Darlene Deluca and THE STORY BETWEEN US

 

When did you first get the urge to write?

I’ve been writing so long I can’t even remember. English classes were always my favorite in school, and my college degree is in Journalism. It’s been about ten years since I made the switch from writing for corporate publications to writing fiction. It’s funny that you use the word urge. With so many story ideas in my head and sketched into early drafts, I really do feel compelled to write! 

What happened to your first ever manuscript?

I’ve heard of those scary manuscripts hidden in a box under a bed, but I worked with some critique partners to polish my first full-length novel, and it is now published.

What do your family and friends think of your passion for writing?

Oh, I’ve got some lovely peeps who are staunch fans and supporters and others who aren’t readers and don’t really think of writing as a “real” job.

Have you ever used someone you know as a character in a book?

Only very loosely. Part of the fun of writing fiction is making things up, and that includes the people and the places.

Tell us about this book.

The Story Between Us is a sweet romance published by The Wild Rose Press.

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?

Give us an example of a favorite scene.

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?

 

Is this book part of a series?

No, right now it’s a stand alone, but I do have a few ideas for a potential sequel.

Where can we buy your book?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DCVKMWV/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1QUV3FX6BY0ZF&dchild=1&keywords=darlene+deluca&qid=1595387096&s=books&sprefix=darle%2Caps%2C173&sr=1-4

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-story-between-us-darlene-deluca/1137387092?ean=2940162985785

https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-story-between-us/id1525107147

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-story-between-us

Tell us a little about yourself.

I write contemporary romance and women’s fiction, and like to explore relationships – what brings people together or keeps them apart.

My 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.

I love getting lost in a good story with a glass of tea, a bit of dark chocolate and a warm, sunny beach.

 

How can your fans contact and follow you? (website and social media links)

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6879809.Darlene_Deluca

https://www.pinterest.com/darlenedelucaau/boards/

https://www.instagram.com/darlenedelucaauthor/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/Darlene-Deluca-282385088481413/?ref=bookmarks

https://twitter.com/darlene_deluca1

Website:

https://darlenedeluca.com/

My review of THE STORY BETWEEN US:

This story was a complete surprise to me and I loved it. The characters jump right off the page. This author knows her six-year-olds. Dylan was delightful.

There were so many ups and downs while the three characters navigated through the beginning of their new relationship. Yes, I said the three of them. This wasn’t just about a romance between a man and woman. It was also the rocky road to building a family. Not an easy task considering the trauma Dylan had endured, Reed’s lack of trust, and the miles that separated them from Kristen. They also had obstacles such as the adults’ career goals and family problems. It was realistic – not a fairy tale.

I promise you – this book is worth the read. I’ll be looking for more by this author.