The Story Between Us by Darlene Deluca – The Interview

Give a warm welcome to Darlene Deluca author of The Story Between Us, a sweet romance.  Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Darlene and The Story Between Us.

About my writing . . .

I write what I most like to read – people stories. For me, that means a focus on relationships – friendship, families and, of course, love. All of my novels are contemporary romance or women’s fiction, and they all explore relationships – what brings people together or keeps them apart. The other “biggie” for me is to make the stories feel real. I try to bring to life interesting characters that readers can relate to in real-life situations. I like to think that when people read my books they find characters they could be friends with in real life.

Oh, and I like to make people cry! 🙂  Just a little. Though each book has a happy-ever-after or a positive ending, there’s angst. Just like you, these people have ups and downs, issues, problems and sometimes messy lives.

Here’s a quote from one of my favorite reviews of “The Story Between Us” so far:

“An utterly charming tale of life, loss, and finding love in unexpected places. A heartwarming and delightful read from start to finish!”  ~~~InD’tale Magazine

I always want to leave my readers either cheering or sighing with a satisfied smile as they turn the final page!

Who would you recommend this book to and what should readers be aware of before reading it?

I would recommend it to anyone who wants to get immersed in someone else’s lives for a while and who likes to know there’s going to be resolution at the end. I hate books that end with “a handful of poo” for all the characters or leave a bunch of unresolved questions.

Also, if you like steamy sex and murder, this book is not for you. While some of my books do have some sex scenes, “The Story Between Us” does not. Since the story also involves a six-year-old, it’s PG rated! 🙂 Of course there’s sexual tension, physical attraction and romance, but intimacy happens behind closed doors.

About Me . . .

Favorite place to read:

Well, I can curl up just about anywhere with a cup of tea and book, but I guess my favorite spot would be a quiet, secluded beach where I can hear the soft sound of waves in the background.

Favorite childhood books:

I’ve always loved books and libraries, and I spent a lot of time reading as a kid. When I outgrew the small public library in walking distance of my home, I began taking the bus downtown to the main Wichita library. My all-time favorites are Laura Ingalls Wilder and Trixie Belden. I prefer character-driven stories over plot-driven. Even though Trixie Belden books were “mysteries,” the characters drew me in. I connected with them as though I was part of the group. I loved their relationships and how they related to each other in their quest to solve the mysteries. I still have my worn and tattered copies of both sets.

Favorite Books to movies:

(These are all books I read before seeing the movie.)

  1. The Davinci Code
  2. Snow Falling on Cedars
  3. The Help
  4. Pride and Prejudice (Colin Firth edition)
  5. The Lord of the Rings

Tell us a little about The Story Between Us.

She sees a bestseller and heartwarming keepsake; he sees exploitation. 

When a children’s book author gets a story idea from a young fan who’s lost his parents in a tragic accident, she knows she’s hit gold. She sees a bestseller and heartwarming keepsake. But the boy’s guardian sees exploitation.

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?

Sneak peek between the pages:

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?

Buy links:

Amazon,  Barnes and Noble,  The WIld Rose Press 

About 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.

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

It’s been great having you with us today.  Good luck with The Story Between Us!

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