Love Over Lattes Book Release

Happy Release Day!! Love Over Lattes is finally here!

Featured Diana A. HicksLeave a comment

It’s RELEASE DAY for Love Over Lattes, and I’m humbled and a little embarrassed by all the amazing support. Reviews for Cole and Valentina’s love story have been incredible…

2

 “Hicks’ first installment of her Desert Monsoon series is confident and assured with strong storytelling, nuanced characters, and a dynamic blend of romance and suspense…A sexy and irresistible tale for fans of contemporary romance.” – Kirkus Reviews

“A deliciously sexy romance with chemistry that explodes off the pages. I absolutely loved it.” – Heather Van Fleet, Author of the Reckless Hearts Series

“This could be a hit movie, it’s so good!” Julia Red Hatter Book Blog

AVAILABLE NOW!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks| GooglePlay

Add it to Goodreads

About the book …

Who knew a latte could lead to so much more…

Single mom Valentina wants to provide a good life for her son, starting with the perfect home. When the deal on her dream house falls through, rather than move back in with her parents and disappoint them and her son once again, she accepts the help of the intimidating-as-hell stranger she’s admired from her coffee shop seat for the last six months. She’s afraid to fall for the wrong guy again, so she makes Cole promise to keep their relationship strictly professional.

Following his failed marriage, Cole can’t find a reason to care about anything or anyone. Saving his company from his ex-wife is the only thing that has kept him afloat for the past six months. As loneliness sets in and he begins to lose the fight over his company, Valentina becomes his lifeline. Cole wants to be more than her landlord, and he has a plan to get her to release him from his promise.

 

About the author …

D_0148

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Diana A. Hicks became an avid reader when she found her first romance novel tucked away in a corner of her high school library. The more books she read, the more she wanted to be a writer. She has a master’s degree in information systems and accountancy, and for many years worked for a major Fortune 100 telecommunications company as an IT project manager (As one does when pursuing a career as a romance author.).

These days, when she’s not writing, Diana enjoys running half marathons, traveling, and indulging in the simple joys of life, like wine and chocolate. She lives in Atlanta, and loves spending time with her two children and husband.

 

Tour Events …

Date Time (local) Event Location City, State
02/07/18 5:00pm-6:00pm Early Release of Fifty Shades Freed – Book Signing Movie Tavern at Roswell Roswell, GA
02/10/18 4:00pm-7:00pm Book Release Party – Get free tickets here The Westside Warehouse Atlanta, GA
03/11/18 2:30pm-4:30pm Tucson Festival of Books University of Arizona Mall Tucson, AZ
05/16/18 Coming Soon RT Convention – Meet and Greet Peppermill Resort Reno, NV
10/06/18 4:00pm-6:00pm Moonlight & Magnolias Conference – Book Signing Fair Hilton Atlanta Northeast Atlanta, GA
11/10/18 11:00am-4:30pm For the Love of Books & Chicago 2018 – Book Signing Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile Chicago, IL
Advertisements
Mother’s Day is for Binge Reading
Guest Blog

Mother’s Day is for Binge Reading

Diana A. Hicks2 Comments

That’s right. Here are at Authors18, we’re adding binge reading to the list of things moms want for their big day. What goes great with breakfast in bed, a new scarf, or a nice bottle of wine? How about a sexy romance, a cozy mystery, a yummy historical, or even a great urban fantasy?

I checked in with Authors18.com this week to find out what they thought would make for a great binge read this Mother’s Day. Here’s what they had to say. — Diana A. Hicks

Contemporary Romance

Lynn Turner’s Pas De Deux: A Dance For Two (released May 11) is a beautifully written contemporary romance that’s sure to warm Mom’s heart this Mother’s Day. Turner has crafted a beguiling love story, featuring two of the most perfectly imperfect characters I’ve read in a long time. I use the word craft here in the literal sense – you can feel her passion for her art in the way she writes – how Online poll showspainstakingly she has chosen every word, how keenly she felt every emotion experienced by Zack and Mina, and her faultless attention to detail. The result is a well-paced, slow-burn love story, with just the right amount of dramatic and sexual tension to be both realistic, and achingly hot. Like the male protagonist’s Broadway show, this book is a tour de forcedestined for big things. Bravo! — MV Ellis, (CATCHING LONDON)

 

When I think of a mother, I think of unconditional love. It’s the moment we decide as women, to hand our hearts over to another human being for safe keeping, while watching them grow into adulthood and wishing we could protect them forever. I would recommend Kristin Hannah’s Nightroad, for mother’s day. It’s a story of a parent’s fierce love and how loss and redemption change her. Anyone with a child will get lost in the author’s master storytelling, and experience every bit of the emotional roller coaster ride. It will bring you to tears, but definitely a must read! — Negeen Papehn (FORBIDDEN BY FAITH)

For Mother’s day, I’m giving mom a new boyfriend, a new book boyfriend, that is. (sorry, dad). Pricilla Olivera’s “Her Perfect Affair” is book 2 in the Matched to Perfection series. The series follows the Fernandez sisters and the men who love them. I love this series for its portrayal of Puerto Rican culture, an interracial couple, and of course, a hot affair complete with a happily ever after. A binge worthy read. — Diana A. Hicks (LOVE OVER LATTES)

Historical Fiction

Bookstore events and book festivals are the perfect places to pick up a book autographed by the author with a personalized note to your mom. Don’t tell my mom, but this year I got her a signed copy of My Dear Hamilton, by Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie. My mom’s a huge fan of Hamilton: An American Musical, so I know she’ll love this epic story about Eliza Schuyler Hamilton. — Jennifer Klepper (UNBROKEN THREADS)

One Goodreads reviewer said: “Who She Is offers a superb opportunity for Baby Boomer grandmothers, aunts or mentors, and their granddaughters, nieces or younger generation friends to read together. A fine story with heart.” This is a book about female friendships, family secrets, and the 1968 Boston Marathon. — Diane Byington (WHO SHE IS)

My mother and maternal grandmother each read extensively, often devouring a book a day. I’m proud to follow in their footsteps. I have a penchant for books about women in the arts (thanks to my paternal grandmother, an artist), so this Mother’s Day I’m settling in with Portrait of a Conspiracy, The Competition, and The Flames of Florence, the Da Vinci’s Disciples Series by Donna Russo Morin, books in which female painters in Renaissance Florence are assisted by Leonardo da Vinci. Then maybe I’ll attempt a watercolor of my orchid with its purple blooms. — Suanne Schafer (A DIFFERENT KIND OF FIRE)

What mom doesn’t need an escape now and then? And what better escape than a Regency romance among the aristocrats, where everyone has beautiful manners and all children have nannies? I Mothers-Day-Journal-Bookmarksrecommend Julia Quinn’s Smythe-Smith Quartet Series, which has the benefit of humor as well. — Dianne Freeman (A LADY’S GUIDE TO ETIQUETTE AND MURDER)

For moms who enjoy Shakespeare but wish the women in his comedies had more opportunity to speak their minds–and show off their wit–I recommend Finding Kate by Maryanne Fantalis. Here, she retells Taming of the Shrew from Kathryn’s point of view, and it’s a beautiful first installment in her Shakespeare’s Women Speak series. — Willa Ramsey (EVERYTHING BUT THE EARL)

Urban Fantasy

When it comes to a great escape for Mother’s Day, I’m all about escaping through fantastical stories! If they can whisk me away to other worlds, explore the possibilities of the unknown, or make me think outside the box, I’m in! This read is one of my all-time favorites and if you love romance AND fantasy, it’s worth giving Nora Roberts’ Circle Trilogy a try. — Carolyn M. Walker (IMMORTAL DESCENT)

We mom’s empower our children daily to be the best version of themselves–to overcome their fears, and pursue their passions. But it’s important that our kids see us not only teaching these valuable lessons, but demonstrating them as well. Reading stories filled with empowered women carving out their place in supernatural worlds is a fabulous way for mom to take a little relaxing break and feel empowered herself. One of my favorite empowered female characters is Mercy Thompson in the urban fantasy novel, Moon Called by Patricia Briggs. — Rachel Pudelek (FREYJA’S DAUGHTER)

Women’s Fiction/Memoir

When I think of perfect stories to read for Mother’s Day, I always come back to two of my favorites: One Plus One by JoJo Moyes is a story of a mother wrestling with financial issues, a deadbeat husband, and romance while managing one gifted child and one depressed teenager. It will melt any mother’s heart. Online poll shows (1)We’ll Always Have Paris by Jennifer Coburn is a book that will take you on an adventure with a mom/daughter pair. If it doesn’t make you pack up and book your ticket to Paris right away, at least it will give you an excellent escape for a few days. — Elena Mikalsen (WRAPPED IN THE STARS)

Mystery

Moms love creating order from chaos, which is often an impossible task. So mysteries are just the thing to give them for Mother’s Day. If it doesn’t happen in their real life, at least they can have order in their literary life. I just had the pleasure of meeting Louise Penny at the mystery convention Malice Domestic and cheering for her GLASS HOUSES when it won the Agatha Award for Best Novel. It’s the newest in the Armand Gamache series, and I think your mom will love curling up with it. If she’d rather have more order in her life, then you can start with the first book in the series, STILL LIFE. Either way, you can’t go wrong! — Becky Clark (FICTION CAN BE MURDER)

Love Over Lattes Book Release

Night Owl Romance “A Tea Party & Books” Scavenger Hunt

Diana A. HicksLeave a comment
TeaPartyandBooks2018_220
Hi Readers,
 
It’s PUB week!!! My debut LOVE OVER LATTES is out NOW!!!
To celebrate, I’ve got a special reader treat for you. I’m one of the sponsors of the Night Owl Romance “A Tea Party & Books” Scavenger Hunt.
 
During this event I’m going to help you find some great new books. Make sure to check my featured title LOVE OVER LATTES out along the way.
 
The grand prize is a $100 Amazon Gift Card.
 
Enter Now at: https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Blog/Articles/Tea-Party-Books-2018
 
Event Dates: Feb 15 – Mar 8
Love Over Lattes Book Release

Treat your love or yourself to a smexy read

Diana A. Hicks

 This Valentine’s Day!

Champagne inside.

Click on the image to pre-order your copy!

PromoPoster (1)

Releasing February 7, 2018
The Wild Rose Press – Champagne Rose

Available Now!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks| GooglePlay

Add it to Goodreads

About the book …

Who knew a latte could lead to so much more…

Single mom Valentina wants to provide a good life for her son, starting with the perfect home. When the deal on her dream house falls through, rather than move back in with her parents and disappoint them and her son once again, she accepts the help of the intimidating-as-hell stranger she’s admired from her coffee shop seat for the last six months. She’s afraid to fall for the wrong guy again, so she makes Cole promise to keep their relationship strictly professional.

Following his failed marriage, Cole can’t find a reason to care about anything or anyone. Saving his company from his ex-wife is the only thing that has kept him afloat for the past six months. As loneliness sets in and he begins to lose the fight over his company, Valentina becomes his lifeline. Cole wants to be more than her landlord, and he has a plan to get her to release him from his promise.

 “A sexy and irresistible tale for fans of contemporary romance.” – Kirkus Reviews

“A deliciously sexy romance with chemistry that explodes off the pages. I absolutely loved it.” – Heather Van Fleet, Author of the Reckless Hearts Series

“This could be a hit movie, it’s so good!” Julia Red Hatter Book Blog

 

About the author …

D_0148

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Diana A. Hicks became an avid reader when she found her first romance novel tucked away in a corner of her high school library. The more books she read, the more she wanted to be a writer. She has a master’s degree in information systems and accountancy, and for many years worked for a major Fortune 100 telecommunications company as an IT project manager (As one does when pursuing a career as a romance author.).

These days, when she’s not writing, Diana enjoys running half marathons, traveling, and indulging in the simple joys of life, like wine and chocolate. She lives in Atlanta, and loves spending time with her two children and husband.

 

Tour Events …

Date Time (local) Event Location City, State
02/07/18 5:00pm-6:00pm Early Release of Fifty Shades Freed – Book Signing Movie Tavern at Roswell Roswell, GA
02/10/18 4:00pm-7:00pm Book Release Party – Get free tickets here The Westside Warehouse Atlanta, GA
03/11/18 2:30pm-4:30pm Tucson Festival of Books University of Arizona Mall Tucson, AZ
05/16/18 Coming Soon RT Convention – Meet and Greet Peppermill Resort Reno, NV
10/06/18 4:00pm-6:00pm Moonlight & Magnolias Conference – Book Signing Fair Hilton Atlanta Northeast Atlanta, GA
11/10/18 11:00am-4:30pm For the Love of Books & Chicago 2018 – Book Signing Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile Chicago, IL
Love Over Lattes Book Release

Cover Reveal for LOVE OVER LATTES

Diana A. HicksLeave a comment

Coming soon from The Wild Rose Press

In this contemporary, #OwnVoices debut set in the Southwest, single mom and recent college graduate gets more than she bargained for when she accepts the help of a sexy as hell businessman fighting to keep his company.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

 

perf5.000x8.000.indd

Single mom Valentina wants to provide a good life for her son, starting with the perfect home. When the deal on her dream house falls through, rather than move back in with her parents and disappoint them and her son once again, she accepts the help of the intimidating-as-hell stranger she’s admired from her coffee shop seat for the last six months. She’s afraid to fall for the wrong guy again, so she makes Cole promise to keep their relationship strictly professional.

Following his failed marriage, Cole can’t find a reason to care about anything or anyone. Saving his company from his ex-wife is the only thing that has kept him afloat for the past six months. As loneliness sets in and he begins to lose the fight over his company, Valentina becomes his lifeline. Cole wants to be more than her landlord, and he has a plan to get her to release him from his promise.

 

Exclusive Advance Excerpt coming soon…

Love Over Lattes Book Release

Pitch Wars 2017 Wishlist

Diana A. Hicks5 Comments

Hi! We both know why you’re here, but before we jump right in, go ahead and read my official bio here. I’ll wait…

giphy

Elevator music.

Who am I?

What my shiny, super official bio doesn’t tell you is that I’ve been writing for a long, long time. That for most of those years, I’ve gotten over 200 rejections. And that I never really got anywhere with my writing until I found Twitter, more specifically, until I found the #Pitchwars community.

I am a two-time Pitch Wars hopeful (never a mentee). Back in 2015, I subbed my Prime Vector novel to three awesome YA mentors. I didn’t get in, but I listened to their advice, and kept revising, and writing. I tried my luck again in 2016 with my latest title, Love Over Lattes. Still no luck. However, I received a lot of feedback on specific areas where my manuscript needed re-working. One mentor even offered to re-read my pages. (Go check out Laura Brown’s wish list. She’s an awesome mentor!)

Long story short, I re-wrote my manuscript, and six months later I received an offer for a three-book deal from The Wild Rose Press. Book One in my Desert Monsoon series is due to release Spring 2018. Here’s the shiny new cover released last week at RWA17!

perf5.000x8.000.indd

 

Wait, I had a point…even if you don’t get in, you’re here, you’re networking, and honing your craft. That means you’re well on your way to success! Yay, you!

Want to learn more about me? Follow me on Twitter, or better yet, join my closed reader group on Facebook, where I chat about my favorite sexy reads.

Why am I here?

I told you my Pitch Wars story, so I could answer this question. This community has helped me so much, I’m afraid I’ll be struck by lightning if I don’t find a way to pay it forward. That’s it. I’m here to help other authors achieve their writing goals. And to show I’m not BSing here, I will be giving feedback to the first twenty subs I get. If I have time, I’ll do a few more!

My strengths/weaknesses?

Commas are my kryptonite. I can spot grammar errors, but I’m not your best bet if you’re seriously lacking in this area. What I can do is break down your story to its bare bones, and figure out what’s missing…from story structure, pacing, and plot holes to character development and deep POV. I’m tough with my critiques, but only because I can see the potential in the writing and I really, really want it to shine and succeed. If you’re cool with tough love, keep reading…

My ideal Mentee?

My ideal mentee would be a hard worker. We only have two months to polish your MS, so we’ll need to hit the road running. I’ll have charts for you to fill out, and there’s also a spreadsheet. If you want to get a head start, go read Debra Nixon’s GMC: Goal Motivation and Conflict. We’ll start by dissecting your story and your characters. My goal is to get two rounds of edits in, so we can focus on sentence structure and flow.

What am I looking for?

Send me your new adult/adult romances! I’ll take contemporary (my favorite), sci-fi, magic realism, paranormal, light fantasy. If romance is the main story line, send it to me!

To save you time, here’s a list of what I’m NOT looking for:

  1. High fantasy
  2. Historical Romance
  3. Inspirational Romance
  4. Sweet Romance
  5. Horror
  6. Women’s fiction
  7. Non-fiction
  8. Thrillers
  9. Memoirs
  10. Western

If your work does NOT fall into any of the sub-genres listed above, we’re getting warmer. What will make me hot for your MS?

giphy

  1. I have no preference for POV or tense, as long as your prose is fresh with an authentic voice (not necessarily flowery). Also, please do your absolute best to make sure your grammar is in decent shape.
  2. Give me a hooky meet cute. I love tropes. My favorite is enemies to lovers, and second chances, but it has to be believable. Same if you’re going for the friends to lovers trope, or strangers to lovers. Give me some sizzling chemistry.
  3. This is a given in romance, but I’ll put it on here so you can check it off the list. Happily Ever Afters (HEAs), or Happy For Now (HFNs) are a must. There are no loop holes here.
  4. Heat required. I don’t do sweet romance. Send me your spicy and erotic romance. I’m mostly a contemporary author, but if your characters are falling in love, and doing all the sexy things in outer space, I WANT your MS!
  5. Consent required. I want strong heroines who know what they want, and know how to ask for it.
  6. Rape is a deal breaker for me. Just no. Not even as backstory.
  7. Diversity welcome. Bonus points for interracial couples!
  8. Contemporary is my main jam. Send me your hot and kinky CEOs, rock stars, bad boys, and men in uniform. Tattoos? Yes, please! I’m all about the romance, but I also need grit and heart. Who/what are these hot guys fighting for?

Some of my recent favorite books…(ehem, notice there are no sexy, sci-fi books here. So sad.)

  • Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren
  • Royally Screwed by Emma Chase
  • Inspire by Cora Carmack
  • Reckless Hearts by Heather Van Fleet (aka Awesome Pitch Wars Mentor, go check her go out.)

You made it all the way to the end! Thank you for checking out my wish list. I hope I answered all your burning questions. If not, find me on Twitter, and ask. Like seriously, I don’t mind questions at all…I’ve been there, so I know how difficult it is to choose a mentor. I’m here to help!

That’s it. All I can say now is…this is all…

Untitled design

Check out all the other New Adult/Adult mentors!


1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

 14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

 27.

28.

29.

30.

31.

32.

33.

34.

35.

36.

37.

Powered by… Mister Linky’s Magical Widgets.