Thursday Book Review

When Faith Wilding and Mark Halloran discovered as teenagers they could communicate telepathically, little did they know the effect it would have on their lives. They put their romance on hold while Faith built her career as a political thriller novelist and Mark fulfilled his commitment as a member of the elite Delta force. But when his mission is blown and he’s captured by terrorists, Faith is his only contact with the outside world and his only hope for rescue. But will she be able to decipher his clues, find the help she needs and rescue him in time?

~~

A military thriller with all kinds of twists, with its own rules. The romance was decidedly lighter than I would have liked but overall the story had remarkable facets of suspense and intrigue to keep me reading. The paranormal aspect-telepathy-was definitely a well-written one and was very different from most of what I read, being the only form of communication between Faith and Mark.

Thursday Book Review

Joley Drake has an enormous career, the most famous of all the Drake sisters, her voice loved by millions. On her world tour, she finds both adoration and danger. Somewhere there is someone who loves her. There is someone who hates her. And there is someone who is working behind the scenes to destroy everything she is, everything she loves and believes in.

Ilya Prakenskii has the reputation of a Russian hit man. He works for a notorious mobster and yet, he has ties to the Drake family and in particular Joley Drake. When things begin to go terribly wrong on Joley's tour, Ilya steps in to protect her, much to her dismay. Two strong personalities, powerful magic and danger at every turn keep Joley and Ilya in the midst of turbulent seas.

~~

Joley has a problem. a big one. Ilya is a man she's drawn to, craves, the bad boy type that she literally can't resist, and despises herself for that weakness. Why? Because she knows he's a killer. The worst kind of bad boy she's ever felt inclined to even think about liking. But there's more to the bad boy than the image he gives everyone. A lot more. And part of that secret must stay hidden, even from Joley when fate throws them into tighter quarters to protect her-and him.

The Drake's rocky history with the Russion mob isn't a secret, and Ilya knows all about it. In fact, he's the mob king's main bodyguard. So when he's "loaned" to Joley as protection because of a rise of threats, the mob follows along. Threats and danger follow too.

The danger element of this book is a high rollercoaster rocket ride. Explosions, rekindled love and a passion between Joley and Ilya that make you want them to find that common ground. What surprised me the most was the almost-almost-soft side of Ilya, especially as Joley warmed up to him. God he was sexy. There was life all through this story between the various characters of her band and the traitor was a total surprise.

What?

You knew there had to be one. But I'm not telling .

Just go read it. :)

Print signing of THE ETERNAL KISS!

When: September 13th (Saturday)
Where: Hastings San Marcos
            Hwy 80
Time:  2pm until the cows come home.

I'll be signing and discussing my first print release THE ETERNAL KISS.

If you're in the Austin/San Antonio area, I hope you'll come out and see me. I'll be joined by several authors of romance for this debut print book event!

The Eternal Kiss is on Fictionwise!!!

 

 

Oh my god!! It's there! It's finally there!!! Wooohoooo! And it's on sale!!!

 

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.

 

 

Go check it out here!!

 

Pssst.. I'll be posting a contest soon for the print release so check back often.

Friday's here. That means...

My last excerpt.... Ahhh. Don't cry! Really... I'm sure I'll be doing this again, and even so, there's always free reading and excerpts on my sites. Sites? Yes. I said sites.

Lemme 'splainz. hehehe

I recently sold a book to Liquid Silver Books. The catch? It ain't sweet mainstream. So... I went with a nom de plume, a pen name to separate the works. It's still me, still romance through and through, but... Well, you knew there had to be one. *wink*

The difference is these works are steamy and as much as I'd love to give you the full details of this newest and latest trip I seem to be taking, I can't. Not here. So I have a new site for this new name that is a new me.

Please look for the hotter side of moi at Diana DeRicci's new pad. http://www.dianadericci.com Trust me, you can't miss the place. It's sultry and just sparkly enough to make you smile that knowing smile and nod, because you know, you get it.I'll be posting excerpts, covers and news for that work on that site, and if you ever lose the link, it's in my side bar, right over there. --->

 

A few have asked the question: To hide or not to hide?

Honestly, I don't feel I need to hide that it's me. I want people to find all of my works, but I don't want people to mistake one kind for the other, thus the two names. if anyone ever has a question about this, I'm only an email away. (No, that doesn't mean I want to hear about how Jesus can save me [I am Christian, thank you] or how writing about it will rot my brain. That train has already left the station, folks.)

So with this "unveiling" of my alter-ego (really it's just doubling the workload for my muse.Trust me on this one. LOL) I am sharing my new site information with all of you. I hope if you've enjoyed this week, my writing, and my stories, that you'll check out my other site. Even if steamier work doesn't "do it" for you, that's totally fine with me. I'm glad to have this chance to share my news and my books with you.

 

So without further delay... Friday's Excerpt!

 

ICE CREAM IN THE SNOW

The first one is always one we remember.... *wipes up a nostalgic tear*

 

She was cleaning the ice cream scoops and wiping down the counter when they entered nearly an hour later. She was even more confused to see them both smiling.

“Mom, I’m going to go see Mr. Tipple. I’ll see you in a bit,” Jacob called out, not waiting for her response. She waved as he bounded back out the door.

Brick leaned against the counter with a bemused expression as she worked. His prolonged silence began to grate on her already stretched nerves. Finally, she threw the towel onto the counter, unable to take it any longer. “What do you want? Don’t you have someone’s arms to twist somewhere?”

“No.”

She huffed at him. “So you’re just going to stand there and watch me, is that it?”

“Mostly.”

“You have absolutely nothing better to do with your day?”

“Actually, I do, but it involves you anyway.”

“What are you talking about?” Agitated, she ran her hand down the front of her smock.

“I think your son, the man, has just given me permission to date his mother.” His eyes twinkled, making the deep blue sparkle like a midnight sky.

She startled visibly at that. “Excuse me? Sorry, but I don’t date.” She wiped at the counter in wide, vicious circles. She was going to have to talk to Jacob. Again. What she'd told him did not give him express permission to set her up.

Brick shrugged. “That’s what he said.”

Jessie fisted her hands on her hips. “Oh, really? Just a fountain of information about his dear old mom, I guess.” She wasn’t sure what irritated her more—the fact they'd discussed her social life, or the fact that the conversation had been between her son and the one arrogant man she found herself completely attracted to.

“Will you come out from behind there?” Her head snapped up in confusion at the silky, velvet tone he used. She hesitated, battling her indecision. His look was concerned when he asked, “What’s wrong?”

Lifting the back of her hand to her forehead to push away stray hair, she eyed him carefully. “I didn’t sleep well last night.”

“Why?” He reached over and pushed the stubborn lock of hair back for her a second time. Tingles shot down her spine when his fingers slowly brushed her skin.

“Bad dreams. Nothing, really.” But she couldn’t look up at him.

He lifted his hand to grip her chin and bring it gently upward to meet his gaze. “What kind of dreams?” His voice had dropped to a husky whisper that caressed her, making her heart skip.

“Nothing,” she insisted, but her tongue almost tripped on the word.

“It must have been something if you lost sleep over it.” His thumb stroked her cheek as he cradled her face in his palm. His comforting touch only confused her more.

“I can’t go out with you,” she blurted. Her eyes widened, shocked at her own words.

His lips curved in gentle understanding at her outburst. “I haven’t asked you to. Not yet, anyway.” He angled his head, looking into her eyes. “You were hurt by the way Arthur treated you, weren’t you?”

She jerked herself out of his hypnotic hold. “What happened doesn’t matter.” Taking a deep breath, Jessie stepped back, putting space between them. “I don’t date because I choose not to, and to protect Jacob. I will not give him an amoral picture of relationships.” She decided to let her prickly attitude speak for itself, but he didn’t seem to even notice.

Brick crossed his arms in front of his chest, leaning his hip against the counter again. “I believe you. He knows he’s partly responsible, but he doesn’t want to be the only reason, if, in fact, he is.” She stood, unblinking, for several breaths before he continued. “I want to kiss you again.”

 

Available here: http://tinyurl.com/3hjh4c .

 

 

Thank you again for hanging out with me this week! I've really enjoyed everyone stopping by, and as a final thank you, I'm drawing a lucky winner from ALL of the posts for the week to win a  book of their choice from my current list! I'll be drawing that person tomorrow (give or take a few hours)

 

Thanks for sharing this week with me!

The Eternal Kiss and a new excerpt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Hanged Man: The Eternal Kiss * Book one: Shadowed Souls It's been almost a year since my vampire Diego has seen the light of ...er... night.... LOL But I'm very happy say that he and his story is out by Tease Publishing as part of the Dark Tarot Imprint!

I'm very happy to see this book be available once more! It is available NOW! Woot!

As part of the imprint series, the covers are representations of a true Tarot deck, and Diego's story is of the Hanged Man. The card reveals sacrifice, selflessness, and solutions to problems that then weren't obvious through his travels. These solutions becomes clear as he acts and reacts to his world. This card lends its meaning to both Diego and Titania.

Welcome to their world.........

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.

~~~~~

EXCERPT:

 

Her hand skimmed over his shoulder to wrap into his hair. She pulled him closer, and he lay down with her, his full length eclipsing her.

He could not help himself. He leaned forward and found the hardened peak of one, sucking gently. She arched and let out a shriek, her arms capturing his head and holding him in her pleasure. Hunger flared, seared him as he caressed and laved at that hard nub.

Kiss me.

He rose instantly to those luscious lips, answering the plea in her voice, in his thoughts. Her desire ignited his to a new level, a hunger for her completion, for her body, searing his brain.

Diego drew her bottom lip into his mouth, swirling his tongue over the sensitive skin inside, and his body clenched at her whimpers. He thrust within, his tongue meeting hers, mating, stroking at the sweet temptation of her mouth.

He found the corner of her lips, caressing it tenderly as he glided along her jaw, her head tipped back to his hungry exploration. His heart thundered as he tasted her, sipped at the delicate texture beneath her ear.

He inhaled her sweet essence, the steady beat of her blood through her body. He snapped his head back sharply, blinking.

“What’s wrong?” Titania asked, staring up at him, frozen, immediately catching his confusion.

“Nothing. I think.” He lowered to her neck, right over his claiming mark, and inhaled. His fangs exploded with a raging hunger, striking him hard and deep. He whipped his head away before she could see the flames in his gaze, the telltale fangs.

Her hand fell to her neck. “Intense,” she said, watching him carefully.

“It will pass.”

“Is it because you need to eat?” she asked. Caution tinged her words.

He almost smiled at her wild thoughts. He remained faced away from her instead. “I am not thinking of snacking, cara.”

“What happened?” She cradled his chin with her fingertips, applying a subtle pressure, turning him.

Dark lashes hid his worst thoughts. “It is stronger, sweeter.” He drew a deep breath and released it slowly. “I can control this.”

“Would it be bad? Because I am now like you?”

“Honestly, I do not know.”

Big, blue eyes shimmered up at him, her mouth growing supple. She tilted her head, exposing her throat. “I trust you.”

He sucked in air, stunned at her gift. “Cara, I do not know if it will harm you.”

She blinked up at him. “Why would you feel so strongly for it then? Has it been like this before?”

He thought back and had to shake his head. “No. Not like this.” Never like this.

Fingers danced across his chin, trailed down his own neck, and muscles clenched from him jaw to his toes. “Diego, I feel it, too. I want to share with you. I want to know how it feels for you. I want to know it is only me you feel this way for.”

He buried his face into her shoulder. “Titania. It is only you. Do you not know that?”

She tilted once more. “Then show me.”

Diego did not know if he should pray or cry in gratitude. Titania was the most unselfish being in his entire world. This was from her, to him. Simply because he wanted it.

~~~~~

 

 

For the full first chapter, please visit my site.

 

Watch the book video. ---->

 

 

This book is available now in Ebook here!! Want it in print? It will be out in September! Woohooo!

 

Want a free download? It's really pretty easy.  Go to my site, and tell me the title of one of the free reads I have available. Download it while you're there. They're short and sweet. You can put the answer in comments. Look for the winner tomorrow!

New Excerpt: Trusting Delilah

Yesterday's winner is: lainey bancroft

Congratulations! Email me for your PDF at

diana.castilleja @ gmail.com (You know the routine-no space. LOL)

 

So today, I'm going to treat you guys with a peek at a story that is primed for '09. TRUSTING DELILAH is the first book of my quadruplets series. I even have a little inspiration for you.

  (graphic by Linda Mooney)

This will be released early next year, January or February I believe, with Tease Publishing.

 

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?

 

EXCERPT:

(unedited. I claim all screw-ups. :) )

Roman hadn’t wanted to come back, not after their last meeting. He knew she was a hard ass. The hardest damn rock of a sharp shooter he’d ever met, but it was becoming impossible to ignore her. Impossible to forget her. She’d begun to infiltrate his dreams, and he didn’t like it. He did not want to be interested in this woman.

His father had warned him, had warned all of the children their time would come, and when it did there was nothing to be done about it.

Roman was the second born, second son in a group of non-identical quadruplets. The rarity of multiple siblings in a single birth was astronomical. And yet, there had never been an explanation for it either. His mother had never admitted to doing anything to encourage the quadruplet birth, and Roman would be the last person to ask if she had manipulated it.

Still, he was thankful for his family. He loved his brother and his sisters. He adored his parents—they knew how to stay out of his life. But for once, just in this instance, he wished this was something he didn’t have to face alone.

It sucked that this was happening to him first. He felt like a damn guinea pig, because now he knew why he was drawn to the raven-haired woman when so many others could be dismissed like yesterday’s paper.

This woman, the one he still didn’t have a real name for after more fruitless searching, was by all of his senses, his mate. The only information he’d found on her was more names and addresses than any one person should be born with. She was a chameleon on paper, but a hot-blooded woman in person.

He swallowed as he leaned his motorcycle to rest, and tossed his leg across with an easy movement as he stared at the warehouse yet again. Maybe this time she wouldn’t be here. He could only hope.

He pushed the door open and heard the grating sound again. He held his jaw tight waiting for the expected shout to leave. It never came. His head snapped up instead when he heard a guttural cry in the depths of the building. Instinctively, he pulled his weapon from its holster, searching in all directions, sliding into the shadows as the cry repeated followed by a sharp cracking sound. Every nerve he had went on alert as he followed the sound, nearing a step at a time. He rolled his body soundlessly around a corner, his vision trying to adjust to the flickering light from the overhead windows in the cavernous area of the warehouse.

He drew a breath. She was there. Even as he inched further down the wall making his assessment, the relieved fact that she was alone registered at the same unstoppable instant his wrists were whacked with a rod. Less than three seconds later he was flat on his back—again—staring up at her wide eyed and annoyed expression.

 

Watch my site for more information and excerpts about this release!

It's Monday... The first day of Excerpt Week!

Today, I'm highlighting my Romantic Suspense SEPTEMBER HEAT.

 

Rose St. Johns is being chased out of New York, trying to stay one step ahead of an overzealous fan that the police and her agent aren't above labeling stalker, although the last place she would expect them to send her is Las Vegas. Furious with her situation, fear is something she is slow to admit to. But circumstances don't allow her to be ambivalent for long when she is tracked to her hideaway. Her only hope lies in a man she knew as a boy, whose secrets are his, and his alone.

 

Excerpt: (Never before seen! Unless you have the book! hahaha!)

 

Gavin needed to stop. He needed to quit kissing her, but he couldn’t. He had a
legitimate reason for doing it, but just the feel of her lips became reason enough to
continue. He slid his other hand through her hair, holding her steady and he slowly
stopped thinking.

Rose’s lips trembled against his and once again the cad in him wanted to keep
going, wanted to make love to her. Gavin wanted it too.

“Gavin,” she whispered as he sipped at her mouth. The husky sound of her voice
brought the fire higher.

He leaned his forehead to hers, fighting himself. “You don’t need this, Rose. I’m
one big problem you don’t need,” he whispered hoarsely.

He felt her hand on his cheek and his skin burst into flame at her touch. He
moaned deep in his throat when she swept her tongue against his mouth.

“Gavin, do you want me?” she asked.

His gaze snapped to hers, a forest green that impaled him. He groaned again as she
lifted her lips to his and he could no longer deny
himself. “Rose, I have wanted you forever, but I am no good for you.” He tried to make
her understand, tried to make himself pull away, but there was no turning back when
her sweet voice hit him between the eyes.

“Gavin, don’t stop.” Her gaze was intense and he swallowed.

“This is too fast, Rose. You’re in shock,” he said, needing her to stop him. His
hands were already cradling her, pulling her down to lie next to him. He kissed her
cheeks. “You don’t know what you’re asking.”

“Yes, I do.”

He groaned deep once more as her hands lifted and spread against his chest. He
loved the feeling of her palms against his body.

“Rose,” he sighed. “I could ruin you,” he finally threw out to her, needing to give
her one last chance, but his warning faded into the room around them when she pushed
him back, her hands planted on his chest and she lowered herself to kiss him.

He had never tasted a kiss like hers. He had never had a woman who could take
control from him, to one he would gladly give it...

 

To read the full first chapter, check it out here.

 

Click to buy!
http://tinyurl.com/5e4y48

 

Now for the fun!

For a free download of this book tell me who the editor was on it. In comments is fine, I know you guys won't just use someone else's answer, right? I totally trust you. I'll announce the winner in tomorrow's excerpt post!

The answer can be found on the book page at Forbidden Publications.

 

So, do come back tomorrow to see if you've won a free download and to get the next excerpt! Be sure to comment everyday! The more comments you leave, the better your chances for ... *static*garbled talk* ... ! So comment often! See you then!

 

Happy Reading!

News about The Eternal Kiss

THE FIRST BOOK OF THE SHADOWED SOULS SERIES!!!




THE ETERNAL KISS will be out officially on June 15th. However, if you want to be among the first to get your hands on this release, it's available now for Pre-Order. Want it in Print? It'll be available in print in September!





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.

Excerpt:

His hand covered hers where she cradled his cheek, and
he could not resist, could not find the strength to any
longer. He watched her, waiting for fear, apprehension,
anything to stop him. It never came as he dipped his head
to hers.

Her lips were so soft, so warm, he burst into flame at her
touch. She was the sweetest breath of life he had ever tasted.
Heat flared, roared to life between them.

He snapped up, his heart racing. Every fiber, every nerve ached,
needed. He had never felt this.

She sat up slowly, clutching the robe when the blanket fell
to her lap. Her hand lifted to her lips. “What was that?” Her
eyes were wide, staring at him. They glittered with a sapphire
magic.

His voice vanished. He plunged his hand into her hair, holding
her. He slanted his lips to hers and felt the fire again.
Heat, hungry desire swamped him. He seduced her mouth,
caressed and sipped.

Diego was going to explode into heat where he sat. Satin
skin, rich, fragrant hair, soft lips. He wanted more. He
demanded entry into her moist heat and growled when she
opened for him, hearing her whimpers. Her hand had found
his hair, held him as tightly. Passion had eclipsed all
other thoughts. He enfolded her into his embrace, pulling
her into his chest. Wanting her warmth, needing her
physical touch.

He kissed the corner of her delicious mouth, traveling
with tender brushes to her temple, hearing the erratic
pounding of her heart. The sweet call of blood, rushing
hotly through her body. Her scent invaded his every cell,
and where she touched, he felt her caresses through every
pore.

His tongue moved, and he found the tip of his fang. Burning
lust overrode reason. “Give yourself to me. Only to me,”
he breathed. “Just a taste.”

Titania’s skin was so soft beneath his touch, his hungers
beating at him, yet his strong arms remained gentle. She made
a faint, kittenish sound deep in her throat, and his body
tightened. His lips moved over burning skin, feeling the pulse
of her under his seeking caresses.

He breathed her name. The hand she held the robe with rose
over his shoulders, and he shook beneath her palm. He had to
have a taste, just a taste. To know her, her every thought,
her every wish, hope and desire.

He slid gently down the length of her silken neck, tasting her
with flicks of his tongue, sipping at the sensuous, sculpted
beauty of her. He inhaled, found the scent that belonged only
to her. Spring rain and heat. A seductress in his arms. Blood
raged through his body, through hers.

“Say yes,” he whispered, his breath hot against her neck. He
laved his tongue against her and felt her pulse leap in answer.
Her body tensed with awakening sensations. The scrape of his
teeth bringing her breathing to a standstill. He needed her
to give this to him. He realized he needed her to take his next
breath, but he would not take unless she gave. He suckled gently
at her pulse, bringing her own hungers to a crying pitch. “Just
a taste, cara. Say yes.”




Want to read the first chapter?
Check it out here.


Reviews:

From Fallen Angels Reviews! A Recommended Read!

From Coffee Time Romance! .... Riveting!!

Author Diana Castilleja Newsletter - Subscribers Wanted!

Hey all!

I'm relaunching my Newsletter! After almost a year, I'm getting it back up and running. It will be a once a month update on what's going on, my latest news, contests and other weirdness. Lots of weirdness

All you have to is sign onto my Yahoo News Group. Yep that's it! No tricks, and no spam. I have it set up as a newsletter distribution file on one of my email accounts, so after you sign up, that's it. But if you want to catch the occasional info and spontaneous announcments, you won't miss any of it!

So come and hang out with me for the latest!

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