In the past week, two of my romances have hit publishing anniversaries. Today, it’s my sweet romance Meetings of Chance. Ten years since Tom and Megan came to “life.” Launching a book into the world is a big event for any author. It’s the culmination, for me, of many months, maybe more than a year, of writing, researching and editing. ![Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000026_00033]](https://darlenedeluca.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/moc_cover-front.jpg?w=266&h=422)
(Okay, yes, there’s also the hand-wringing, tweaking, staring into space, critiquing, and head-banging.) For at least a year, I spend a lot of time with these characters, getting into their heads and personalities, trying to figure out how they would respond in any given situation. What would they do or say? So much so, that they really do seem to become real!
I love the springy feel of this cover and that gorgeous rose! You can get a sneak peek by reading the “Look Inside” feature on Amazon or taking a look at my Pinterest storyboard. Meetings of Chance is a sweet romance with a hint of mystery. And, of course, a happy-ever-after. Here are a few of my favorite lines:
Standing in the parking lot, Tom shoved his hands into his pockets and watched her drive away. Part of him wanted to go after her. Was that what she wanted? Keep it friendly, she’d said. With no regard for the Italian leather loafers he wore, he kicked at the gravel under his feet. Friends didn’t kiss like that.
The other book that celebrated an anniversary a few days ago is Something Good. It’s a slightly steamier romance. Mandi is trying to recover from some mistakes and a tragedy while Lane is trying to make his mark in the field of urban planning and development. Problem is, Mandi lives in the trailer park Lane targets for demolition. As if that wasn’t enough, he’s way out of her league. Isn’t he?
According to Kirkus Reviews, it’s “an absorbing story of redemption that’s hard to put down.” And InD’Tale Magazine says, “With surprising plot twists and unique character conflict, Something Good more than lives up to its name!”
A couple of lines:
–Her throat constricted. A sense of loyalty kept her at Jimmy’s. She’d stay there until she had enough money to blast out of Texas for good. The people there had helped her through the worst days of her life. She owed them. They’d covered for her through the times when she froze up, threw up or didn’t even show up.
–Lane Whitmore was too good to be true. Of course, she’d known it the first time she’d seen him. He was temporary – like an over-the-counter medication, he provided temporary relief from common aches and pains.
Both books are available in digital or paperback formats from all your favorite online retailers. You can also request them from your local library. Happy anniversary to Lane and Mandi and Tom and Megan. And happy reading to all!
Darlene
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https://www.amazon.com/Meetings-Chance-Darlene-Deluca-ebook/dp/B00C2IT3DS/
https://www.amazon.com/Something-Good-Darlene-Deluca-ebook/dp/B00J8UN1GI/
—It was kind of a silly sad incident, but it’s also provided a lot of laughter over the years.
Dallas. Spent a beautiful day at the Dallas Arboretum, where there was plenty of room to spread out and avoid others. But the next day, we attempted to do some shopping, and everything felt weird. So, after only two days, I packed my bags, turned around, and drove nine hours back home.
deal. It’s a shot of hope. I feel as if I’m getting my life back. Five more weeks—and I’m counting down the days.
Alas, this year it’s a virtual event. But, hey, that means more people can tune in, and you can do so from the safety of your own home! I’ll be discussing my writing journey, the women’s fiction and romance genres, and featuring my newest release, “The Story Between Us.” The panel highlights four different authors writing a variety of styles and genres.
darlene deluca 