the vacant corner shop off Main to open an apothecary. So this is probably going to be the extent of our travels for at least a year." She rose from her seat at the table and settled a comforting hand on his shoulder, her warmth flowing over his soul. "If you want to go, you're welcome to come with us." She started to leave but peeked at him with a devilish grin. "And before you ask, we're driving." She gave him a big wink and left them sitting at the table, vanishing through the front door to go outside to join Bram and Mitch.

A new update for Authors After Dark

2010-08-04T09:27:00.001-05:00

If you havent gotten your room yet YOU NEED TO DO SO! We are almost sold out of our room block! If you want the 109 price GET YOUR ROOM RESERVED TODAY!

Also, we have decided to pseudo open registration for people that live close... Info is as follows:

AAD is closed to weekend registrations. If you would like to come for the day, Tickets can be bought at the door for 35$ a day and include goodies (while supplies last). Meals and editor appointments are not included.

Tickets are bought between 8am and 10am at the registration table.

Masquerade participation ONLY is 25$ at the door. Tickets are sold at 8pm to 9pm at the registration table. This doesnt include goodies, books or giveaways, but All that come for the masquerade in costume are eligible for the awards!

Please spread the word.

S

__._,_.___

Diana Castilleja

Diana Castilleja || Diana DeRicci

Stop Copyright Infringement!
Do not download illegal copies of books.
This is theft right out of the pockets of authors.

His Redeemer's Kiss || Print New!
Unbound Trust || Coming Soon!
Crowning A Warrior King || Print
Aiza Clan Shifter Combo 1&2 || Print
The Eternal Kiss || Print

Registration is closing!!

2010-07-25T15:29:00.001-05:00

Authors After Dark closes its registration on August 1st 2010! If you have not gotten your registration in you are missing out on all the amazing goodies, gifts and free books this year! DONT MISS OUT! With over 2400 books being given away, TONS of swag and premium items, Parties, a Masquerade ball with a Costume contest (and a 100$ Spa Finders GC for the winner!) and TONS of amazing goodies in the charity raffle- Including a NOOK, IPAD and ITOUCH , you do not wanna miss this years event!

Are you an author looking to get infront of some NY publishers? we have SEVERAL NY editors coming to AAD this year to take appointments! Kensington, Ballantine, TOR and many more will be in attendance... but you can ONLY get an appointment if you register!

Registration is $140 and includes 5 meals and alcohol all weekend! Rooms are 109$ a night, and are double occupancy!

Are you a Blogger? AAD has a special Blogger program set up where we treat bloggers as they amazing royalty they are! Register as a blogger and be treated to a special blogger party thursday night, get a special blogger book bag and the opportunity to make contacts for interviews and guest blogs with the authors and industry!

Is that not enough reasons for you to attend? then hows this... AAD is the ONLY romance con that is showcasing GLBT books and publishers! LOVE M/M and F/F Books? Wanna meet some of your favorite authors? Want a TON of goodies and free books?

A new sale!

2010-07-04T22:45:00.001-05:00

I'm happy (shooshes party horns) to announce my full length paranormal shifter romance has been picked up by Purple Sword Publications!

WOLF BROTHER'S LEGACY:RESURRECTION

Hunting for the obscurest of talismans will bring one woman to the gates of her own salvation.

Angie Merrick is dying. Agony unlike any she's known fills her body and steals a little more of her life every day. Not one doctor can help her, but when modern science has failed, a light of an extinct Native American people lures her back to her first love: research of the Jahehn. An ancient talisman was once one of her greatest searches, and becomes the perfect distraction when there is nothing left but waiting to die. With her life being ripped to shreds in more than one way, Angie seeks one last connection with a people she helped to reveal to the scientific world.
Except death is not stalking Angie. A timeless pact created through the spirit world is demanding her compliance and unknowingly fighting it is causing her seizures. The search for the talisman takes her to the one place where she could find answers and possibly not die from powers she doesn't understand.
She could survive if those who fear exposure hadn't decreed Angie must die by the very spirit their pact was sworn to protect.

Diana Castilleja

Diana Castilleja || Diana DeRicci

Stop Copyright Infringement!
Do not download illegal copies of books.
This is theft right out of the pockets of authors.

Unbound Trust || Coming Soon!
Crowning A Warrior King || Print
Aiza Clan Shifter Combo 1&2 || Print
The Eternal Kiss || Print

This Week: In Diana's Head

2010-06-29T08:52:00.001-05:00

What's been shakin this summer...

Well, honestly, not me, and not as much as I'd like. LOL I've been doing a few things with the family (frightening, I know), getting ready to revamp my main site (again! hahah) and in general trying to write as much as I can with the boy home for summer. So far, in truth, I haven't done all that badly. I've even been playing Star Wars: Battlefront with him. Of course, I have no game coordination, so the bottom line is I suck and he kills me like a Thanksgiving turkey all the time, but it's fun and he's been having a blast spending time with mom.

Recently, I was asked to write a story I'd never considered for an antho. Not a big deal, but the story line is one that I probably wouldn't have come up with on my own. It's out of the norm. It's not even paranormal! I know! Shocking! But it's made me think, how often do we challenge ourselves to go outside of the box? And not just with something like writing.

Are you one of those people who try new physical adventures? Skydiving? (I don't get the concept of jumping out of a perfectly sound plane, but that's me. LOL!) What about traveling somewhere you've never been? A new shopping center really doesn't count, folks. Nice try. *g*

I'd like to think I'm an out of the box kind of person, not deterred by challenges. I love to travel, love to see new places, meet new people. I'm not adventurous enough for the really physical sports, like speed walking (Joking!) Like wall climbing, really, but I'd like to think given the opportunity, I'd try something different, or facsimile there of.

What do you think? Are you willing to take a chance to go out of the box? What are some of the things you've discovered by accident, dare or challenge? I'd love to hear from you.

2011 Bookie Awards? There's only one way to vote!

2010-06-28T11:51:00.000-05:00

Want yet another reason to attend AAD 2010 this year? How about helping to usher in a new romance award? That’s right this year’s attendees will be the sole nominators of the Bookie Awards!

The Bookie Awards is a by readers award, nominated and voted by READERS, the ones that really matter! The Bookie Awards will be given at Authors After Dark 2011 in a fantastic ceremony Friday afternoon.

Winners will receive a fantastic award, a specially designed and made bracelet with a sterling silver book charm on it, as well as a certificate.

Readers at the event this year will be nominating books from 2010 in categories such as Best Vampire novel, Best Werewolf novel, Best historical Novel, Best M/M Novel, Best Erotic Romance, several categories of best short stories, Best debut author, best series in a number of categories, Best Hero, Best heroine, Best couple and many others!

At AAD this year we will be giving out ballots, and then in October we will be announcing the nominees as chosen by YOU the reader (well if your at the con that is) and November we will be opening voting for the readers to pick the crème of the crop.

Interested in helping us make award ceremony history? Well you gotta attend the event this year! Registration is still open at http://aadromanceunlimited.com Yep, just another reason why you WANT to come to the con this year!

Want reasons to go to Authors After Dark? Then read on....

2010-06-17T10:25:00.001-05:00

Authors After Dark is the premier FOR READERS BY AUTHORS event. Why? Why does it differ from other cons out there? Well heres a helpful list of WHY:

~AAD is the cheapest con out there that FEEDS YOU 5 MEALS. For the $140 registration, you get 5 meals(2 lunch, 2 dinner and 1 breakfast). NO other con is doing it for that price

~ AAD is the only con that offers a full vegetarian option for all meals. not just a veggie plate, you will have choices like veggie wraps, salads, pasta dishes...

~ AAD is the ONLY romance con that is doing a GLBT track and have GLBT publishers sponsoring and supporting. Readers will be treated to some of the best GLBT authors out there on panels, and doing parties, and over 200 GLBT books are being given away from MLR press! Other publishers involved include Dreamspinner Press, Phaze and Loose id.

~AAD is giving away over 2400 free books to attendees! Books from such amazing publishers as Kensington Books, Ballantine, Dorchester, Phaze, Tease Publishing, Changeling Press, Ink Spotters and MLR Press!

~AAD has some special book giveaways as well, opportunities you wont find anywhere else! Authors like Joey W Hill, Rosemary Laurey, Jacquelyn Frank, Susan Sizemore and tons of others! Attendees can expect Special signed books, tshirt's and ARC's galore!

~AAD is doing a fantastic charity basket raffle with over 50 baskets! Attendees can win such amazing baskets as Kate Douglas' back list, a fabulous book basket from Gena Showalter or Maggie Shayne, ARC's and special goodies from Cynthia Eden, a much coveted goodie basket from Joey W. Hill and many more! And this year you can enter to win a NOOK, itouch and maybe even an IPAD!!!!

~AAD is the ONLY romance con that treats Bloggers like royalty! Bloggers (like the booksellers at RT) will have their own welcome event Thursday night, including each receiving a special bag of books (ARC's, single signed books and special premium promo items) and some amazing opportunities to interview authors! The Blogger party will be populated by Authors, industry and staff, so you will be guests of honor!

~AAD is the only con that offers FREE ALCOHOL (Wine and mixed drinks) for the entire weekend! Also, AAD is the only Romance con that has a Con suite where attendees can visit all weekend, get snacks, goodies and enjoy author sponsored events!

~AAD's night parties are second to NONE! Our friday event has games and speed authoring, sure to give you the face time you want with the authors you love, special door prizes and a room full of fortune tellers, our fantastic Mystical Maven's event! And Saturday? A Masquerade party with a costume theme of Literary characters! And you could with an amazingly fab prize for winning the costume contest, so stay tuned for that.

That not enough reasons? Well how about out attending authors! they include: Jacquelyn Frank, Silvia Day, Susan Sizemore, Joey W Hill, Jennifer Armintrout, Judi Fennell, Rosemary Laurey, Bianca D'Arc, Leanna Renee Hieber, Caridad Pineiro, and some of the stars of the GLBT world Carol Lynne, Laura Baumbach, Kris Norris, Leigh Ellwood and many others!

Check out out website: http://aadromanceunlimited.com and get registered today! You know you do not wanna miss this amazing con! We will see you there!

A new installment

2010-06-10T11:28:00.001-05:00

It's only taken.... Oh... Um.... two years. LOL But...

The next installment of the Shadowed Souls series will be releasing later this month. I'm thrilled to see new blood (No pun intended) invigorating the storyline of my brooding vampires. Yay!

HIS REDEEMER'S KISS

Seeking redemption from his inner demons, peace comes from the least likely of sources.

After existing for three hundred years, Joaquin Ramirez has fought the last nightly battle for his sanity. Rather than relinquish his tenuous hold on humanity, to not become the soulless monster that lives within him, he has decided suicide is a more honorable death. Until an unknown voice whispers from the darkness to literally shout at him—'coward'.

Lily Jaspers is an enigma to Joaquin. A woman who has been abused, her internal pain shrouds her telepathic words. Yet she is living with, protected by, the very creatures Joaquin has no trust in—the Brethren. Maniacal and cruel, the Brethren are the vampire society as it is known, and feared, by humans. They are soulless beings who were once men of honor, like Joaquin. The one he faces who protects Lily is, in fact, the most adept and strongest he's ever met. The whole situation intensifies when the home where he found the holder of the enchanting voice is attacked by a human force that leaves no doubt none were expected to survive.

Fleeing under the cover of night sets a path for both Joaquin and Lily that neither will be able to escape as danger from her past, alongside the secret of his reality, threaten not only them, but the freedom Lily and her friends have fought so hard to achieve. A freedom that can be destroyed in the blink of an eye.

For more information about this series, visit my website: www.dianacastilleja.com

Join me today!

2010-06-09T12:56:00.001-05:00

Today I'm sharing the showcase spotlight with Stella Price on the Coffee Time Forums. Join us at the forums for fun and excerpts through the day, part of the CTR June Jubilee!

http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/board/index.php

This Week: In Diana's Head

2010-06-01T07:07:00.001-05:00

I know I missed a couple weeks. Well, here I am, if not mentally, at least physically. Been a long couple of weeks getting to the end of the school year. Three days left. Teachers out there, I know, are dancing in the street. And they should.

Me? Can't. My writing drops to nil during the summer with the boy home.

Yesterday, we went to see the IronMan2 movie. Holy Cannoli Batman! That is one awesome flick. And there's a little something at the very end, but you have to wait 'til the end of the credits. Trust me. The special effects and computer stuff is just mind boggling.

Think about it. Star Trek literally paved the way for minds to create and invent the sliding acces door, cell phones, and any number of other everyday items that we use now. What will movies like IronMan do for our technology innovation? We already use lasers in several capacities. What about interactive computers? A fully automated house, keyed by voice?

Granted, it wasn't hard to watch Robert Downey, Jr. act all badass and stuff. He's quite charismatic, and plays the narcisstic playboy almost like a second skin. (Fiction imitates real life, I guess. ;) ) Trust me. Worth the money to go see on the big screen. Though I'm sure we'll be getting it on disc too.

Until next week.

AAD: I'm going, are you?

2010-05-12T13:30:00.001-05:00

Registration is STILL OPEN for the Authors After Dark Romance Unlimited weekend!

Join your master of ceremonies, Jacquelyn Frank, along with the AAD bloggers and a slew of award winning best selling authors for a weekend of amazing reads, free books and goodies galore. The AAD RU is the ONLY convention out there designed FOR readers, BY authors to not break your bank and give you that oh so precious face time with some of your favorite and new favorite authors.

Registration is $140 and INCLUDES 5 MEALS! That's right! No paying extra for meals OR ALCOHOL! You read right, this year we are offering FREE ALCOHOL (Wine and mixed Drinks) courtesy of participating authors, groups and publishers through the entire event! Can't find that at ANY other convention!

What can you expect at this con? Panels designed for reader participation, mini events chock full of goodies and insider info, parties filled with gifts and free books and two evening events sure to keep you smiling! This year we will have a Games night with everything from Romance Pictionary to The Mystical Mavens gypsy tent where you can get free fortune telling! Our Masquerade Ball this year will be a Theme of Literary Characters, and you could win a 50$ gift Certificate to BN or Borders for best costume!

You can expect panels for all sorts of subjects in romance INCLUDING the ONLY GLBT track for panels in mainstream romance cons! Progressive? No, but we open our doors to all!

And BOOKS! This year you can expect TONS of book giveaways from Kensington, Ballentine, Dorchester, Tease Publishing, Changeling Press, MLR Press, and many more! The publishers are being very generous this year. You do not wanna miss out!

Other goodies? Door prizes from some of the best in the business including Jacquelyn Frank, Joey W Hill, Susan Sizemore and more! How about parties galore and tons of premium promo giveaways!?

And did we mention the BOOK SIGNING? 3 hours on Saturday where you can get your favorite books signed and pick up others from some of your new favorites! And guess what? There's a Wine and Sign snack party going on during as well!

For those authors and aspiring authors attending, we haven't forgotten about you either! We have a few panels on writing craft, AND will be offering Editor appointments Friday and Saturday, from editors from such houses as Kensington, Ballentine, Tease Publishing, Phaze, MLR Press, Samhain and several others. This is the perfect event to get yourself in front of editors looking for YOU!

See something for everyone? And best of all it WON'T BREAK YOUR BANK TO ATTEND!

Now, the details:

When: Sept. 16-19 2010, Harmon Meadow Holiday Inn, Secaucus NJ
Registration: $140 includes 5 meals
Rooms: $109 a night, double occupancy
FREE shuttle to and from Newark Airport AND Secaucus Junction Train station

Attending Authors:

*Spots still open for the Authors... but only until JUNE 28th 2010. Contact Stella Via the WEBSITE to be included on the author list!*

Editors attending:

Alicia Condon, Kensington Books
Kate Collins, Ballentine
Tonya Nagle, Tease Publishing LLC
Kat Lively, Phaze Books
Kris Jacen, MLR Press

FULL LIST JULY 1st!

So what are you waiting for? Space is limited to 200 people this year. (And if we hit that, then next year will be Bigger and longer!) So get your registration in today! To Register, simply visit our website: AAD Romance Unlimited and click on register. Any questions or if your a publisher would like to work with us this year, contact Stella at blueflamesabove@yahoo.com

This Week: In Diana's Head

2010-05-11T05:01:00.000-05:00

For a change of pace, something different.

A collection of summer punch recipes. Thanks to AllRecipes.com
For those hot summer months coming... Enjoy!

Orange Cream Milk Punch

Ingredients

1 quart vanilla ice cream
2 pints orange sherbet
1 (16 ounce) can lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage
1 quart cold milk

Directions

Place the ice cream and sherbet in a punch bowl. Pour in the milk and lemon-lime soda. Stir gently and serve immediately.

Orange Dream Punch

Ingredients

1/2 gallon orange sherbet
1 (6 ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate
1 (2 liter) bottle ginger ale

Directions

Place sherbet and frozen orange juice concentrate in a punch bowl. Allow to thaw for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in ginger ale.

Kool Ade Punch

Ingredients

1 (4.6 ounce) package cherry flavored sweetened soft drink mix
1 (46 fluid ounce) can unsweetened pineapple juice
1 liter lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage
1 (6 ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
1 (6 ounce) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed

Directions

In a punch bowl prepare drink mix according to package instructions. Stir in pineapple juice and lemon-lime soda. Mix in the concentrated orange juice and lemonade. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

HUGE SALE!!

2010-05-08T10:39:00.002-05:00

SAVE 50% AT ARe SATURDAY AND SUNDAY! 50% REBATE FOR MOTHER'S DAY!

Look for these titles and more by your favorite authors!

An Angel's Choice

All Romance Ebooks

It's Micah's last assignment, the one that would earn him his wings. He felt prepared for the challenge ahead of him this Christmas season—until he met her.

Karen had been a forgotten child, a loner, and refused to open herself to hurt. She'd been down that road more than once and very recently had been dealt a miserable hand, being stood up at the altar.

Could an angel on a mission have the answer to her frozen heart? Could the heart of a wounded child locked inside a grown woman bring a forever love together? Only the choice of an angel will make this a Christmas to remember, for both of them.

//////////

Aiza Clan Book 1: Trusting Delilah

Roman Aiza is the second born son of the Aiza clan. He also owns and operates a private security company and has an ongoing contract with one of Florida's most influential residents. He is patrolling at a party when he encounters a woman who will haunt him. A woman who at their first meeting, manages to walk right out of his hands when he follows her for trespassing. She manages to do this without giving Roman a single reason why she is in the depths of the house he is protecting. When he does finally locate her days later, his goal is to prove that his instincts are wrong. She is not the woman that all of his senses are clamoring for.

Yet when the daughter of Roman's largest and closest account is kidnapped and held for ransom, will they be able to build a trust between them? Or will their own secrets keep them apart?

Buy it now!

///////////////

Aiza Clan Book 2: A Trust Earned

Selene Aiza is a very compassionate woman by nature, and fiercely protective of those she cares for. A renowned doctor with gentle patient skills, she prefers the wild country of western Oregon and the secluded hospital where she can help the people who truly need her assistance. And in the depths of those wooded wilds she can keep her secrets well hidden.

She is safe until the man she encounters by pure chance becomes the hospital's first choice as co-administrator. Her secrets and her very life fall into jeopardy, and only he can save her. He could also destroy her.

Buy it now!

/////////////

Aiza Clan Book 3: Unbound Trust

Brooke Aiza has returned home after staying with her Aunt Jerry for more than a year to learn she's an aunt herself by her brother, and her sister is married! Overwhelmed by the changes taking place with her siblings, she begins to feel more than a familial affection for her new brother-in-law, and sees no escape except to put distance between them until she leaves for her parent's home.

Mitch isn't interested in any woman, content with his life. Mostly. Even his brother senses a restlessness building within him, but for what? Then when Mitch suffers a major accident, he and Brooke are all but confined to the same house, and he is left trying to remember why he didn't want anything to do with women. Because the more he sees of her, the more he needs her kiss.

The resurgance of an amulet into the sibling's lives changes everything, for the amulet can control them all. It will take two to destroy the evil stalking the Aiza family, and if Mitch refuses to face his feelings and Brooke can't overcome her hesitations to form a deeper trust, the opening of the gates of Hell could be the result.

Buy it now!

///////////

This Week: In Diana's Head

2010-05-04T06:59:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was field trip day! Yep, I was a chaperone mom with the boy's 2nd grade class. Myself, and about eight or nine other parents toodled along behind busses, thankfully on country roads of 50MPH would have been a real drag, to get us all to the Sauer-Beckman Pioneer Farm in Fredericksburg. It's actually located between Johnson City and Fredricksburg. Beautiful country side, wildflowers, deer, and longhorns. And that was at the farm! There was also farm animals to check out.

Essentially this is a maintained turn of the century (1900's, not 2000 LOL) running farm. They live and educate on that farm as if it were 1895. No electricity. No running water. Gardening and canning, and a lot of things that were interesting. The kids got to check out the chicken coop and I know there were goats somewhere. LOL

There is also a small museum dedicated to Lyndon B. Johnson. In fact, if you hike (not far) to the rear of the farm, you can see LBJ's original homestead across the Pedernales River.

We were a little rushed so we didn't get to see the soap making, or the horseshoeing, but Ms. Beth was making a handmade sewn shirt on her crank Singer. Yep, you read that right. It was a cranked by hand sewing machine. There was also a Sears cataloge from 1908 on one of the tables.

If you ever get the chance to visit one of these living history locations, I highly recommend it. It's a fun trip for the family and can even be *gasp* highly educational. LOL

This Week: In Diana's head

2010-04-20T06:58:00.000-05:00

It seems the last few weeks have been, well, less than I'd want to put on anyone. I had a full week at the school book fair (which I loved doing), but also had a full week with one my sites being down. During that week I had a book release.

Nah... No stress at all.

I wish I had something witty to share this week, but unfortunatly, it's just not happening. We bought a new mattress yesterday, and for the first time in YEARS, I had near nightmares all night long. One long movie-style slasher flick. Yeah, that makes me tons of fun in the morning. Doubt it was the mattress, just too much stress culminating in some really, really, weird happenings.

That being said, go forward today with this thought:

We would accomplish many more things if we did not think of them as impossible.
Vince Lombardi

This Week: In Diana's Head

2010-04-06T07:20:00.002-05:00

It would seem I'm a little slow moving this morning. Couldn't sleep last night, so this morning is a double-latte-espresso shot of "get my butt in gear". Have you ever noticed how rarely things really go according to plan? I have. Seems everytime I have something I know I'm going to do, it doesn't go smoothly, or the way I want it to, or the timing is off, or just bad.

Take last night. It was karate for the boy. Except, he couldn't find his belt. May not seem like a big deal, except it's disrespectful to not show up in full uniform. So we spent the next two hours cleaning his room. We found the belt about an hour into it. He can make up the class, but I think now he has a bigger understanding of how important it is to know where all his things are and that it's his responsibility to know that. (The room wasn't that bad, someone had put his belt in a closed small container for his loose cars. Y'know, some place not meant to have a belt.... *sigh*)

Saturday was his birthday party. His cake was fifty-five minutes late in arriving, so we were rushed. Another one I've chalked up to "What can you do?"

There's many things in life like that, and so many more that I'm not even mentioning.

There are some that take the wind out of your sails, or screw-ups that make you think you really shouldn't be doing what you're doing at that time. For me, it's the writing. Several things have had ill- or bad timing in the last several months. It's making me reevaluate certain aspects (no I'm not quitting, but I tell ya', it makes me wonder if someone is trying to tell me something I should listen to). But we keep trying, keep going. I'm not throwing in the towel, but I have this feeling that I'm waiting for the next round of bad happenstance, or the next miscue, or the next delay. I can take them, but when disorganization is happpening more than smooth sailing, you have to ask why. Ask if it's me, or something else. If it could be avoided, or if it's simply a case of getting over the hump. It could just be the moon phase too.

As an aside, a dear friend of mine went into surgery this morning. If you could, just keep her in your prayers. I rarely ask for blind faith, but this is my mentor who I've been with for almost three years now. I've never even met her face to face, but she's a brass-balled angel and I wouldn't have her any other way.

It's a party!

2010-04-01T06:54:00.001-06:00

April 1st, but it's not April Fool's!

Today is the one year anniversary for one of my publishers PURPLE SWORD PUBLICATIONS! I'm very proud to be a part of this publisher, and all the hard work they put into providing excellent stories--and all the hard work they put me through to give them those stories!!

Well, in celebration, PSP is doing a giveaway! You heard it, a new Sony E-Reader! Click the link to learn the rules, there's only a few and they're very simple!

As usual, no purchase necessary. Share this with your friends! Help us celebrate our first milestone, and be a part of the celebration!

Diana

This Week: In Diana's Head

2010-03-30T05:00:00.002-06:00

What's up, big box store?

Many of us have, at least once, been in a book store. Barnes and Noble, Borders, Books-a-Million, Walden Books or any number of second retail and small mom and pop shops. Even if you've wandered through the local Walmart or Target's selection, you've seen what I saw today.

The same inventory/authors that have been writing and getting shelved for the last decade--or three. Don't get me wrong. I have a LOT of favorites in those authors, but something I've noticed--my buying habits have evolved, partly caused by the lack of new blood to the romance in print world.

Yes, there ARE new people there. Cheyenne McCray, Deidre Knight, Jaci Burton, Bianca D’Arc, and many, many others. But, and here's the thing: For every ONE new NY book that's released, I have dozens or more also new that are coming out in Ebook, from a collection of authors that are bringing a new voice, a new view to genres I read. Also for every two to three releases I might get from a NY author in a year, I can get as many as 4-6 or more depending on the length of book in E in that same year. And if I'm not looking for just one author, but say a shopping spree, for the 4-6 print books I would find that I would like to read, I can find 50 in E. (And I have, just don’t tell the man. LOL!)

Now I’m not saying “off with their heads” or anything of the sort. I love print books… Have bookcases full of them and I’m a regular print trader with my friends, but what I am seeing is a stagnant inventory. I understand the NY publishing model (and frankly that’s a whole ‘nuther blog), and know that what is done in E can’t be done in print. And that’s fine. It’s a different business model entirely.

But why can’t there be new voices? Why do we have the same 30 (a number drawn out of thin air and absolutely NOT based on any facts) authors in paranormal that were shelved ten years ago? I know there’s more out there. I see them all the time online looking for their chance to break out. So why can’t they? I can’t be the only reader who is tired of the dull and ready for the invigorated and unexplored.

And I sincerely doubt that paranormal is the only genre in this bind. I don’t read historicals, so I don’t know the names as well, or even contemporary, but I will say I have seen many cross over names. Meaning Author Awesome writes for a paranormal line, AND writes for a contemporary line. Does that mean she’s writing too much? There’s holes to fill and she has work available? Or does it mean that because her work is proven, they will chose her to write that book, and as many as she can to fill the roster? Which means an overflow of Author Awesome books. For many reasons, that is nothing to complain about, but there’s just as many reasons to question because that one book could have been a new voice. Could have been a new author with a new chance, a new book, a new vision.

Well, that's where I'm stopping before I start rambling. Just make a note New York, you are being watched.

Last night!

2010-03-23T06:13:00.000-06:00

Let's just say, I had a blast!

I was on Linda Mooney's Other Worlds of Romance blog radio show, ( http://www.blogtalkradio.com/other_worlds_of_romance ). We talked about my books, Trusting Delilah, and I also did a whole chapter reading. It was a lot of fun, and so easy. If you have the chance to do something like this, I highly recommend it. This is my third 'radio' show altogether, and I love doing them. They're so easy. Just gabbing about books.

I also got the verbal approval from one of my publishers that an ebook collection will be put to print as a trio. Just gotta write the third. I'm excited about that! So much going on now that spring has sprung. Of course, a little warmth would go a long way, especially as I'm in TEXAS! where it's supposed to be HOT. Cold usually doesn't bother me, but the back and forthing on the temps is driving me batty. Do I need a sweater, or can I put them away? Can I wear shorts, or do I need jeans? *sigh* I dress for comfort, and the weather is definitely challenging that.

Waiting for the final news on when the next books will hit print. As some know, Unbound Trust has been delayed, but I hope to have final word on it by the end of the month. Nothing that could be done on it from my end, so.... Must be patient. Uuhhyeah, right. LOL Another to look forward to is Trust Revealed, book 4. That is in edits and I expect a mid to late summer release for that one. I can't wait to see the whole series together. It's going to look awesome.

Well, that's my update for now. Have a wonderful week!

MARCH MADNESS SALE!!

2010-03-16T20:04:00.001-06:00

ALL TITLES! ALL AUTHORS! ALL GENRES!

A new review!!

2010-03-14T14:33:00.001-06:00

For Unbound Trust! I'm squiggly happy!

http://www.twolipsreviews.com/content/index.php?option=com_content&task=
view&id=4997&Itemid=36

Read an Ebook week continues!

2010-03-09T10:43:00.000-06:00

Tease Publishing 7th-13th Free at All Romance E-books week:

Tease Publishing will be giving away 2 books a day for 6 days. The promotion is designed to introduce readers to new authors. We have 12 authors that have offered one of their backlist for a 24 hour free download and we know you are going to love what you read! We have all genres, from paranormal to contemporary, IR to Scifi, horror to erotica and we know you will enjoy all we have to offer you! Starting March 8th, here are the books being offered per day.

Direct Links below:

March 9th:

Tilly Greene's Hephaestus Lays Down the Law (ancient gods, paranormal, erotic,

Karen Michelle Nutt's Destiny's Prerogative (paranormal, shapeshifter)

Free Today ONLY!! Kick off READ AN EBOOK WEEK!

2010-03-08T08:58:00.001-06:00

Free for today only TRUSTING DELILAH will be available for download at All Romance Ebooks!!

Sharing the spotlight with Selena Illyria's Runaway, join me in the first available free read to kick off READ AN EBOOK Week!! Books will be available for download from Tease Publishing all week! A week long party of free reads!

And don't forget! March 11th, 7-9CST/8-10EST we're throwing a party on the Tease Reader Loop

Roman Aiza is the second born son of the Aiza clan. He also owns and operates a private security company and has an ongoing contract with one of Florida's most influential residents. He is patrolling at a party when he encounters a woman who will haunt him. A woman who at their first meeting, manages to walk right out of his hands when he follows her for trespassing. She manages to do this without giving Roman a single reason why she is in the depths of the house he is protecting. When he does finally locate her days later, his goal is to prove that his instincts are wrong. She is not the woman that all of his senses are clamoring for.

Yet when the daughter of Roman's largest and closest account is kidnapped and held for ransom, will they be able to build a trust between them? Or will their own secrets keep them apart?

Want to read the first book of this series? The now is the time to meet the Aiza Shifters!

Free Books!! DATE UPDATE!!!!

2010-03-03T08:48:00.001-06:00

March 8th

Selena Illyria's Runaway (IR/Scifi)

Diana Castilleja's Trusting Delilah (Paranormal/werewolf)

March 9th

Tilly Greene's Hephaestus Lays Down the Law (ancient gods, paranormal, erotic)

Karen Michelle Nutt's Destiny's Prerogative (paranormal, shapeshifter)

March 10th

Kayleigh Jamison's Svetkavista (Historical other/multiple partner/glbt)

Stella and Audra Price's Sugar and Sin (Paranormal, multiple partner)

March 11th

Cat Johnson's Erato (Ancient gods, erotica)

Diane Merlin's Mercenary Heart (Scifi, erotic romance)

March 12th

Desiree Lee's Scorpio Risen (Paranormal/vampires/werewolves)

Dagmar Avery's Becoming Persephone (Ancient gods, erotica)

March 13th

Dorlana Vann's Death: Jaclyn's Ghost and Passage to Messentia (paranormal/ thriller)

Cara North's Curse of the Blue Stone (erotica, pirate)

Remember, your book is only FREE for the 24 hours of its day

So you guys know that book that had no name?

2010-03-01T08:01:00.001-06:00

LOL

It's been called Book 4 of the Aiza Clan for so long, I didn't think it would ever find a title, but.... Thanks to my most awesomesauce editor (her brain was obviously working, 'cuz mine had given up the ghost on this mission) it now has a title!

Book 4 is TRUST REVEALED!

Woot Woot!

Trust Revealed is Morgan's story, the last of the quadruplets. This one is a fiery adventure of a culmination with sword fighting, magic, a long lost parent returning (and not in a good way!) and a chance to see all four of the Aiza kids together one last time. I've put in the request for the cover so hopefully that will show up in a few weeks. I don't have a final release on this one, but I'm really excited to see it come out, all the covers together. Gorgeous! Okay, enough drooling over covers. Let me see if I can do an off the cuff blurb here.

~~
The last of the four siblings, Morgan Aiza is tormented by a dream seductress, a woman who has haunted his dreams like a nightmare, but leaves him craving for a completion he's never known--and has never wanted. When Fate steps in and his dream woman literally runs right past him, Morgan is determined to prove he has no need of a wife, or a mate.

N'Rea has been alone since she was a teenager, moving and hiding, but from what she's never really admitted. When Morgan appears and offers more of himself than any other person in her lifetime in the name of compassionate aid, she is compelled to fight the attraction and help tooth and nail.

Trouble is hounding him, and evil is stalking her. From the gates of the Renaissance Faire where Morgan is granted an honorable knighthood, to the very doors of the family they are stalked by an unknown danger. To survive and to acknowledge the deepest trust either have known, they are going to have to face the ultimate good versus evil struggle.

Together.

New Free Read

2010-02-28T19:21:00.000-06:00

Not much going on, but I wanted to let y'all know I have posted a new Free Read on my website. It's not long at all, just a little snip I did. It's a touch of fantasy, so I hope you like it.

Just check it out here.

http://www.dianacastilleja.com/projects.htm

Okay, I've been quiet

2010-02-25T12:43:00.001-06:00

And I know it.

All with good cause!! Book 4 of the Aiza Clan Shifter Series has a title... *drumroll please*

TRUST REVEALED

Woot! No more... "Where is Book 4?" or "You know, that one?" LOL

There's also been a few things going on around here with the writing...as in tons of it! Which means some new releases headed your way soon!

Interested in a goodie bag? How about a tote bag? Well, it's pretty easy. Down below is a list (Thanks to the lovely Selena Illyria for putting it together) of questions. Answer the ones that apply to you, but try to answer at least 7 (half is fair, right?) for your name to be included in a drawing for the goodies! If you do take the time to answer them all, there will be a little something extra for those who do.

You can email the replies to me at diana dot castilleja AT gmail dot com. This will be an open questionnaire until the 25th of March. I'll pick at the end of March and announce here. If you send me replies, make sure the email is current, so I can contact the winner!

So here goes:

1) How much promo is too much? Example: Seeing an author's name and promo for the same book every day on every loop you belong to -vs- Seeing an author's name once and promo for certain time period.

2) How do you hear about info about your fav author(s)? Website? Newsletter? Publisher site? Yahoo group? Facebook? My Space? Ning? Twitter?

3) How do you connect with your fav author(s)? On a blog? Website? Yahoo/Google Groupe? Facebook? My Space? Twitter?

4) Do you vote when your author is up for an award or best book? (If voting is allowed)

5) Do reviews sway whether or not you'll buy a book?

6) If an author wins an award, does that make you want to check them out if you haven't already done so?

7) Do you read reviews? What if the review was from a big name author?

8) Does a publisher's reputation make you want to buy books from them?

9) How much does cover art play into you checking out a new author? How much does bad cover art peak your curiosity about a book? Does bad cover art cause you to turn away from the book? Do you prefer photo cover art or digital (Daz, Poser, etc.)?

10) Coupons: Do you love them? Use them or would you prefer a discount in the first week of sales?

11) Do you check out publisher days on Yahoo Loops? Do you attended publisher chats?

12) Do you wait to buy a book when it's on sale?

13) Do you enter contests hoping to win books? Do you read the books you win?

14) Authors: Promo companies love em or hate em or are indifferent?

15) Do you enjoy "cyber signings"? Public "live" signings?

16) Do you follow, or paticipate in/with, blog tours?

A flicker of hope...

2010-02-13T12:24:00.001-06:00

Maybe...

U.S. announces intellectual property watchdog

* US Justice Dept creates intellectual property task force

WASHINGTON, Feb 12 (Reuters) - The U.S. Justice Department is forming an intellectual property task force because of what some estimate to be billions of dollars in losses from copyright piracy.

The movie and software industries have been hard hit by piracy, ...MORE

This Week: In Diana's Head

2010-02-02T05:00:00.000-06:00

I think I'm becoming a total convert.....

That's convert...Not PERVERT! Get out of the gutter. Sheesh!

Okay, so I'm sitting here--Yeah, I know. Like that's news. Anyway, I'm sitting here and I've been reading a storm on my ebookwise. Been doing some serious revisions on a very long book and after two weeks of "OMG! I did not write that...that badly!" I needed a break. So I've been playing with my E-library and reading some utterly delicious stories.

And it got me thinking. Out of over a dozen and a half books that I've read in January, only two were DT (dead tree) books. Yeah, I've read a ton on my reader, and thinking I want more! I love to read even while I'm writing. The funny thing is, looking back over the month, and deciding what next to read, I've come to the conclusion I'd much rather read on my reader than read a print book.

*gasp*

I know. I'll let that sink it. It was pretty shocking for me today too. I have an entire bookcase of DT books. 500+. Don't get me wrong. They're all books I bought because I wanted to read them, or because I received them in some manner. (Like at AAD con). But buying them means I also have to find a home for them afterward. I keep a certain few, favorites etc., but for the most part, I swap them or send them to friends. We don't have the room for an extensive collection. The irony is even buying them in print, doesn't mean I'll read them an sooner than an ebook.

The problem I face is with NY author books, I can't read those on my ebookwise (file compatibility and DRM issues), so I typically buy those in print. Then they languish. I have come to the conclusion it's because my reading preference is changing. So while I drool over the print and awesome covers and the authors I know I want to read, I'm feeling less and less pressured to buy them in print. Eventually I will have a reader that can handle the different formats (I've been looking at several) and in time I honestly think the only thing that will fill my bookcases will be my treasured favorites and books I love to read and can't part with.

Is your reading changing because of the E formats? Is selection making a difference in your purchases? What are your thoughts?

Sexy Saturday Winner!

2010-02-01T06:54:00.002-06:00

Thank you for coming and reading this weekend. Sorry I'm posting this a little late, but without further delay the winner for a copy of THE ETERNAL KISS is.....

Jacki C.!!!

Please email me at Diana dot Castilleja AT gmail.com

All Romance eBooks Has Heart…

2010-02-01T05:00:00.000-06:00

During the month of love, when everyone's attention is focused on matters of the heart,
All Romance eBooks (ARe) is helping to fight the number one killer of women, heart
disease, with their 28 Days of Heart campaign.

Beginning February 1, 2010, ARe, the digital bookseller that owns All Romance
(www.allromance.com) and OmniLit (www.omnilit.com), will release one new novella
per day for twenty-eight consecutive days. All proceeds from the sale of these shorts,
which will be offered exclusively on AllRomance.com and OmniLit.com as individual
eBooks, will be donated to the American Heart Association.

The stories cover all the genres, from Gay to Interracial, Paranormal to Historical,
Contemporary to Sci Fi. They were generously donated by both best selling and up-and-
coming authors from some of your favorite publishers including Kensington, Berkley,
Pocket, St. Martin’s Press, Ellora’s Cave, Cerridwen, Samhain, Total E Bound, Loose Id,
Phaze, Liquid Silver, Torquere Press, Siren, Amber Quill and more!

The stories range between 10,000 and 20,000 words, so they are a perfect sweet (or more
accurately spicy) Valentine treat. Each includes a forward by author Charlaine Harris (of
True Blood fame) as a show of support for the charity the stories will benefit. Indulge
yourself this year for Valentines Day—enjoy one of each, and know you are helping a
worthy cause at the same time.

A deal too sweet to pass up!

2010-01-30T14:54:00.001-06:00

All Romance Ebooks is fighting back! Amazon is at it again (900lb gorilla jokes abound). Anyway, thanks to ARe and SBTB (The blog and info is here.) But until Midnight Sunday, all ARe books and OmniLit books are now 50% off! That's right! A company wide sale!

Simply enter this code when you go to your cart and you'll see the savings!

SBTBARe1

Check out these listings!:

Crowning A Warrior King
By: Diana Castilleja
Published by: Tease Publishing LLC
Price: $4.99
Life has been calm and quiet for Aran for almost seven years since moving into Banter. She is a prosperous business owner, has friends, and helps those in need without question. Yet a delivery of a mysterious jewel encrusted box changes all of that for her in an instant. Not only is the myster more...

Aiza Clan Book 3: Unbound Trust
By: Diana Castilleja
Published by: Tease Publishing LLC
Price: $3.99
Brooke Aiza has returned home after staying with her Aunt Jerry for more than a year to learn she's an aunt herself by her brother, and her sister is married! Overwhelmed by the changes taking place with her siblings, she begins to feel more than a familial affection for her new brother-in-law, and more...

A Trust Earned
By: Diana Castilleja
Published by: Tease Publishing LLC
Price: $3.99
Selene Aiza is a very compassionate woman by nature, and fiercely protective of those she cares for. A renowned doctor with gentle patient skills, she prefers the wild country of western Oregon and the secluded hospital where she can help the people who truly need her assistance. And in the de more...

An Angel's Choice
By: Diana Castilleja
Published by: Purple Sword Publications, LLC
Price: $3.00
It's Micah's last assignment, the one that would earn him his wings. He felt prepared for the challenge ahead of him this Christmas season—until he met her. Karen had been a forgotten child, a loner, and refused to open herself to hurt. She'd been down that road more than once and very recently had more...

The Hanged Man: The Eternal Kiss
By: Diana Castilleja
Published by: Tease Publishing LLC
Price: $4.99
Diego Viteri has lived for centuries with only one real goal, to avenge himself against the one who destroyed the man that he was and created the creature he is now. He is suffering a growing loneliness that is becoming impossible to ignore. His only reason for not ending his life is to see tha more...

Trusting Delilah
By: Diana Castilleja
Published by: Tease Publishing LLC
Price: $3.99
Roman Aiza is the second born son of the Aiza clan. He also owns and operates a private security company and has an ongoing contract with one of Florida's most influential residents. He is patrolling at a party when he encounters a woman who will haunt him. A woman who at their first meeting, manage more...

Sexy Saturday Sex Scene

2010-01-30T12:08:00.001-06:00

Weeee! It's Saturday again!

That means it's time to tease and titillate with snips from our favorite books! The premise is easy. Reading the excerpt below, in the comments leave your suggestion of what music would be playing in the background. The best suggestion will get a free PDF of The Eternal Kiss. A winner will be announced by Sunday 9P EST. Enjoy!

By: Diana Castilleja | Other books by Diana Castilleja
Published By: Tease Publishing LLC
ISBN # 978-1-934678-90-9

Word Count: 75,000
Heat Index (3)

Categories: Vampires/Werewolves Paranormal/Horror Suspense/Mystery

Blurb:

Diego Viteri has lived for centuries with only one real goal, to avenge himself against the one who destroyed the man that he was and created the creature he is now. He is suffering a growing loneliness that is becoming impossible to ignore. His only reason for not ending his life is to see that Brakka is served his justice and then, Diego can rest.

The last thing he is expecting is to have an encounter with a human woman who is willing to jump between himself and Brakka during a harsh and bloody battle. Their one meeting changes everything for Diego, bringing to life emotions and wants that he has long believed to be as dead as he is.

As he follows Titania and her band, his needs reshape into something that he can't ignore. Before he knows what he has done, he bonds with her and sets into motion the very thing he swore he would never do to another person. He has shared his curse and in the process may have very well killed her. And there is only one choice to be made to try to save her.

Links to buy:

The Eternal Kiss
All Romance
http://tinyurl.com/3o45sy

Barnes N Noble
http://tinyurl.com/42vcgx

~~*~~

Diego knew as he carried her to her room that he should turn away, but his reasons were gone. She deserved the whole truth. He did not blink as he opened her door with a whispered command, securing the locks with hardly a thought, the warmth of her body still pressed against him. He was a living, breathing flame beneath her trusting touch.

Her lips were a soft petal pink, her skin flushed with desire, her heart beating wildly. He had forced himself to leave her side more than once although his hunger for this one woman had raged through him. It had not ceased since that first kiss.

She pressed herself into his hold when her feet touched solid ground beneath them, her curves molding to him deliciously. He loved the way her hair slid through his fingers, weaving them through the dark mass, absorbing the heat of her into his body.

His lips trailed along her jaw to settle near her ear, her scent filling his mind, his every nerve, until he crackled like a livewire with wanting her. He pressed his forehead to hers.

“Titania. Tell me now, tell me no, and I will leave.” Please, he silently begged. He had left the last of his strength on the wharf. Even recriminations did not hold enough weight to stop him.

Her blue eyes were bright with an untapped passion when he lifted to search her face. Her features shined in the moonlight passing through the open curtains of the window. She stole his breath, she was so beautiful to him. His heart beat with a wild rhythm, all the while feelings he had forgotten tore through him: possessiveness, tenderness, enjoyment in another’s voice, in their touch. His world was flying apart, shattering, and even as it frightened him, his desire to answer the call of her darkening gaze was not ignorable.

He was shocked to find his hands were shaking when he lifted them to cradle her face. His voice was gone, all the promises he wanted to make to alleviate fears, unsaid. He was lost in the darkened passion of her eyes.

Her lips were sweet when he lowered his to them, caressing, brushing with tenderness. An unknown urge to lay his mark, to announce his claim for her, was rising, becoming a heated brand on his thoughts. He knew she was innocent, but she accepted him. She trusted him. That stunned his brain, freezing him for a heartbeat.

How could she trust death? He had ruined her life! But even that was a fleeting thought when her hands lifted to slide over his body, eradicating thought completely. Diego delved between the sweet shape of her lips, feeling her wrap her arms around him. Her body fit perfectly with his. He knew it even still dressed as they were. Somehow, this one woman had been made for him.

He forced himself to move slowly, to savor every caress, every whispered breath. He slid his fingers down her arms, felt her answering shiver, heard the racing of her own heart. His touch gentled more as he began to slide her shirt up, pulling it over her and away.

All he could do was stare. Soft, pale globes of flesh encased in red satin. “My favorite color,” he breathed. “Beautiful, cara.” He dipped his head and graced each with a slow moving kiss. Her arms found him, holding on tightly.

He braced an arm under her knees, finding her mouth as he lifted her. Like a precious treasure, he laid her down on the bed, simply looking at the beauty he had been granted. He stretched out with her, his fingers following the curve of her shoulder and down her body to trail away gently on her thigh.

He thrilled at her sigh of wonder, which turned into a heated moan when he lowered his head to tease the hard peak of one nipple between tender teeth. He maneuvered his hand behind her and removed her bra, letting it slide down her arms to be tossed away. He groaned, finding the lusciousness of her body exposed to him.

There were no words to describe what was happening inside him, what he felt. So he told her with his touch, his lips, his gaze. Lush, kiss-pinked lips curved in answer. She knew. Somewhere in the back of his passion-soaked mind, he knew she was in his thoughts, entrenched, as he was in hers. She would always know.

He kissed a trail from her jaw to the valley of her breasts, inhaling her fragrance like the garden she was to his senses. Soft, flushed skin, her lush hair, the call of her feminine scent. Diego absorbed it all. He would never be free from her.

He laved long kisses on her breasts, their softness fitting perfectly into his touch. She writhed and moaned when he drew one hard tip into the damp heat of his mouth. Soft, keening sounds of passion were growing with each caress.

He pressed a palm against her center, and she tensed. “I need to see you. All of you.” She relaxed as he nipped at her stomach, muscles jumping once when he found the recess of her belly button. His touch was as slow as he could make it, fighting the growing urgency to make her his. The need was a growing, burning thing, crawling through him.

Jeans slid away, the red strip of cloth that covered her center insignificant as they disappeared with a single pull. He swallowed as he gazed upon her, lying trusting beneath his touch.

“I do not deserve you.” Her eyes glowed, sexy, dark and heady in the moon’s glow through the hotel window.

Her hands gripped the bed sheets when he let his mouth move over her again, when he delicately probed her heat with his tongue. He was bathed in the feeling of her trust, the newness arcing over her with brilliant, electric color, without a taint of fear anywhere.

For the first time in centuries, during a life of loneliness and solitude that had known no bounds, he forgot he was cursed. Forgot everything as he sought her pleasure.

Her touch was tentative, but growing surer as her own passions rose with his and her own needs became unbearable, desiring. Clothes disappeared with a thought.

Lightning arced between them as he rose above her, his fingers tracing the delicate shape of her hips, of her breasts, until he lay cradled between her thighs. He clenched his teeth as blinding ecstasy surged through him, her wet heat beckoning. He found her mouth then found his home as he possessed her. He swallowed her sharp cry, absorbing the pain. She was his.

His movements were slow, building her up again. Nails raked his back as passion flared through her, engulfed him. He tasted her skin with his tongue. Heat consumed them.

Hunger like he’d never felt knifed through him, clawed at him. A taste. Just a taste of her. He gritted his teeth, fought against it. He could not endanger her.

He thrust deeper, fighting the call, needing to feel her to keep him grounded as wave after wave of rapture flowed from her, bathed him in her joy. Sharp need sliced through his bliss. The pressure grew, a white hot hunger demanding fulfillment.

His lips flowed over the gentle slope of her jaw, his tongue bathing her in sensual heat. She arched immediately into the sensation, throwing her head back in invitation. She called to him. Deep. Primal.

He could smell the sweet call of blood, felt the raging way it pulsed through her body, heard the hard pulsating of her heart behind her ribs. Hot. Needy. Hungry. His lips glided down her throat, and she moaned in answer. She accepted his need as a part of him, and he couldn’t deny himself any longer.

Reason was gone. There was only Titania. There was only need. He needed to taste, to savor. To claim. She shivered when he caressed her skin, his tongue laving sensually against her pulse. She whimpered once in answer, in need. Incisors exploded into his mouth. For the first time in his dark life, when his teeth sank deep, he left his mark, branding her for eternity.

Ecstasy. Sweet divinity. His mind filled with radiant color. Lightning seared him, wrapped around him. Her taste was like no other. Hot, sweet, addictive. She poured into him, filled him, filled the aching, empty void of his soul as he devoured her. Pleasure like he’d never known coursed through his body, through his mind. His body thrust deeper still, filling her, feeling her release as her body moved with his.

He closed the narrow wounds with a tender caress, gripping her closer when she cried out, barely able to restrain the glory of the moment from exploding from his body. He shattered into a kaleidoscope of colors, yelling her name.

His breathing was ragged as he cradled her in his arms, pressing his face to her skin, bracing his weight off her slimmer body. A languorous feeling he had never experienced stole over him.

For the first time ever, his insatiable needs, his burning hunger was sated. His insides were not clawing apart with hunger. He felt completely at peace.

Aftershocks traveled up and down her delicate frame, soft moans, sliding from between kiss-swollen lips. His scent mingled with hers, the mixture of sex and first blood blended strongly on his senses, in the room.

Something had been different from the very beginning. He was powerless to fight destiny, but Brakka was out there. And others would look for her specifically now that she had been claimed. He had essentially put a “do not touch, trespassers will be destroyed” sign on her. He knew she was not a stay inside kind of woman. That thought terrified him.

Guilt slammed into him anew. He had stolen so much from her. Her freedom, her career. She could not possibly continue with her life at risk for each appearance. She was going to hate him. There was no doubt.

Fingers trailed across his shoulder. “What is it?” Her voice was soft, husky with sated desire. He could not believe when he felt his body’s reaction to it. After so long without a soul to match his, he was beginning to understand what a miracle she was to him.

He rose on his elbows, looking down at her beautiful face. His fingers automatically found the warm richness of her hair, spread like a thick, black blanket around them. “I will not let you go. Not now, not ever. It is bound to cause problems.”

Dazzling eyes stared back into his. “Like Houston?”

He brushed a kiss across each lid. “He is only one. I knew when I found you, things were going to happen. I did not know how.”

She studied him. “You’re not telling me everything, are you?” Her fingers traced his mouth. He smiled, kissing each fingertip. She really liked his mouth.

He slid from her, keeping her cradled, his legs imprisoning her. “No. Not yet. I do not know how,” he admitted. “But we will work through this.” I will always protect what is mine, he silently vowed.

A new low....

2010-01-21T10:10:00.003-06:00

Okay, so we alll know piracy sucks, takes money away from authors, editors, publishers, and yet the pirates don't give a flying flip that they are STEALING money right out of our paychecks, disregarding even those who have no other income BUT our writing. Yes Pirates, that's you making us go on welfare and grovel, Thank you! I feel so flattered that you "found" me and read me, but never spend a penny for the right.

Well here's an all new low.

There are requests for the All Romance Ebooks 28 Days of Hot, Heartfelt Romance books ON PIRATE SITES already! And they're not even released yet!!

Yes, they are STEALING FROM A CHARITY! They are requesting to PIRATE stories, whose sole purpose is to raise money for the American Heart Association. (The stories were written and are being released to give 100% of the proceeds to the AHA.)

Makes you all warm and fuzzy, doesn't it? Makes me want to hurl. This is really a new low. I wonder how they'll "justify" their way out of this one.

This Week: In Diana's Head

2010-01-19T06:49:00.003-06:00

Flying horses and other oddities.

What? You mean you've never seen a pegasus? I have. *grin* Okay, so it's a statue on my desk, but so.... It's there, I can see it and it's gorgeous. But have you ever wondered just what might be out there that we can't see?

I mean, there's ghost chasers, people who swear they can speak to the dead, people who have seen or experienced the unexplainable. How much is real and how much is make believe? I honestly believe that there things we can't see, hear, or explain, but that's what makes us unique from say your average dog. Do you think dogs have spirits who haunt them? I can see it now... Lassie haunting. Okay, that's joke. But we perceive things in a much broader view, we believe we can see, experience and share those oddities, and others feel the same.

So where is today going?

What if there were shifter races among us? What if there were witches and vampires and things that do more than go bump in the night? Have you ever looked at someone and thought they would make the perfect "fill in the blank"?

I think in a way, it's part of why I write about so many of these fantastical beings. They not only intrigue me, but they pull me away from the mundane (you know, laundry, dishes, errands, life in general). I had a new story idea pop up over the weekend and the more I think I have no idea how or what to write about it, the harder it sticks in my brain, so sometime soon, I'm going to be experimenting with another book, I'm sure. I love the differences we find between our own characters and those of another author.

I think as a human race, we could adapt to having more than your average homosapien amongst us. We are a world of diversity and over the years no matter race, color, religion or location, we can come together for the average man.

What do you think? Could you deal with having a wolf shifter as a neighbor? What about a tiger shifter as a teacher, or a witch as a doctor (Yep, I went there. LOL) but in the medical sense. *wink* I can just seen a vampire as a bodyguard. Immeasurable strength and healing capabilities? Probably be a hell of a dancer too. LOL

So tell me what you think. I'm curious.

Membership Drive!

2010-01-18T09:52:00.000-06:00

We're inviting the virtual community to join readers, authors, publishers, and reviewers at Just Another Paranormal Monday each and every Monday. Over 500 members strong, Just Another Paranormal Monday is the perfect place to kick up your heels and talk with other readers about paranormal books, movies, and unexplainable topics interesting to those of us who love paranormal.

Coming later this month, the moderators of Just Another Paranormal Monday will open submissions for two fabulous anthologies. Members are invited to submit their paranormal submissions for our Halloween and Christmas anthology projects. More details will post to the JAPM Loop next week.

Authors and publishers: JAPM members and moderators TWEET about the posts on the loop. If you want more exposure, stop by and chat with Just Another Paranormal members.

We're having a ball on Mondays!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ParanormalMonday/join

http://twitter.com/JAPMParanormal

Diana Castilleja

Diana Castilleja || Diana DeRicci

Unbound Trust || Coming Soon!
Crowning A Warrior King || Print
Aiza Clan Shifter Combo 1&2 || Print
The Eternal Kiss || Print

Saturday Book News

2010-01-16T05:00:00.000-06:00

On January 19th, Entwined by Fate the first in a innovative and sexy new series from S.A.Price releases. This series breaks the accepted boundaries on what is familiar in the shifter genre, by having Ophidians, or weresnakes as a focus.

Thirty females of the Ophidian race have gone missing, most from the transient nest of Las Vegas, a rogue and unofficial nest run by the Saint, John Merrick. Believed to be dead by every Archon in the states, Merrick leads a quiet and unassuming life, saving those of his race that are lost and need it most. It's a solitary existence, one that he hates every day. He yearns for his mate, the woman he left over a decade before, and the woman who thinks him dead to this day.

When Elise Rizdon gets the official invitation to the Archon meeting in Ohio by the leader of a new Midwestern nest, she never expected to see the love of her life at the woman's side, a man she was told was dead and buried. She lost him once upon a time, and she never fully recovered. Focusing on the issues, and not the man that has always made her body burn is not going to be easy. A disturbing event is on the horizon, one that threatens all Ophidian's and their way of life. In order to survive they will have to work together, give up old grudges and take chances on the things that matter most. Love, life and the continuation of their race.

And the reviews have been amazing!

S.A. Price has written a winner! The taut plot line and the constant danger lurking at every corner increase the tension as the reader anxiously turns the pages. S.A. Price does a marvelous job at integrating subplots and smoothly fitting all of the pieces together. The secondary romances developing within the plot line make the happily-ever-after all the more satisfying. Brilliant!
~Recommended Read, Ck2s Kwips and Kritiques

“Move over werewolf’s there’s a new game in town!”
~ Smokin Hot Books

“It kept me captivated …I just had to know what was going to happen next!”
~Books, Books and More Books

"A sexy were species that really pushes the envelope! Who knew snakes could be so hot-blooded!?"
~Jennifer Armintrout, best selling author of the Blood Ties series

Interested? Check out why this book is getting such amazing feedback, and help us prove that weresnakes are sssexy and that scales could definitely be the new fur for you shifter readers!

JOIN THE REVOLUTION! You can read an excerpt here and you can buy the E book from All Romance E books and the print from Amazon.

And if you use Wordpress:

On January 19th, Entwined by Fate the first in a innovative and sexy new series from S.A.Price releases. This series breaks the accepted boundaries on what is familiar in the shifter genre, by having Ophidians, or weresnakes as a focus.

Thirty females of the Ophidian race have gone missing, most from the transient nest of Las Vegas, a rogue and unofficial nest run by the Saint, John Merrick. Believed to be dead by every Archon in the states, Merrick leads a quiet and unassuming life, saving those of his race that are lost and need it most. It's a solitary existence, one that he hates every day. He yearns for his mate, the woman he left over a decade before, and the woman who thinks him dead to this day.

When Elise Rizdon gets the official invitation to the Archon meeting in Ohio by the leader of a new Midwestern nest, she never expected to see the love of her life at the woman's side, a man she was told was dead and buried. She lost him once upon a time, and she never fully recovered. Focusing on the issues, and not the man that has always made her body burn is not going to be easy. A disturbing event is on the horizon, one that threatens all Ophidian's and their way of life. In order to survive they will have to work together, give up old grudges and take chances on the things that matter most. Love, life and the continuation of their race.

And the reviews have been amazing!

S.A. Price has written a winner! The taut plot line and the constant danger lurking at every corner increase the tension as the reader anxiously turns the pages. S.A. Price does a marvelous job at integrating subplots and smoothly fitting all of the pieces together. The secondary romances developing within the plot line make the happily-ever-after all the more satisfying. Brilliant!

~Recommended Read, Ck2s Kwips and Kritiques

“Move over werewolf’s there’s a new game in town!”

~ Smokin Hot Books

“It kept me captivated …I just had to know what was going to happen next!”

~Books, Books and More Books

"A sexy were species that really pushes the envelope! Who knew snakes could be so hot-blooded!?"

~Jennifer Armintrout, best selling author of the Blood Ties series

Interested? Check out why this book is getting such amazing feedback, and help us prove that weresnakes are sssexy and that scales could definitely be the new fur for you shifter readers!

JOIN THE REVOLUTION! You can read an excerpt here and you can buy the E book from All Romance E books and the print from Amazon.

Stella Price
Award winning best selling author

This week: In Diana's Head

2010-01-12T05:00:00.000-06:00

This last Saturday, me, the man and the boy (luckily the dog stayed behind) went to our first Monster Truck Rally/Tractor Pull.

And I have to tell you, I HAVE NEVER HEARD ANYTHING THAT LOUD IN MY LIFE! I was smart. I took earplugs but the boy and the man refused because they were "uncomfortable". Whatever. The man's already hard of hearing because he was in the Artillery in the Army. What's a few thousand decibles of roaring ethanol and moonshine? *wink*

I don't follow the circuit so it's hard to say what we were supposed to see, but what we did see was pretty awesome. A lot of older (1949 anyone ?) modified pickups, several hotrod tractors and the big trucks. And the boy got to ride in the Freakin' Huge SARGEANT SMASH. He loved that.

This guy was the Head honcho, so to speak, the crowd favorite:

THE BARBARIAN!

We didn't stay the whole show. The boy was zonked by the end of the intermission, so we left around 10p. It probably went right up until about midnight or so. The final verdict? Would we do it again? I'd love to! The boy would do it too, in a heartbeat. The only thing I ask is to not do it in 23degree freezing weather. It wasn't cold in the arena, but it wasn't exactly warm either.

This Week: In Diana's Head

2009-12-29T05:00:00.000-06:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

This Week: In Diana's Head

2009-12-22T05:00:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas!

This Week: In Diana's Head

2009-12-15T05:00:00.000-06:00

I'm celebrating!

UNBOUND TRUST NOW IN PRINT!!!

Barnes & Noble

Aiza Clan Book 3: Unbound Trust

By: Diana Castilleja

Published By: Tease Publishing LLC
ISBN # 978-1-60767-081-0

Word Count: 69,000
Heat Index

Mitch isn't interested in any woman, content with his life. Mostly. Even his brother senses a restlessness building within him, but for what? Then when Mitch suffers a major accident, he and Brooke are all but confined to the same house, and he is left trying to remember why he didn't want anything to do with women. Because the more he sees of her, the more he needs her kiss.

The resurgance of an amulet into the sibling's lives changes everything, for the amulet can control them all. It will take two to destroy the evil stalking the Aiza family, and if Mitch refuses to face his feelings and Brooke can't overcome her hesitations to form a deeper trust, the opening of the gates of Hell could be the result.

Chapter One

“He’s beautiful, Delilah,” Brooke said, leaning over the tinted wood crib where her six month-old nephew slept without a care in the world. A disorderly wave of black hair flowed over his head. The baby resembled a sweet cherub in his fluffy white jumper. Brooke’s first thought was looks could be deceiving, knowing what kind of child her older brother had been. All four of the brothers and sisters had some story to scare their mother gray. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here for the big moment.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Delilah replied. Standing several inches shorter than the new mama, Brooke peered up at her sister-in-law. “Roman kept himself together long enough to get me to the hospital. Then,” Delilah said with remembered humor, her eyes twinkling, “he had my permission to fall apart.”
Brooke’s finger drifted to smooth the rich cap of hair covering Adrian’s crown. The sensation reminded her of soft down, silken and delicate. Her brother and his wife were a very lucky and blessed couple. Brooke asked curiously, “There weren’t any problems at the hospital, then?”
Delilah shook her head. “The blood samples didn’t show anything.”
Brooke exhaled in quiet relief. “I’ve always wondered. We were born at home, and needless to say, we stay away from doctors and needles and avid curiosity.”
Sunshine brightened the baby’s room from the large windows flanking the outer wall, washing the room in light and warmth. The room was filled with an impossible-to-miss gentle happiness making Brooke’s own urges seem to be right in front of her.
“From what I can tell, talking to your Dad and Roman, the changes happen after puberty. Isn’t that when you started training for it?”
Brooke stepped back from the crib where she’d been admiring her nephew. Delilah draped a thin blanket over the baby for his nap. “Yeah. It sounds right. I guess we’re a little spoiled with Selene in the family. Our own doctor.”
“Sure doesn’t hurt anything, that’s for sure,” Delilah remarked with an answering smirk. “Speaking of the dynamic duo, are they back yet?” Delilah asked as they left the baby’s room, walking into the living room together.
“No. St. Marten doesn’t have a prayer. Something else I missed while I was in Belgium with Aunt Jerry—their wedding,” Brooke replied with a regretful sigh. “I swear, if she hadn’t needed me so much, I would have been here in a heartbeat. Their wedding and Adrian’s wonderful arrival.”
“I have pictures. Do you want to see them?” Delilah offered.
“I’d love to.”
Brooke was amazed at the woman Roman had found for his wife. Delilah was a gracious, generous woman. She stood inches taller than Brooke and looked fabulous for recently having had a baby. Brooke had noticed her blue eyes first, a shade darker than sky blue. They were beautiful framed by her black hair. What shocked Brooke more was Delilah had taken their family secret and had made it her own.
When Brooke arrived the day before in Oregon, intent on finding her sister, she’d discovered Selene was on her honeymoon. Being out of the country had put Brooke out of contact with the rest of the family, and she’d missed all the good stuff. After calling Morgan and Roman, Brooke came to crash with Roman in Wyoming first. Plus, she got to see her first nephew. Dead asleep, he was a charmer.
“I’m sure once they get back, Selene will be only too happy to tell you about Bram.” Delilah turned the photo pages at a slow pace. “He’s exactly what that doctor needed,” she told Brooke with amusement.
“Is that him?” Brooke asked, examining a picture of a tall man in a tuxedo.
“That’s him. Not bad for a doctor,” Delilah said smiling in apparent memory of the wedding, her fingers dancing over the various pictures. “Really nice guy too.”
“I’m sure he is if Selene found him. She’s very gentle,” Brooke said.
Delilah’s brow flickered in surprise. “Gentle? Her?” She laughed again, but not unkindly. “Your sister will face anything. That doesn’t equate to gentle with me.”
“Reminds me of someone, but I wonder who?” Roman’s teasing bass made the women snap up from the picture album on Delilah’s lap. “Hi, Babs.” He leaned down and gave Delilah a quick kiss. “Hello, beautiful,” Roman purred.
Brooke giggled behind tight lips. It was good seeing her brother so in love. “Hi, Roman. Get everything in town?” Brooke asked as he straightened from kissing Delilah. Married life and fatherhood agreed with him, if his adoring expression was anything to believe.
“Yeah, I’ll have Adrian’s playground done in no time,” he informed them.
Delilah rolled her eyes. “Roman, he can barely roll over.”
“That’s why I’m starting now. I might have it done by the time he graduates,” he said, laughing with a rich, happy sound. He ran a hand over his midnight black hair, disturbing the thickness with his absent gesture. “I’ll be around back. Just holler if you need me.”
“All right,” Delilah replied.
Brooke continued to peruse the photos in the packed album. Selene’s wedding had been beautiful. Her dress flowed like a mythical creation of satin, lace and sheer gauze that sparkled as though it were sewn from the stars, glinting in the daylight. She had been a stunning bride.
Brooke struggled with her own fears with both her sister’s and brother’s happiness so right in front of her. Two down, two to go.
“She was gorgeous, wasn’t she?” Brooke managed to say through a raw throat a moment later.
“Yeah.” Delilah sighed. “Your parents have the most incredible house. I wouldn’t be surprised to see all of you married there.”
Brooke shook her head regretfully. “I doubt it. Morgan probably, he’s still gorgeous. Especially with those eyes. Me…” she told her wistfully. “I’m an old maid. Thirty-one sucks.”
Side by side, Delilah bumped Brooke’s shoulder with her own. “Hey, I hit thirty this year.”
“Nice try. You’re hitched and a new mom,” Brooke pointed out. “But it’s not a big deal. I’m not trying. Selene found Bram on the trails by chance when she was studying. That was fate with a capital F. The closest I get to a male form is the checkout boy at my grocery store.”
Delilah stared at Brooke, a concerned frown cinching her brow. “Brooke, I haven’t known you long, but is there something you want to talk about?”
Brooke covered up her lonely misery with a rush of words. “Just the usual. I’m over thirty. I feel that urge. I’m lonely. I’m surrounded by people who’ve found what I feel I’m missing.” Brooke drew a deep, steadying breath. No sense in being maudlin this early in her visit. “Sorry, I’ve been on a pity party for over a month now. I don’t know why,” she explained sheepishly.
Delilah leaned toward her. “Would you be offended if I looked? Maybe I could see something on the horizon for you.”
Brooke openly studied the guilelessness in the brunette’s blue gaze. “A week ago, I’d have jumped at the chance. For some reason, being home messes with me. Thanks, but no. I’ll take my lumps like a big girl.”
Delilah offered an understanding smile. “I know. It’s hard, and you’ve got a lot to catch up on.” Delilah’s attention shifted toward the nursery when Adrian began to cry. “Here, look some more. Let me go see what the prince is upset about.”
Brooke moved the album over to her lap as Delilah swept from the couch and aimed for her son’s room. There were pictures of her parents and the house where Brooke and the others had been raised. In Brooke’s mind, there was nothing like Northern Minnesota, beautiful with trees and unbelievable snow falls during the cold winters. Christmas times had been a blast with snowball fights and sledding to die for. There were pictures of Roman and Delilah, with Adrian bundled up like a miniature snowman in a cute powder blue outfit in their arms. Delilah appeared almost normal in height compared to Roman, and Roman’s expression was absolutely, gloriously, happy in the picture.
There were more photos of Selene, her blonde hair curled at the ends, standing with people, or standing alone holding a huge bouquet of tiger lilies. Brooke’s finger traced the photo. She flipped the page slowly, regretfully. She was really sorry she had missed it.
The next photo she found was of Selene and Bram. He was a very handsome guy. Thick brown hair and an aura of happiness in every picture. They were a perfect match also. Brooke could almost feel the strength of their bond in the picture at her fingertips. The way he held her close, a possessive and protective hand on her slim waist. There were a few photos of when Delilah had captured him unaware, with an adoring gaze, staring down at her sister. The blatant ease of his emotions brought up that poignant ache in her one more time. Alone, it was harder to dismiss the nagging emptiness to the background of her mind.
Where was her mate? When was she going to find the man who would hold her and cherish her? Brooke felt so old.

This Week: In Diana's Head

2009-12-08T05:00:00.000-06:00

snitched from my overstuffed bookshelf

Once upon a time there lived a king.
The king had a beautiful daughter,
The PRINCESS..

But there was a problem. Everything the princess touched would melt.
No matter what;

Metal,

Wood,

Stone,

Anything she touched would melt.
Because of this, men were afraid of her. Nobody would dare marry her.
The king despaired. What could he do to help his daughter?
He consulted his wizards and magicians. One wizard told the king,
'If your daughter touches one thing that does not melt in her hands, she will be cured.'
The king was overjoyed and came up with a plan.
The next day, he held a competition. Any man that could bring his daughter an object that would not melt would marry her and inherit the king's wealth..
THREE YOUNG PRINCES TOOK UP THE CHALLENGE.

The first brought a sword of the finest steel.

But alas, when the princess touched it, it melted.
The prince went away sadly .

The second prince brought diamonds.

He thought diamonds are the hardest substance in the world and would not melt.
But alas, once the princess touched them, they melted.
He too was sent away disappointed.

The third prince approached. He told the princess,
'Put your hand in my pocket and feel what is in there.'
The princess did as she was told, though she turned red .

She felt something hard. She held it in her hand.
And it did not melt!!!
The king was overjoyed. Everybody in the kingdom was overjoyed. And the third prince married the princess and they both lived happily ever after.

Question: What was in the prince's pants?

M&M's of course.

They melt in your mouth, not in your hand.
What were you thinking??

YOU THINK I HAVE A DIRTY MIND!

Before I go off line for my move...

2009-11-27T16:56:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone!!

I just wanted to share that I've updated my website and have loaded a new free read. Information for it is on the front page of my site. I'm not sure exactly when I'll be going off line, but hope it will only be for at most a couple of days. (I can already feel the withdrawal of *gasp* no email.)

Diana Castilleja

Diana Castilleja || Diana DeRicci

Unbound Trust || Coming Soon!
Crowning A Warrior King || Print
Aiza Clan Shifter Combo 1&2 || Print
The Eternal Kiss || Print

This Week: In Diana's Head

2009-11-24T05:00:00.000-06:00

It's almost over. November. The ugliest month of the year--this year at least. As of the writing of this post, we still haven't closed on our home, even though it has been empty and waiting for us since the 7th. Yeah, a solid three weeks and we're still waiting on the mortgage company to get their act together. With the holiday this week, we won't be closing this week either. I guess that's a bit of relief, but it really puts me in a bad place to get the rental cleaned and turned back over, not that they care. They get paid their forty and they're done. I've worked in mortgage, finance and title, more than ten years combined experience so... I'm not surprised it's taking so long, but daaaaammn people... *deep breath*

Soon... I keep telling myself. Soon.

The last of my November releases are also done so that just leaves two for December. One ebook and the print of Unbound Trust. Woot! Yet, I'm thankful that I did have so much to do this month. It kept me busy. I've just gotten to the point where I have a permanent headache because of it.

Which brings me to December. A huge relief, because I am officially out for a month. I'll give you a minute to get back into your chair after that shocker. But it's true. I "disappear" from the beginning of December until after the New Year. Well, sorta. I mean, I'm still here, still writing and generally still reachable, but I purposely take time away from the computer to recharge. I read a lot, get some of the shopping done. Just in general relax to start it all again next year.

I'll have more coming through the end of the year, but with this fiasco with the house, I seriously need to take a break. So that being said... *poof*

Unbound Trust is now at Fictionwise

2009-11-23T14:23:00.001-06:00

Available now at Fictionwise! On sale!

http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/b99219/Aiza-Clan-/Diana-Castilleja/?si=0

Aiza Clan Book 3: Unbound Trust

By: Diana Castilleja | Other books by Diana Castilleja
Published By: Tease Publishing LLC
ISBN # 978-1-60767-081-0

Word Count: 69,000
Heat Index

Available in: Adobe Acrobat

Price: $3.99

Brooke Aiza has returned home after staying with her Aunt Jerry for more than a year to learn she's an aunt herself by her brother, and her sister is married! Overwhelmed by the changes taking place with her siblings, she begins to feel more than a familial affection for her new brother-in-law, and sees no escape except to put distance between them until she leaves for her parent's home.

Mitch isn't interested in any woman, content with his life. Mostly. Even his brother senses a restlessness building within him, but for what? Then when Mitch suffers a major accident, he and Brooke are all but confined to the same house, and he is left trying to remember why he didn't want anything to do with women. Because the more he sees of her, the more he needs her kiss.

The resurgance of an amulet into the sibling's lives changes everything, for the amulet can control them all. It will take two to destroy the evil stalking the Aiza family, and if Mitch refuses to face his feelings and Brooke can't overcome her hesitations to form a deeper trust, the opening of the gates of Hell could be the result.

Chapter One

"He's beautiful, Delilah," Brooke said, leaning over the tinted wood crib where her six month-old nephew slept without a care in the world. A disorderly wave of black hair flowed over his head. The baby resembled a sweet cherub in his fluffy white jumper. Brooke's first thought was looks could be deceiving, knowing what kind of child her older brother had been. All four of the brothers and sisters had some story to scare their mother gray. "I'm sorry I wasn't here for the big moment."

"Don't worry about it," Delilah replied. Standing several inches shorter than the new mama, Brooke peered up at her sister-in-law. "Roman kept himself together long enough to get me to the hospital. Then," Delilah said with remembered humor, her eyes twinkling, "he had my permission to fall apart."

Brooke's finger drifted to smooth the rich cap of hair covering Adrian's crown. The sensation reminded her of soft down, silken and delicate. Her brother and his wife were a very lucky and blessed couple. Brooke asked curiously, "There weren't any problems at the hospital, then?"

Delilah shook her head. "The blood samples didn't show anything."

Brooke exhaled in quiet relief. "I've always wondered. We were born at home, and needless to say, we stay away from doctors and needles and avid curiosity."

Sunshine brightened the baby's room from the large windows flanking the outer wall, washing the room in light and warmth. The room was filled with an impossible-to-miss gentle happiness making Brooke's own urges seem to be right in front of her.

"From what I can tell, talking to your Dad and Roman, the changes happen after puberty. Isn't that when you started training for it?"

Brooke stepped back from the crib where she'd been admiring her nephew. Delilah draped a thin blanket over the baby for his nap. "Yeah. It sounds right. I guess we're a little spoiled with Selene in the family. Our own doctor."

"Sure doesn't hurt anything, that's for sure," Delilah remarked with an answering smirk. "Speaking of the dynamic duo, are they back yet?" Delilah asked as they left the baby's room, walking into the living room together.

"No. St. Marten doesn't have a prayer. Something else I missed while I was in Belgium with Aunt Jerry—their wedding," Brooke replied with a regretful sigh. "I swear, if she hadn't needed me so much, I would have been here in a heartbeat. Their wedding and Adrian's wonderful arrival."

"I have pictures. Do you want to see them?" Delilah offered.

"I'd love to."

Brooke was amazed at the woman Roman had found for his wife. Delilah was a gracious, generous woman. She stood inches taller than Brooke and looked fabulous for recently having had a baby. Brooke had noticed her blue eyes first, a shade darker than sky blue. They were beautiful framed by her black hair. What shocked Brooke more was Delilah had taken their family secret and had made it her own.

When Brooke arrived the day before in Oregon, intent on finding her sister, she'd discovered Selene was on her honeymoon. Being out of the country had put Brooke out of contact with the rest of the family, and she'd missed all the good stuff. After calling Morgan and Roman, Brooke came to crash with Roman in Wyoming first. Plus, she got to see her first nephew. Dead asleep, he was a charmer.

"I'm sure once they get back, Selene will be only too happy to tell you about Bram." Delilah turned the photo pages at a slow pace. "He's exactly what that doctor needed," she told Brooke with amusement.

"Is that him?" Brooke asked, examining a picture of a tall man in a tuxedo.

"That's him. Not bad for a doctor," Delilah said smiling in apparent memory of the wedding, her fingers dancing over the various pictures. "Really nice guy too."

"I'm sure he is if Selene found him. She's very gentle," Brooke said.

Delilah's brow flickered in surprise. "Gentle? Her?" She laughed again, but not unkindly. "Your sister will face anything. That doesn't equate to gentle with me."

"Reminds me of someone, but I wonder who?" Roman's teasing bass made the women snap up from the picture album on Delilah's lap. "Hi, Babs." He leaned down and gave Delilah a quick kiss. "Hello, beautiful," Roman purred.

Brooke giggled behind tight lips. It was good seeing her brother so in love. "Hi, Roman. Get everything in town?" Brooke asked as he straightened from kissing Delilah. Married life and fatherhood agreed with him, if his adoring expression was anything to believe.

"Yeah, I'll have Adrian's playground done in no time," he informed them.

Delilah rolled her eyes. "Roman, he can barely roll over."

"That's why I'm starting now. I might have it done by the time he graduates," he said, laughing with a rich, happy sound. He ran a hand over his midnight black hair, disturbing the thickness with his absent gesture. "I'll be around back. Just holler if you need me."

"All right," Delilah replied.

Brooke continued to peruse the photos in the packed album. Selene's wedding had been beautiful. Her dress flowed like a mythical creation of satin, lace and sheer gauze that sparkled as though it were sewn from the stars, glinting in the daylight. She had been a stunning bride.

Brooke struggled with her own fears with both her sister's and brother's happiness so right in front of her. Two down, two to go.

"She was gorgeous, wasn't she?" Brooke managed to say through a raw throat a moment later.

"Yeah." Delilah sighed. "Your parents have the most incredible house. I wouldn't be surprised to see all of you married there."

Brooke shook her head regretfully. "I doubt it. Morgan probably, he's still gorgeous. Especially with those eyes. Me…" she told her wistfully. "I'm an old maid. Thirty-one sucks."

Side by side, Delilah bumped Brooke's shoulder with her own. "Hey, I hit thirty this year."

"Nice try. You're hitched and a new mom," Brooke pointed out. "But it's not a big deal. I'm not trying. Selene found Bram on the trails by chance when she was studying. That was fate with a capital F. The closest I get to a male form is the checkout boy at my grocery store."

Delilah stared at Brooke, a concerned frown cinching her brow. "Brooke, I haven't known you long, but is there something you want to talk about?"

Brooke covered up her lonely misery with a rush of words. "Just the usual. I'm over thirty. I feel that urge. I'm lonely. I'm surrounded by people who've found what I feel I'm missing." Brooke drew a deep, steadying breath. No sense in being maudlin this early in her visit. "Sorry, I've been on a pity party for over a month now. I don't know why," she explained sheepishly.

Delilah leaned toward her. "Would you be offended if I looked? Maybe I could see something on the horizon for you."

Brooke openly studied the guilelessness in the brunette's blue gaze. "A week ago, I'd have jumped at the chance. For some reason, being home messes with me. Thanks, but no. I'll take my lumps like a big girl."

Delilah offered an understanding smile. "I know. It's hard, and you've got a lot to catch up on." Delilah's attention shifted toward the nursery when Adrian began to cry. "Here, look some more. Let me go see what the prince is upset about."

Brooke moved the album over to her lap as Delilah swept from the couch and aimed for her son's room. There were pictures of her parents and the house where Brooke and the others had been raised. In Brooke's mind, there was nothing like Northern Minnesota, beautiful with trees and unbelievable snow falls during the cold winters. Christmas times had been a blast with snowball fights and sledding to die for. There were pictures of Roman and Delilah, with Adrian bundled up like a miniature snowman in a cute powder blue outfit in their arms. Delilah appeared almost normal in height compared to Roman, and Roman's expression was absolutely, gloriously, happy in the picture.

There were more photos of Selene, her blonde hair curled at the ends, standing with people, or standing alone holding a huge bouquet of tiger lilies. Brooke's finger traced the photo. She flipped the page slowly, regretfully. She was really sorry she had missed it.

The next photo she found was of Selene and Bram. He was a very handsome guy. Thick brown hair and an aura of happiness in every picture. They were a perfect match also. Brooke could almost feel the strength of their bond in the picture at her fingertips. The way he held her close, a possessive and protective hand on her slim waist. There were a few photos of when Delilah had captured him unaware, with an adoring gaze, staring down at her sister. The blatant ease of his emotions brought up that poignant ache in her one more time. Alone, it was harder to dismiss the nagging emptiness to the background of her mind.

Where was her mate? When was she going to find the man who would hold her and cherish her? Brooke felt so old.

This Week: In Diana's Head

2009-11-17T05:00:00.000-06:00

This week is pretty simple. I'm covering the Fall Book Fair at the boy's elementary school. This makes my fifth semester to volunteer and I love doing it. I thought I'd share a few shots I managed (thankfully the camera actually worked).

This is the display before the kid invasion. By the end of the week, there will be huge gaping holes of complete sell-outs, which is wonderful. We have a very reader intense population at this school. Note the Star Wars signage. Huge with the kids.

For the younger sprouts there's the picture books, with some darling titles, new and old. Puff the Magic Dragon, Spongebob and Dora. A lot of them are educational fun reads too, like the Birds book on the corner, and a reptile book about snakes with live-shot photographs. Creepy stuff, but the kids eat it up!

I took a picture of this one because I thought the cover was cool. And here is a huge table of hardcover storybooks. These make great teacher gifts because they hold up.

Aside from myself, there's other volunteers. This is Julie. Her son also goes to karate with the boy, so it's fun to see her at the Book Fairs. :)

Mrs. Fisher is one of the Librarian's at the school, and a real sweetheart. She makes the library fun, even for the adults. This parent was there bright and early, picking up a goody for their kiddo. So if your school does a book fair, I highly recommend volunteering for the week or even just a day or two. It's a crazy hectic fun time spent with the kids and it really help encourage their love of reading to see adults they know there too.

Unbound Trust is Live!!

2009-11-15T19:15:00.000-06:00

Unbound Trust Cover

Aiza Clan Book 3: Unbound Trust

By: Diana Castilleja | Other books by Diana Castilleja
Published By: Tease Publishing LLC
ISBN # 978-1-60767-081-0

Word Count: 69,000
Heat Index

Categories: Paranormal/Horror Suspense/Mystery

Available in: Adobe Acrobat

Price: $3.99

Brooke Aiza has returned home after staying with her Aunt Jerry for more than a year to learn she's an aunt herself by her brother, and her sister is married! Overwhelmed by the changes taking place with her siblings, she begins to feel more than a familial affection for her new brother-in-law, and sees no escape except to put distance between them until she leaves for her parent's home.

Mitch isn't interested in any woman, content with his life. Mostly. Even his brother senses a restlessness building within him, but for what? Then when Mitch suffers a major accident, he and Brooke are all but confined to the same house, and he is left trying to remember why he didn't want anything to do with women. Because the more he sees of her, the more he needs her kiss.

The resurgance of an amulet into the sibling's lives changes everything, for the amulet can control them all. It will take two to destroy the evil stalking the Aiza family, and if Mitch refuses to face his feelings and Brooke can't overcome her hesitations to form a deeper trust, the opening of the gates of Hell could be the result.

Buy it now!

Print Releases December 15th!!

"You're family. Family is everything to the Aiza clan," she stated.

"Is that why you agreed to stay here with me?"

Her gaze flickered away, cooling to two dark pools. Those coffee brown orbs were enigmatic, bewitching. Mitch knew of no one else with eyes like them.

"Mostly. The rest of it is personal and very boring."

"So far, your family is not boring. I doubt you are," he told her honestly. "I know you are not boring," he clarified quietly. Her chin lifted, bringing her up to his searching gaze, her mysterious depths grabbing his thoughts. Mitch wanted to lean forward, to be closer, touching her. He felt a surge of wanting when she licked her lips, felt it in his groin as heat pooled. The need to feel her lips against his own was so strong, a fire in his blood. Forcing his body to relax, he managed to stay right where he was. Why did he feel so drawn to her?

Her attention returned fully to him. "Have you heard from Roman?" She glanced at his laptop under the phone table.

Regaining his composure, he replied, "No, I haven't checked."

"I'll be right back, if you want some privacy," she offered and glided down the hall to the restroom. What was the saying? She looked beautiful walking up and even better walking away? It may not happen today, but he was going to get another kiss. He had to. The fact that he couldn't explain the first one just didn't seem to be deterrent enough.

I'm on LASR this week!

2009-11-11T08:43:00.000-06:00

Join me all this week on LASR as I discuss my upcoming release, UNBOUND TRUST, Book 3 of the Aiza Clan Shifter Series. Lots of fun things going on and goodies from LASR! Be one of the first to win this newest release!

http://www.longandshortreviews.com/LASR/index.htm

Diana Castilleja

Diana Castilleja || Diana DeRicci

Unbound Trust || Coming Soon!
Crowning A Warrior King || Print
Aiza Clan Shifter Combo 1&2 || Print
The Eternal Kiss || Print

This Week: In Diana's Head

2009-11-10T04:00:00.000-06:00

WARNING:RANT AHEAD!! (Language warning, too. You've been warned.)

(For my readers who buy and read any book, print or ebook legitimately, I LOVE YOU! This is not aimed at any of you. There is a growing problem out there that is forcing authors to stop writing because of lost income. If you believe theft is wrong, please visit this page http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/fightebookpiracy?e and sign.)

Well, it happened.

My first book was pirated. I guess I should be grateful that it took this long. I mean, it's not like I need the money to buy bread or anything (Yes, that's sarcasm. My book royalties have pulled us out of the fire a couple times this year, but thanks to the pirates... eh. I'm screaming at walls.)

You know, we should all just steal everything. Farmers can steal gas to plow, we can steal food, and hey, the banks won't care if we don't pay mortgages, right?

Nooo? Oh. you mean, because you know that is wrong?

But pirates (lets lump 'em all together shall we--music, movie and book) don't have a care in the world when it comes to stealing intangible property, especially if it's a file on the internet. There are thousands of requests on hundreds of forums for FREE stolen books that they want to share, so long as someone posts it first for free. Well, see here's the deal. Books, like music (and movies even though you don't want to hear it) aren't sharable in digital formats. You can't scan a print one either and say it's free, because like rabbits, those copies multiply. There's also this little legal law called a copyright but pirates, even though they steal books (et al) to read, these same thieves can't read a copyright law and understand it. I know! They must be stupider than dust bunnies.

Before I go getting insulting, because it's tempting, all I'm going to say is if you want it, go to the library, the used bookstore, but for shit's sake people, let me feed my kid. BUY the books you read. PAY for them legally. There are no rich writers anymore. The economy drove that line into a sandbar below sea level. The average pay on royalty for a PRINT BOOK (listening?) is 8% AFTER COST. I'd ask the pirates to do the math, but since their intelligence is in question...

Want the low down? Check out these links here and here and here (<this is probably the best and clearest example on the net right now).

But for some reason I can't fathom, pirates (ha! Get the joke?) just don't care that they are stealing not only our property, but our right to a livelihood. A right to EARN a living, because they deign to give it away for free FOR us? How nice of them... (Yes that's more sarcasm.)

So while someone is downloading a book they may not (but probably do) know is illegal, that's two (or thousands of) book sales that would result in royalties that could have bought bread, or milk, or gas when I really needed it. But you know, my world means nothing to them, so when there's no more books to steal worth reading, it'll be their fault, because writers, any creative person will quit when they have no choice. The government doesn't care if they have books. They're cutting library funding like a bad salami. Schools while they need them, can't afford them. And hey, half of America is already illiterate, why keep writing at all?

It's really no better than walking down the street and getting mugged. Only when it comes to downloaded property, it happens tens to hundreds of times A DAY.

Hope you don't get mugged on your walk to work tomorrow. It's a suckass feeling.

My AAD adventure

2009-11-05T08:15:00.002-06:00

And let me tell you, AAD was an adventure. It was only the second con of any type I've attended and the first reader con for me. If you've never done something reader-centric, than this is something I recommend you do.

Why? Well to put it simply, it's the best way to actually get to meet so many at once, readers and authors. The readers I got to talk to amazed me with their interest and hunger to know what our "jobs" were like. The authors all had wonderful tales to tell about their characters, their stories, their ideas. It was very personal. Any and all questions were asked, nothing was sacred. Trust me there.

One of the best parts about the whole con was the energy. That's what sold me on it to do a repeat next year. I'm really looking forward to it. So I know I'm going to be repeating my adventure again. And I can't wait.

This Week: In Diana's Head

2009-11-03T05:00:00.002-06:00

Nov 1 (now the 3rd, I know), but it has begun. My month of insanity. Book releases, signings, moving, packing, cleaning... And the holidays! Can I hide in a hole for a few months? LOL

I will be a guest Author on LASR for the week of November 9th, helping to promote my latest Aiza clan release, Unbound Trust. This is Brooke's story. I'm really excited to release this one, one: because it gets us that much closer to Morgan (Yay!) and because Brooke's story is a little different from the first two. There's a fantasy flair in this one that took me by surprise when I wrote it, but it totally made the book what it is. So watch for the release, E will be November 15, and P will be December 15.

Also, on Nov 1, was the re-release of An Angel's Choice, a sweet Christmas short story that is now out with a new home. When the story was returned, I wasn't even sure I was going to release it again, but when one of publishers asked what I intended to do with it, she told me to send it to her because she loved Micah, and I have to agree! He's a good guy, and he gives a really wonderful holiday miracle. This one can be found at PSP, here.

Both these stories and more can be found on my website, along with full blurbs and excerpts (if they're out already).

Also, don't forget, those signings I mentioned? I'll be at Kyle on the 7th, The San Marcos Public Library for their Annual Author Day on the 22, and then the Book Basket in Bastrop on the 28th, yep, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. So come see me if you're in the state. LOL

Okay, I think that's it for this week, so until next time, have a wonderful week!

It's Out! A New Release!

2009-11-01T08:22:00.003-06:00

Well, in all fairness, it's a re-release, but if you haven't read it, then now is your chance to get it!

Buy it here!
http://tinyurl.com/ydojech

$3.00

Author: Diana Castilleja
Cover Artist: Anastasia Rabiyah
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Christmas
Length: Novella
ISBN 978-1-936165-31-5
Heat Level: Sweet
Released 11-1-2009

It's Micah's last assignment, the one that would earn him his wings. He felt prepared for the challenge ahead of him this Christmas season—until he met her.

Karen had been a forgotten child, a loner, and refused to open herself to hurt. She'd been down that road more than once and very recently had been dealt a miserable hand, being stood up at the altar.

Could an angel on a mission have the answer to her frozen heart? Could the heart of a wounded child locked inside a grown woman bring a forever love together? Only the choice of an angel will make this a Christmas to remember, for both of them.

EXCERPT:

“This is going to be a very difficult assignment.”

Micah shrugged, feeling confident in his ability.

Aria’s gaze cooled a little. “Don’t be overly assured of success on this one, Micah. It is the Christmas season on Earth. The hardest time of the year for us, for those who lose faith.”

There was a moment’s concern, brought on more by Aria’s caution than his one misgiving about the time of the year. Earth hadn’t changed in millennia. People were the same regardless of creed, sex, or religion. He reacted with humans as they saw him, as their beliefs allowed. Sometimes he stayed invisible, sometimes not. He’d become very good at reading the necessity and nudging the proper outcome for the individual. At one time, his commanders would have called him cocky. Now, he was simply confident.

Humans all desired. They all loved, and hated. Many lost their way, and some simply quit. Those souls didn’t make it to the gates, if they chose that path. It was a sad occurrence, but he’d realized some time ago that he couldn’t help them all. Those souls didn’t become angels, but it was his honor to aid the others as best as he could. So far, he had a near perfect track record. Even young angels make mistakes.

He wasn’t young anymore, which was why he anticipated this assignment with eagerness.

When he was granted his wings, he’d be the mentor, he’d write in the tome, and call on his fellow angels to help those who needed it most. It wasn’t power, as he once had craved. It was time to pass on what he had learned.

“I do not fear Christmas,” he said. “It is the best time of the year.”

Aria tilted her chin in a thoughtful silence. “I hope in this case, your assessment helps the lady in question.”

Lovely! He almost cheered. Women’s wishes were by far easier to aid as they rarely fell into materialistic wants. Some did, of course, but women were emotional creatures. They wanted warmth, caring, tenderness. His time traveling back and forth over the centuries gave him quite an advantage.

“Are you ready?” she asked. There wasn’t any need to instruct him, as she once had. He was an experienced angel of mercy. Aria had been a patient and thorough teacher.

“I await my assignment with an open heart.”

She lifted a hand over the hovering tome, and it slowly spun until Micah could also read it.

Silence stretched as he read.

“If you do not think you can help this one…” Aria said, disturbing Micah’s second read through. There was no anger or disappointment. Not every angel could help every case.

“No, no. Why would you think that?” he quickly asked, hiding the swell of doubt he felt, for the first time. This one was not going to be easy.

Her gentle tones floated on the sunbeams around them. “I ask because you were frowning.”

He glanced up and caught her stare. Simply patient. A single ‘oh’ was all he could give her in answer. Aria did not lie.

Micah squared his shoulders. “I accept.” He pushed away the niggle of doubt that sat on his shoulders. He had been asked to help for a reason. He could not fail this one.

For the first time since he’d been serving the heavens, he questioned how humanity continued with such wounded souls walking the Earth. And how those who harmed so deeply could still walk free. Aria’s expression was blank, merely accepting his decision, then she nodded and offered a small smile of warmth, blessing him for his choice. It was not out of arrogance that he’d chosen to help this wounded soul, but because he knew he had been asked for a reason. He would help her, heal her, prepared for the coming moments or days as much as he could be. Standing straight, he waited.

In a flash of light, Aria and the tome disappeared, and Micah was swept down to Earth to give his aid to this lady who had, indeed, suffered.

Buy it here!
http://tinyurl.com/ydojech

Romance that thrives in the dark

Birthday contest and giveaways!

Authors After Dark 2012

I'm in bad shape

We hit our inaugural twenty!

Want a Kindle autograph?

Debut of an author's loop and books!!

The seasons are changing

Relaunch of an old ship

Temporarily closed

An appalling attack on a writer

Monday blahs

A small interruption in our daily lives

No more linkedin

I'm boycotting you!

Japanese aid

My apologies

Stylish Blogger Award!

Sweet Pitch Day

Sweet Pitch Day!

Places to catch me this week

Celebrating my birthday next week

Do you have items to sell? AAD wants you!

Bloody Kiss-mas!

Updated my website!

To Wed A Centaur King

To Wed A Centaur King

About the book

An excerpt from the book

Rerelease! Ice Cream In The Snow

Ice Cream in the Snow

About the book

An excerpt from the book

I'm taking part in Spookalooza

Signing in Bastrop!

A new sale

So this is out of the blue

Post-AAD and recovering

Excerpt: A Trust Revealed Aiza 4/Castilleja/para romance

Trust Revealed

A few updates

Now available for Pre-order! Aiza 4 - TRUST REVEALED!

Trust Revealed

Available August 15! Preorder available now!

About the book

An excerpt from the book

A new update for Authors After Dark

Registration is closing!!

A new sale!

This Week: In Diana's Head

2011 Bookie Awards? There's only one way to vote!

Want reasons to go to Authors After Dark? Then read on....

A new installment

Join me today!

This Week: In Diana's Head

AAD: I'm going, are you?

This Week: In Diana's Head

Orange Cream Milk Punch

Ingredients

Directions

Orange Dream Punch

Ingredients

Directions

Kool Ade Punch

Ingredients

Directions

HUGE SALE!!

An Angel's Choice

Aiza Clan Book 1: Trusting Delilah

Aiza Clan Book 2: A Trust Earned

Aiza Clan Book 3: Unbound Trust

This Week: In Diana's Head

This Week: In Diana's head

This Week: In Diana's Head

It's a party!

This Week: In Diana's Head

Last night!

MARCH MADNESS SALE!!

A new review!!

Read an Ebook week continues!