Reading Romances discussion

Read bellow my interview with authorDarlene Deluca !






Welcome to Reading Romances, Darlene!

Let's begin getting to know your references a bit, when did you first start reading romance? Who are your favorite romance writers and their book that stands out the most for you?


I started reading romance when I was in high school. That's how I spent my breaks at a little cafe I worked at inside a department store that carried a spinner of Harlequin romances. My favorite romance writer for years was Judith McNaught. I liked the longer, more in-depth stories, and the one that stands out is Paradise. I go back and re-read that one occasionally. Another favorite is Barbara Delinsky. She weaves multiple storylines in with romance, which I particularly enjoy. I try to do that in my books as well. One of my favorite books of hers is Lake News. One of my all-time favorite romance novels is Montana Sky by Nora Roberts.

How to you like your heroes and heroines to be?

I like smart women, generally with careers and goals for my heroines. For my heroes, I like good, decent guys. I really don't like over-the-top bossy alpha males. In both, I want my characters to seem like real people that you might actually meet -- and like!

What was the most challenging thing you’ve done in the name of research that might have been out of our comfort zone?


I was a little nervous writing about the subject of surrogacy in my novel Something Good because I knew nothing about it. So not only did I do online research, I contacted some agencies, and found a case worker/surrogate willing to talk to me and walk me through the procedures. Cold calling like that is a little weird.

Can you tell us a little about your Her Greatest Risk that isn’t in the blurb? Which character is your favorite?


It's a second-chance romance story that requires a span of time for the heroine to grow and have more life experience before she can face some of her issues and make a commitment. Naming a favorite is hard, of course! I like both the main characters and the secondary characters in this one. I like Michael, the hero, because he's a gentleman. I think he does some endearing things, even though he makes a mistake that changes everything. He's a good guy.

If you could only describe a single scene to encourage someone to read your novel, which scene would you describe?

I hate to give a spoiler, but I think it would have to be the engagement scene. It's fun and emotional at the same time. And it shows that the hero and heroine are crazy about each other. It also happens early enough in the story to give the reader pause, and maybe worry about the upcoming conflict. You have to know it can't be that easy!

What are you currently working on?

I'm working on a new contemporary romance in which the heroine is trying to make it as an artist in New York City. Unfortunately, she meets the hero on a return visit to her hometown of Denver. Distance and a difference in philosophies conflict with their obvious attraction and shared interests.

What makes a romance novel a great love story and how would you define "romance"?

I define romance as a connection, both physical and emotional. For me, a great romance novel develops both of those things as the relationship evolves. I also like to see the characters develop on their own, giving more depth to the story, and more opportunity for the characters to learn about, understand, and support each other. It's the twining together of two hearts and lives.



This or That:

1. Alpha or Beta? Beta

2. Wallflower or Belle of the Ball? Belle of the Ball

3. Debutante or Spinster? Debutante

4. Virgin widow or Secret baby? Secret baby

5. Titled peer or Working man? Working man

6. Love at first sight or Second chances? Second chances

7. City or country? City

8. Writing or Reading? Writing

9. Plotter or Pantser? Pantser

10. Your turn to ask a question:

Do you prefer to read romances in which the heroine is younger than 30 or older than 30?



Darlene is kindly giving away an copy of her book to one member of our group! To enter, answer her question bellow!

Hello, Romance Readers! Thanks so much for having me on the group today! Looking forward to chatting about romance! Please feel free to add a question or two!

I don't have an age preference. I just want a good story!