Synopsis

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?

Review

If you are looking for a sweet romance, primarily set in Texas, that has some tension (in a good way) then you will want to check out this new book from Darlene Deluca.

This book features a children’s author, Kristen. She meets one of her biggest fans at a book signing and his uncle, Reed.  Despite a few missteps, a fast friendship is formed between Kristen and Dylan and even Kristen and Reed.  There is so much going on with Reed and Dylan, from the tragedy that took Dylan’s family to the physical limitations as he heals from the same accident. Dylan is quite a character and really rounds out this story.

What I enjoyed about this story is the depth of the characters. They all have flaws but many positive aspects to their characters. Even Reed’s crusty father who has a different mindset when it comes to kids and how they should be raised. But time and the influence of Kristen help open his eyes. Reed has his own issues and it is a huge adjustment to all of a sudden be tasked with raising a six year old when you are used to being a single guy with few responsibilities outside of work. I enjoyed watching Reed adjust, learn new skills he would need as a single parent, and realize that maybe there is more to life than becoming an executive in a large corporation. Kristen has her own issues too including adjusting to life without her mother, a brother that seems to care about nothing other than money, and her newfound success as a published author.

The budding romance between Reed and Kristen is slow but satisfying. They take the time to get to know each other before jumping to the next phase. There are some miscommunications between the two and while one of them was resolved, I was surprised that Kristen didn’t ask for more of an explanation about a conversation she overheard between Reed and his boss. Let’s just say the boss is a chauvinist and made some remarks that would be expected from that mindset. That was probably my only “complaint” about the whole book, I didn’t feel like she was given an explanation to that situation yet Reed received an explanation to what he found.

Overall a delightful book and we give this book 4 paws up.

About the Author

Books . . . chocolate . . . tea.

These are a few of my favorite things. Combine them with a sunny summer day, and perhaps a beach or pool, and call me happy!

Books have always been a part of my life, and reading has always been a favorite pastime. In my childhood bookworm days, I’d hide away for hours with Trixie Belden or Laura Ingalls Wilder. These days, I read as much as I can, making it a priority to carve out time for my latest book club read. I love curling up with a cup of tea and getting lost in a good story.

A few years ago I decided to sit down at my computer and give voice to some stories that have been rattling around in my head for a long time. That launched me into the world of fiction writing, specifically the world of romance. So far, my completed novels and works-in-progress fall into the genres of women’s fiction, contemporary romance, and mainstream with romantic elements.

My novels are about people and their relationships – what brings them together, what keeps them apart, what brings them joy or annoys the hell out of them. My intent is to bring to life interesting and ‘real’ characters that you, the reader, 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 you either cheering or sighing with a satisfied smile as you turn the final page.

And just so you know . . . I like a happy ending.

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