No MuuMuu, Please!

With my friends Carey Baldwin and Lena Diaz out on book tours doing presentations on radio and TV, I thought I’d mention Jan Fox’s great book, No MuuMuu, Please! once again.  I met Jan, a four-time Emmy award winner and news personality, at a local National Speakers Association meeting a year ago.  I was impressed by the way she spoke and intrigued by her speakers … Continue reading No MuuMuu, Please!

It's Here! Lena Diaz's Ashes

I was incredibly lucky to get a sneak peek at Lena Diaz’s next book in her Nursery Rhyme series:  Ashes, Ashes, They All Fall Dead.  Diaz’s writing gets better and better.  You will not be able to put down this story of an FBI agent caught up in a case that forces her to confront a tortured past and resurrect memories any sane person would … Continue reading It's Here! Lena Diaz's Ashes

Flirting, Surfing and Porter's Good Wife

Jane Porter takes my breath away.  Not only does she write the most fantastic fiction — characters that are so real you remember them years later and wonder how they’re doing — but she extends the raw, vibrant honesty of her writing into her real life. Jane shared with me her philosophy about how surfing is like life and how to manage low tide, navigate … Continue reading Flirting, Surfing and Porter's Good Wife

Susan Boyer Sizzles in Bombshell

Susan Boyer sat down with me in a fun interview to celebrate her upcoming book, Lowcountry Bombshell. She explains what Lowcountry is, gives us her favorite “Boil” recipe and shares a ton of laughs.  Please note, Susan actually WON the Agatha after filming.  (I introduced her as an Agatha finalist in the tape).  Not only that, but this USA Today bestselling author (and my friend, yay!!) … Continue reading Susan Boyer Sizzles in Bombshell

Willa Blair: Back in the Highlands

Willa Blair unveils her newest book in her popular Highland Talents series!  The newest, Highland Seer, follows the paranormal vein with a heroine who has the ability to see into the future. We sat down to talk about her books and her interest in the highlands in this video interview: And here is the blurb from Highland Seer.  Enjoy! Donal MacNabb is loyal to his … Continue reading Willa Blair: Back in the Highlands

Sandstorm by Alan L. Lee

With kids back in school, and vacation over, it’s time to start looking for books with a bit more bite to them.  Alan L. Lee’s Sandstorm is the perfect plot to get lost in during the commute to the office or on your lunch break. Happy Reading! Lurking in the shadows, away from any government oversight, a secret partnership has been formed between an Israeli … Continue reading Sandstorm by Alan L. Lee

Book Winner & Devils

Before we announce the winner of Allison Leotta’s book, she stole a few moments out of her busy life and book tour to answer a few questions. Diana:  Where did the title of your book, Speak of the Devil,  come from? Allison:  I called this book Speak of the Devil  for two reasons.  First there is a villain named Diablo — the Devil — whom my heroine … Continue reading Book Winner & Devils

More Great Summer Reads!

Here are some of my favorite books I’m currently reading and loving.  Hope you will, too. Hush.  A romantic suspense novella from award winning author Carey Baldwin. Coming home has never been this sexy…or this dangerous. Reformed bad boy Charlie “Drex” Drexler returns to his hometown of Tangleheart, Texas hoping to make peace with his dark past and make amends to those he’s wronged. He’s … Continue reading More Great Summer Reads!

Fairy Dust and Divas

This time it’s the men who get their own fairy godmother in Candice Gilmer’s  new book Under His Nose in her Guys and Godmothers series. When Cupid starts meddling and shooting arrows at helpless mortals, it’s up to fairy godmother Christy, to try and undo the damage. She wants her charge, Roark to fall in love with the girl of his dreams naturally, and under his … Continue reading Fairy Dust and Divas

Wild About Lori Wilde!

Lori Wilde is more than an author.  She’s become a mentor, teacher, and friend to countless new writers.  She takes both her craft and her subject matter seriously — as you can see in this video — dealing with the problems of soldiers returning home from military service to the dilemmas of a runaway princess in the middle of horse cutting country (TX). Lori’s newest book … Continue reading Wild About Lori Wilde!

Sally MacKenzie: No Longer Naked!

Sally MacKenzie has a warm, generous spirit and a smile that makes you instantly feel as if you are her friend.  In real life, she’s sort of mild-mannered — not the kind of woman you’d think would write a bestselling romance series where all her heroes start off naked. In this video interview, she shares with me the trials and tribulations of being a romance … Continue reading Sally MacKenzie: No Longer Naked!

Pickles, Renaissance Faires, Bingo & Murder

Jessie Chandler is a sweetie pie.  She has a wide grin that makes you feel instantly at home and a sense of humor that keeps you laughing. So how did a nice girl like that end up getting involved in not one but three murders? Writing books, of course! The workings of an author’s mind can make any law officer cringe, and Jessie is no … Continue reading Pickles, Renaissance Faires, Bingo & Murder

Murder, Roller Skates, and the SATs

Joelle Charbonneau walks into a room with a quiet, confident grace that marks her as someone special.  With a radiant smile, the tall, lean figure of a dancer, and gorgeous red hair, she stands out — in a good way.  And when she sings “Black Velvet” with Heather Graham at the House of Blues in Orlando, FL, well watch out — she will rock your … Continue reading Murder, Roller Skates, and the SATs

Great Summer Reads!

Seven of my friends have books out this month.  Here they are listed below with links to excerpts and reviews.  Enjoy! Jax and the Beanstalk Zombies, is a fun read:  “Avery Flynn leads us into a shimmering magical world with a sexy twist that is pure, unadulterated fun. I loved this story!” said NY Times bestseling author, Darynda Jones. Brought together again by their dying … Continue reading Great Summer Reads!

Margaritas with Mary Kay Andrews!

The lovely Mary Kay Andrews is back again with another absolutely terrific book!  Not only that, she’s here with recipes for Margaritas!  Leave a comment to be entered to win a copy of the book or her Ladies’ Night Kit with all the fixings for a great party (see photo below). DB: Mary Kay, tell us about the plot of your new book: MKA: Ladies’ … Continue reading Margaritas with Mary Kay Andrews!

Marcia Talley: Murder with Cleavage

I dare you. Go ahead and read the excerpt of Marcia Talley’s book, Last Refuge, and see if you can resist buying it and reading it to the end. I know I couldn’t, but then again, I love Marcia Talley — both in print and in person.  I’m lucky to see her so often at my writer’s meetings.  The woman is a veritable imp —  with … Continue reading Marcia Talley: Murder with Cleavage

Elaine Viets: Paddle Boards, Dead End Jobs, & Murder

I walk into the Hyatt lounge.  A woman with dark sunglasses, blonde hair, and a dynamite figure sits at a bar height table.  She has the aura of a character from a Fellini film — perhaps she is Madam X waiting for her contact, or Jackie O , hiding from public adoration?  She spots me, smiles, and throws an arm around me in a hug. … Continue reading Elaine Viets: Paddle Boards, Dead End Jobs, & Murder

Catriona McPherson: A Dandy Day for Murder

There is one word for Cariona McPherson: audacious — and I mean that in the very best of ways.  She is outspoken, funny, charismatic, and engaging.  Her extra short, neon blonde hair frames a contagious smile.  Her writing is witty and atmospheric — whether 1920’s  Scotland or modern day England.  But there is a shy, sweet side to this wise-cracking firecracker, too.  In my interview … Continue reading Catriona McPherson: A Dandy Day for Murder

Why I'm Thankful…A Personal Story about Diabetes

My other blog, Kiss and Thrill, and I are actively involved in trying to raise money for diabetes this month — a few of you may have seen this post elsewhere, but it is so important, I hope you don’t mind me reposting it here.  Lena Diaz’s story of her daughter’s struggle with diabetes touched my heart and is one of many reasons I am participating in the Brenda Novak Auction for the Cure of Diabetes.  My father’s struggle with diabetes, and Brenda Novak’s eloquent request to help fund a cure, are some of the others.  We have put together a nifty Kiss and Thrill Gift Basket, Carey Baldwin has donated her Vail, Colorado condo and a copy of her book, and of course there are tons of other wonderful things on the Brenda Novak Auction Homepage.  Please take a look around and you’ll be surprised at the inexpensive goodies up for auction.  And thank you for helping cure diabetes!

Now here is Lena Diaz’s post:

jen-hospital22When I think about what I’m thankful for, I can’t ignore the fact that November is Diabetes Awareness month. Eleven years ago, my daughter was diagnosed with this terrible disease, and for that–I am thankful. Not because she has diabetes of course, but because she’s a survivor. Like most people, I wasn’t aware of the symptoms of diabetes, and because of that, I very nearly lost my daughter.

By sharing this personal story about my daughter’s diagnosis, my hope is that people who think they know about diabetes – but have never personally experienced its impact in their lives – will take a moment to read this. You never know. What you learn might save a life. Continue reading “Why I'm Thankful…A Personal Story about Diabetes”

Day 4 of Brenda Novak Week! Success

Join me in the final day of Brenda Novak Week as she sits down to tell me her definition of success and her book, When Lightning Strikes.  Remember to bid on my blogmates and my gift basket: KISS AND THRILL  as we try to raise money for diabetes research, or on one of the many lovely items on the auction website. Thanks for helping raise … Continue reading Day 4 of Brenda Novak Week! Success