THE STORY BETWEEN US by Author Darlene DeLuca

Notes From a Romantic’s Heart is pleased to welcome author Darlene Deluca to the blog today to talk about her book, The Story Between Us, from The Wild Rose Press.

Inquiring Minds Want to Know

If you listen to music while you write, what are the top three songs on your playlist?

I often listen to music before I start writing just to get me in the mood. Top 3 songs:

1. Faithfully by Journey

2. You'll Accomp'ny Me by Bob Seger

3. Fight song by Rachel Platten

The first two are to set the stage for writing romance. The last one is for me to get energized and get some pages cranked out!

Is your book based on real-life experience or a figment of your imagination?

Totally made up! I'll use settings that are real, for example "The Story Between Us" takes place in Texas, Colorado and Oklahoma, but that's about it. I enjoy making up the places, people and storylines. I usually start with a character who has an interesting career, situation or encounter and the story blossoms in my head from there. I used to be a journalist, and everything was fact-based who-what-when-where. Writing fiction is much more fun.

Do you like to read in the genre in which you write? Or, are you adventurous?

I read a lot of different kinds of books but my preference is definitely the same genres in which I write -- contemporary romance and women's fiction. I belong to a book club that reads a little bit of everything, so it does get me out of my comfort zone and exposes me to books I wouldn't otherwise pick up. Sometimes we'll read a classic, non-fiction or mystery. The last session I led, I actually chose a historical fiction: "The Alice Network." Even though it was set in both WW l and ll, it focused on the lives of two women -- right up my alley!

About the Book

Her agent warned her not to get attached to a fan. But children's book author Kristen Hanover is about to break the rules. Kristen meets a young boy who is a victim of a tragic accident and is drawn into the heartbreaking situation.

Six years ago, Reed Armstrong never imagined he'd actually become guardian of his sister's boy. Now he is, and most days he's not sure he's up to the task.

When he and Dylan meet Kristen, Reed downplays his nephew's crush on the author. But as their lives become unexpectedly intertwined, he finds himself captivated as well.

Trouble is, she sells stories for a living. Does she truly care about Dylan…and Reed...or is she using them for her own career advancement?

Read an Excerpt

Reed pulled his keys out of his pocket. In the doorway, he folded his arms and leaned against the casing. “Can I ask you a question?”

Chest pounding, Kristen forced a smile. “Of course.” She took a couple of steps toward him and braced a hand against the back of the sofa.

“Is writing your only reason for being here?”

Heavy, charged air closed around her. How to answer that? Honestly, of course, but…how honestly? “Well, writing is my goal for sure. But—” She glanced around the room before looking at him again. “I’d love to ride my horse, er, Star, and spend some time with…with people I like, too.”

As he pushed off from the door, a slow grin spread across his face. “Sounds like an excellent plan.” He sauntered closer. About a foot away, he stopped. “You’re good with dinner at the main house tonight? Don’t let Dylan bully you. You decide.”

She gave a shaky laugh. That was the plan, right? She couldn’t remember for sure. Her brain was going fuzzy. “I’d love to,” she managed to say.

He leaned closer, his breath warm on her cheek. She braced herself for a friendly peck, but when her eyes fluttered shut, his lips grazed hers. Hovered there, and when she thought her legs might give out, Reed caught her arm and pulled her slightly toward him, his lips covering hers again.

Sparks exploded in her brain, and she grabbed hold of his arm. All of her senses came alive and responded to the unexpected deluge.

A long moment later, he pulled back and brushed a thumb across her cheek. “See you in about an hour.”

Kristen could only nod. As soon as the door closed behind him, she collapsed against the sofa. She ran a finger along her bottom lip. That kiss…Oh, man. The chances of her getting any writing done this weekend just dropped from unlikely to who-said-anything-about-writing?

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Meet the Author

Darlene Deluca writes contemporary romance and women’s fiction, and likes to explore relationships – what brings people together or keeps them apart.

Her intent is to bring to life interesting characters that readers can relate to in real-life situations that combine a little fun, plenty of drama (with perhaps a tear or two), and big helpings of friendship, love and self-discovery, and will leave readers either cheering or sighing with a satisfied smile as they turn the final page.

The Kansas City author enjoys getting lost in a good story with a glass of tea, a bit of dark chocolate and a warm, sunny beach.

Darlene's Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ Pinterest

Thank you for stopping by. Please come back again soon for more authors, books, some giveaways, and lots of fun!

Nancy