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Something Good
A mistake. A blessing. A tragedy.And now, Mandi Evans has made it her goal to fade into anonymity. Once a straight-A student with her choice of colleges, she’s withdrawn into a life that consists of two jobs, an online class, and memories. Crippled by the past, she feels unworthy of a better life – until Lane Whitmore walks into the diner where she works six nights a week.An urban planner, Lane is looking to revitalize the rundown part of town where Mandi’s hidden herself away. He can’t help but notice this diamond in the rough as well, and what starts as simple good times grows to . . . something more.With Lane, Mandi feels alive again, and she makes a bold decision – one that could chart her course on a path to redemption. But will keeping her plan a secret from Lane turn out to be the biggest mistake of all?
321 pages, Paperback
First published March 5, 2014
9 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Darlene Deluca
14 books222 followersBooks . . . 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 9, 2014
Mandi Evans has had a rough four years and she's just trying to get through each day, working two jobs and saving to go back to college. When she meets Lane, she gives into her attraction to him and he helps her remember how to smile. Lane is an urban planner who's creating a proposal to revitalize Mandi's neighborhood. He doesn't think he wants a relationship and he's sure Mandi is the exact wrong kind of woman for him, but he can't turn away from her or the joy he finds in making her smile.
There's a lot that happens in this book, a lot of action and it kept me turning the pages to find out what would happen next and how the characters would grow. I especially liked the exploration of surrogates, something I knew very little about before I read this book.
Mandi is a beautiful character, with a good heart, and a strong spirit, and she really anchors the story. All of the characters revolve around her bright light and Lane can't help but be drawn to her.
This is a page-turner with depth and strong characters who rise above their own struggles and prejudices to become better people and do good for others. A beautiful, heartwarming story.
There's a lot that happens in this book, a lot of action and it kept me turning the pages to find out what would happen next and how the characters would grow. I especially liked the exploration of surrogates, something I knew very little about before I read this book.
Mandi is a beautiful character, with a good heart, and a strong spirit, and she really anchors the story. All of the characters revolve around her bright light and Lane can't help but be drawn to her.
This is a page-turner with depth and strong characters who rise above their own struggles and prejudices to become better people and do good for others. A beautiful, heartwarming story.
March 27, 2015
This book was a nice surprise-- I was looking for a light read, but this was more complex than I'd bargained for-- the story explored trust, guilt and forgiveness in a wonderful clean love story.
October 2, 2016
Intense, unexpected and captivating.
This book was really a good surprise, I couldn't put it down and read it in less than 36 hours. (and I DO have a job, I just decided sleep was not a basic need...).
I cried, I hoped, I feared, really Darlene Deluca and her heroin Mandi just invaded my mind with this book and I needed to know what was coming next !
I really recommand this book, a good romance, suspens and real life.
I received a copy of this book from eBook Discovery in exchange for my honest review
This book was really a good surprise, I couldn't put it down and read it in less than 36 hours. (and I DO have a job, I just decided sleep was not a basic need...).
I cried, I hoped, I feared, really Darlene Deluca and her heroin Mandi just invaded my mind with this book and I needed to know what was coming next !
I really recommand this book, a good romance, suspens and real life.
I received a copy of this book from eBook Discovery in exchange for my honest review
March 26, 2016
“Something Good” dares to tread barefoot across a hot bed of uncomfortable topics and comes out triumphant on the other side.
Read full review in the 2014 June/July Double Issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2014 June/July Double Issue of InD’tale Magazine.
July 5, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book. It made me a little sad for the tragedy that Mandi went through
May 23, 2025
I do love Darlene Deluca books! A beautiful clean story!
February 19, 2015
After reading a few reviews that claimed that this was such a different, realistic type of romance I decided to give it a go. So I have to say I'm quite disappointed in the fact that it all seemed utterly unbelievable to me.
I didn't particularly like the main character of Mandi. Not because of her past, but because she went out of her way to be as miserable as possible in some sort of misguided penance for her "wicked" deeds. I could sympathise somewhat with the feeling of low self esteem from being kicked down by life one time too many, but to actively seek out abject poverty so she could wallow in her sense of guilt and past regrets when she had so many people just waiting to help her get back on her feet didn't sit well with me. In fact it felt like a big F.U to all those people who find themselves in such situations and desperately want to improve things for themselves and their families but don't have affluent parents or well paid maybe boyfriends (or girlfriends) ready to swoop in and give them the support (and a monetary safety net) to get that new start. It's all very well that Mandi eventually gets what she wanted all along, but what about Maria, her possibly laid off husband and their kids? Mandi and Lane run off to watch sunsets on a California beach, but The Meadows trailer park is still there for everyone else.
I didn't particularly like Lane either. He was so indecisive with all the "I find her attractive and maybe want a relationship, but maybe it's too much hassle" for 90% of the book. He was also so judgmental about Mandi simply because she worked two jobs and lived in a trailer park. He just couldn't seem to understand that nearly everyone who lived there, the people of the area he was meant to be researching for an urban redevelopment proposal, were just regular people who were too tired and worn out to care, not some sort of rabid criminals who just wanted to break stuff for the hell of it. Have to say a sense of entitlement and a lack of empathy for others is not really an admirable trait in a partner, at least in my opinion.
As for the plot... That was just unreal. I mean literally unreal. Can one short life be so utterly full of crap without them going insane? I don't think I can properly rant about it without giving too much away, but it seemed a little too coincidental and contrived to me, and yet some of the most serious events had such a shallow, superficial feeling to them with everyone forgetting about them completely after Mandi has finished a few weeks of tearful crying.
I know many other people think this was a fresh breeze in a stale genre, but honestly I didn't really see anything different beyond Lane not being a complete Alpha arsehole (though he still had some arsehole moments). You know what I'd find truly fresh? A romance where the main couple slowly fall in love and develop a strong relationship that has to weather outside threats instead of internal doubts and insecurities.
I didn't particularly like the main character of Mandi. Not because of her past, but because she went out of her way to be as miserable as possible in some sort of misguided penance for her "wicked" deeds. I could sympathise somewhat with the feeling of low self esteem from being kicked down by life one time too many, but to actively seek out abject poverty so she could wallow in her sense of guilt and past regrets when she had so many people just waiting to help her get back on her feet didn't sit well with me. In fact it felt like a big F.U to all those people who find themselves in such situations and desperately want to improve things for themselves and their families but don't have affluent parents or well paid maybe boyfriends (or girlfriends) ready to swoop in and give them the support (and a monetary safety net) to get that new start. It's all very well that Mandi eventually gets what she wanted all along, but what about Maria, her possibly laid off husband and their kids? Mandi and Lane run off to watch sunsets on a California beach, but The Meadows trailer park is still there for everyone else.
I didn't particularly like Lane either. He was so indecisive with all the "I find her attractive and maybe want a relationship, but maybe it's too much hassle" for 90% of the book. He was also so judgmental about Mandi simply because she worked two jobs and lived in a trailer park. He just couldn't seem to understand that nearly everyone who lived there, the people of the area he was meant to be researching for an urban redevelopment proposal, were just regular people who were too tired and worn out to care, not some sort of rabid criminals who just wanted to break stuff for the hell of it. Have to say a sense of entitlement and a lack of empathy for others is not really an admirable trait in a partner, at least in my opinion.
As for the plot... That was just unreal. I mean literally unreal. Can one short life be so utterly full of crap without them going insane? I don't think I can properly rant about it without giving too much away, but it seemed a little too coincidental and contrived to me, and yet some of the most serious events had such a shallow, superficial feeling to them with everyone forgetting about them completely after Mandi has finished a few weeks of tearful crying.
I know many other people think this was a fresh breeze in a stale genre, but honestly I didn't really see anything different beyond Lane not being a complete Alpha arsehole (though he still had some arsehole moments). You know what I'd find truly fresh? A romance where the main couple slowly fall in love and develop a strong relationship that has to weather outside threats instead of internal doubts and insecurities.
March 17, 2014
*A Copy of this Book Was Given To Me By The Author In Exchange For An Honest Review*
I picked up this book and literally couldn't put it down, it was that compelling of a read that I devoured it in two days. I couldn't stop thinking about how the plot was going to shift and what was going to happen next to Mandi, Lane and the town that they both are fighting for. I felt like I was sitting in Jimmy's diner with them and could picture the hotel and Mandi's house, that is how detailed the author made things. I could picture my surroundings and this was crystal clear. I literally cringed when Mandi and Lane ran into her parents while having breakfast, it was so clear and vivid. I loved how the characters were developed and the way that the author used past events to merge the two characters together and perhaps tear them apart. The story flowed so seamlessly that every time I told myself one more chapter, it turned into another and then another. The author made everything come to life that I was half expecting the phone to ring and it be Mandi wanting to talk about her life and her concerns over Lane. There was plenty of drama, twists, turns and the unexpected throughout the book and I wasn't able to predict where any of it was going, which is a great thing! I love books that can leave you guessing! The story just goes to show that no matter what happens if something is meant to be, it will be! I love the way that the story brings everyone involved back together even though it seems like all is lost! What a great new author that I have found, I am looking forward to reading her previous books!, especially if they are anything like this one! Add this book to your TBR list, it's a must!
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
I picked up this book and literally couldn't put it down, it was that compelling of a read that I devoured it in two days. I couldn't stop thinking about how the plot was going to shift and what was going to happen next to Mandi, Lane and the town that they both are fighting for. I felt like I was sitting in Jimmy's diner with them and could picture the hotel and Mandi's house, that is how detailed the author made things. I could picture my surroundings and this was crystal clear. I literally cringed when Mandi and Lane ran into her parents while having breakfast, it was so clear and vivid. I loved how the characters were developed and the way that the author used past events to merge the two characters together and perhaps tear them apart. The story flowed so seamlessly that every time I told myself one more chapter, it turned into another and then another. The author made everything come to life that I was half expecting the phone to ring and it be Mandi wanting to talk about her life and her concerns over Lane. There was plenty of drama, twists, turns and the unexpected throughout the book and I wasn't able to predict where any of it was going, which is a great thing! I love books that can leave you guessing! The story just goes to show that no matter what happens if something is meant to be, it will be! I love the way that the story brings everyone involved back together even though it seems like all is lost! What a great new author that I have found, I am looking forward to reading her previous books!, especially if they are anything like this one! Add this book to your TBR list, it's a must!
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
August 6, 2016
I received a complimentary copy of Something Good in return for an honest review.
Mandi has made a big mistake and also suffered a terrible loss in her life and she feels a lot of guilt over both of them, to the point where she is punishing herself as she tries to put her life back on the track she had been heading before.
Into the diner where she works and into her life comes Lane, an urban planner who is hoping to shake things up a bit in the small town in Texas but little does he know that both his life and Mandi's life are going to get shaken up in the process.
Their relationship starts off very quickly (almost too quickly but hey it does happen that way in life sometimes) and while they do talk, it takes a little while for Mandi to open up to Lane about why she's where she is and doing what she's doing with her life when they are plenty of other opportunities for her. She doesn't disclose everything about herself so when he discovers her secret, he reacts badly and is ready to put her out of his mind and his reaction has Mandi pushing him even further away.
A huge (unexpected to me) coincidence puts them back into each other's world but is it too late for them? Will their trust issues with each other keep them apart?
I loved this book. Mandi did a few things that had me shaking my head at her. But I really loved Lane, right up until his bad reaction that tore him apart. Granted that knowing Mandi's past, I could understand why he reacted the way he did so I never stopped loving him, and I just kept up hoping that they'd find their way back to each other by the end of the book.
This was my first read by Darlene Deluca, but I'll definitely be checking out her other books.
Mandi has made a big mistake and also suffered a terrible loss in her life and she feels a lot of guilt over both of them, to the point where she is punishing herself as she tries to put her life back on the track she had been heading before.
Into the diner where she works and into her life comes Lane, an urban planner who is hoping to shake things up a bit in the small town in Texas but little does he know that both his life and Mandi's life are going to get shaken up in the process.
Their relationship starts off very quickly (almost too quickly but hey it does happen that way in life sometimes) and while they do talk, it takes a little while for Mandi to open up to Lane about why she's where she is and doing what she's doing with her life when they are plenty of other opportunities for her. She doesn't disclose everything about herself so when he discovers her secret, he reacts badly and is ready to put her out of his mind and his reaction has Mandi pushing him even further away.
A huge (unexpected to me) coincidence puts them back into each other's world but is it too late for them? Will their trust issues with each other keep them apart?
I loved this book. Mandi did a few things that had me shaking my head at her. But I really loved Lane, right up until his bad reaction that tore him apart. Granted that knowing Mandi's past, I could understand why he reacted the way he did so I never stopped loving him, and I just kept up hoping that they'd find their way back to each other by the end of the book.
This was my first read by Darlene Deluca, but I'll definitely be checking out her other books.
April 18, 2014
This was such a good story, its so emotionally packed.
The story focuses on Mandi Evans; Mandi used to be a really smart student headed for basically any college of her choice until she gets pregnant and her life takes a complete detour. At 25, Mandi has faced immense tragedy, has become very withdrawn and is now working two jobs and taking online classes. She feels that she doesn't deserve anything better in life.
Lane Whitmore is an urban planner looking to submit a proposal that will improve the rundown part of town Mandi calls home. He meets Mandi at the diner she works at and what starts of as just a little fun turns into something more. Lane and Mandi bond at a deeper level.
Granted their relationship ends when Mandi makes a decision to help out a couple, but Lane being an idiot assumes the worst of her and just like that their relationship comes to an end.
Over the months Lane realizes his mistake and tries to make amends, while at first it seems too late, Lane and Mandi eventually work their way back to each other and create a friendship that strengthens their bond and love.
Ms. Deluca wrote an incredible story, the characters are so complex and well developed. As you read, you feel so much for Mandi and her struggles. she is such a good person and all of her struggles help make her the captivating character she is. Lane is good guy, granted he does make a mistake or two, but he tries to so hard to fix things. I loved the story and I'm glad that the second time around Mandi and Lane build their relationship from a friendship.
Rating 5 out of 5
Read@Book
The story focuses on Mandi Evans; Mandi used to be a really smart student headed for basically any college of her choice until she gets pregnant and her life takes a complete detour. At 25, Mandi has faced immense tragedy, has become very withdrawn and is now working two jobs and taking online classes. She feels that she doesn't deserve anything better in life.
Lane Whitmore is an urban planner looking to submit a proposal that will improve the rundown part of town Mandi calls home. He meets Mandi at the diner she works at and what starts of as just a little fun turns into something more. Lane and Mandi bond at a deeper level.
Granted their relationship ends when Mandi makes a decision to help out a couple, but Lane being an idiot assumes the worst of her and just like that their relationship comes to an end.
Over the months Lane realizes his mistake and tries to make amends, while at first it seems too late, Lane and Mandi eventually work their way back to each other and create a friendship that strengthens their bond and love.
Ms. Deluca wrote an incredible story, the characters are so complex and well developed. As you read, you feel so much for Mandi and her struggles. she is such a good person and all of her struggles help make her the captivating character she is. Lane is good guy, granted he does make a mistake or two, but he tries to so hard to fix things. I loved the story and I'm glad that the second time around Mandi and Lane build their relationship from a friendship.
Rating 5 out of 5
Read@Book
June 21, 2014
Very readable book. Well written and fast moving even though it took place over about a year. Emotions and character development were consistent and believable. Dialog was good. This was the story of a girl who had made poor choices as a teenager and because of tragedy had a very difficult time moving on with her life. I thought that her backstory was realistic, interesting and believable. That kind of stuff happens and kudos to the author for making a relatable heroine who had not been lily white all her life. The hero was also believable. He met this girl he was attracted to who seemed to come with quite a bit of baggage and he wasn't sure he really wanted to go there. As their relationship developed he would occasionally wonder if he wanted to go on. Seemed very realistic to me. People make these kinds of decisions all the time in real relationships. He did figure out that he wanted to keep on with her and tried and tried to apologize for his one lapse of faith. So for months he tried while she kept shutting him out. I like a hero with perseverance. It didn't devolve into stalkerish behavior though. He really was a realistically drawn nice guy.
Yes there was a big coincidence at the end but I forgave it because the story was so strong otherwise and it wasn't totally unbelievable.
A lot of times indie authors are more hit than miss and I was very pleasantly surprised by this one.
Yes there was a big coincidence at the end but I forgave it because the story was so strong otherwise and it wasn't totally unbelievable.
A lot of times indie authors are more hit than miss and I was very pleasantly surprised by this one.
December 17, 2014
mandi is a young girl who has had a very traumatic life, she had a child young,married a bloke she didn't love, missed out on having a college experience but the light in her life was her daughter Paige.
until a dreadful incident happens and now mandi is just surviving, she has two jobs, little money,hardly any friends and lives in a run down area of town in a trailer park it seems as if she punishing herself until Lane walk into the diner one night, this is the something good for both mandi and Lane.
I really enjoyed mandis story it has emotional highs and lows and you cannot help but love mandi and hope she gets her happy ever after. For what she has experienced at such a young age you cannot help but think how brave and strong she is for carrying, still dreaming of going to college.
Lane surprised me a few times I thought he was going to be stuck up, yet he's not like that in his own way he wants to do good, help the people so that they can co exist with the council's new plan to refurbish instead of them getting destroyed. He also doesn't judge mandi he listens and advises her, tries to help and support her when she lets him.
I would love to go in to the story more but I think this is one book that should be read, it doesn't look like it's going to be much but it really is a beautiful story and unfortunately a story Isn't beautiful all the time and this proves there are ugly times but it's what you do with it.
until a dreadful incident happens and now mandi is just surviving, she has two jobs, little money,hardly any friends and lives in a run down area of town in a trailer park it seems as if she punishing herself until Lane walk into the diner one night, this is the something good for both mandi and Lane.
I really enjoyed mandis story it has emotional highs and lows and you cannot help but love mandi and hope she gets her happy ever after. For what she has experienced at such a young age you cannot help but think how brave and strong she is for carrying, still dreaming of going to college.
Lane surprised me a few times I thought he was going to be stuck up, yet he's not like that in his own way he wants to do good, help the people so that they can co exist with the council's new plan to refurbish instead of them getting destroyed. He also doesn't judge mandi he listens and advises her, tries to help and support her when she lets him.
I would love to go in to the story more but I think this is one book that should be read, it doesn't look like it's going to be much but it really is a beautiful story and unfortunately a story Isn't beautiful all the time and this proves there are ugly times but it's what you do with it.
January 16, 2015
Mandi Evans has had a tragic four years. Divorce, alienation and loss of friendships, missed opportunities for the life she wanted, and a heart-wrenching incident that ripped away the light of her life - her daughter, Paige - were just the start of myriad problems that leave Mandi struggling to get through the day. Her life is a monotonous, exhausting routine of living in a rundown trailer park while working two dead-end jobs and taking online classes. However, the arrival of Lane Whitmore promises to change everything.
Lane has plans to tear down the trailer park and put in something beneficial to the community. The mothers in the area tell him tales of how dangerous the area has become, and he decides the slum trailer park has got to go. Getting a feel for the area, and hoping to get some work done, Lane seeks out a hot meal at the diner across the street from his hotel. Lane and Mandi cross paths, changing their lives forever.
From the very first page, the reader is drawn into this novel of loss, personal strength, and hope. A surprising romance developing between two incredibly emotionally-engaging characters leaves the reader unable to put it down. Fast-pace, great writing, surprising plot twists, and vivid characters earn this book a high recommendation. Darlene Deluca's newest novel is a must-read!
Review by Alexia Bullard for eBook Review Gal.
eBook Review Gal received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Lane has plans to tear down the trailer park and put in something beneficial to the community. The mothers in the area tell him tales of how dangerous the area has become, and he decides the slum trailer park has got to go. Getting a feel for the area, and hoping to get some work done, Lane seeks out a hot meal at the diner across the street from his hotel. Lane and Mandi cross paths, changing their lives forever.
From the very first page, the reader is drawn into this novel of loss, personal strength, and hope. A surprising romance developing between two incredibly emotionally-engaging characters leaves the reader unable to put it down. Fast-pace, great writing, surprising plot twists, and vivid characters earn this book a high recommendation. Darlene Deluca's newest novel is a must-read!
Review by Alexia Bullard for eBook Review Gal.
eBook Review Gal received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 22, 2014
Something Good- Darlene Deluca
5 stars
I’m often concerned when I am emailed for honest reviews. I’m thrilled to have been given this book. Mandi melted my heart! I knew from the beginning I’d love her and the story didn’t disappoint. I was initially concerned that this would be a story overtaken by pages of sex scenes with no real glue to hold me, I couldn’t have been more wrong. Mandi was a joy to get to know. Her story and heartache ripped me to pieces and I hoped so hard that Lane would be her push to forgive herself. Call me old fashioned, but I do sort of love it when a man can save the day…I’m glad I wasn’t given that easy relief. Seeing her pick herself up and surrender to the ultimate sacrifice to push her into a new start was just what kept my heart growing. Watching Lane learn from her was a much needed change to the average love story. I loved her desire to do something special for someone and having dealt with fertility issues of my own, she stole my heart. This was a great read and a story that will linger with me for a while…will even be added to my re-read list from time to time I’m sure.
-DC
RNR received a copy of Something Good for an Honest Review
5 stars
I’m often concerned when I am emailed for honest reviews. I’m thrilled to have been given this book. Mandi melted my heart! I knew from the beginning I’d love her and the story didn’t disappoint. I was initially concerned that this would be a story overtaken by pages of sex scenes with no real glue to hold me, I couldn’t have been more wrong. Mandi was a joy to get to know. Her story and heartache ripped me to pieces and I hoped so hard that Lane would be her push to forgive herself. Call me old fashioned, but I do sort of love it when a man can save the day…I’m glad I wasn’t given that easy relief. Seeing her pick herself up and surrender to the ultimate sacrifice to push her into a new start was just what kept my heart growing. Watching Lane learn from her was a much needed change to the average love story. I loved her desire to do something special for someone and having dealt with fertility issues of my own, she stole my heart. This was a great read and a story that will linger with me for a while…will even be added to my re-read list from time to time I’m sure.
-DC
RNR received a copy of Something Good for an Honest Review
October 28, 2016
"I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily reviewed this book and this is my honest review."
What a beautifully written romantic story about forgiveness, the ability to move past unspeakable tragedies, redemption and the pursuit of happiness.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is willing to forget about everything else for a while. This book has such well developed characters that I found it very hard to put down. I wanted to keep reading to find out if the main character is ever able to forgive the heartbreak of her past and move into the future she so deserves. The interactions between the characters make them easy to relate too. They are true to life characters in real life situations.
I would love to see this author continue Mandi and Lane's story with another book.....Maybe a series is possible?
What a beautifully written romantic story about forgiveness, the ability to move past unspeakable tragedies, redemption and the pursuit of happiness.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is willing to forget about everything else for a while. This book has such well developed characters that I found it very hard to put down. I wanted to keep reading to find out if the main character is ever able to forgive the heartbreak of her past and move into the future she so deserves. The interactions between the characters make them easy to relate too. They are true to life characters in real life situations.
I would love to see this author continue Mandi and Lane's story with another book.....Maybe a series is possible?
July 13, 2014
Wow !!! That was a 4 star read.
It was a roller coaster of a ride. Every emotion was lived in these pages. The turmoil and angst that Mandi went through on a daily basis was a total drain.
As the story proceeds we learn why Mandi is so closed off. I won’t give too much away, but have tissues handy
Lane was not what I expected, he was as open as you could get. I enjoyed their ‘it’s only for a good time’ attraction, but at the same time i wanted them to recognize how good they were together! And, the ‘will they/won’t they, was entertaining to read.
The author expands her characters gradually, and watch their fights and eventual HEA, (although I was worried it wouldn’t happen). It’s a great read, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a different read.
It was a roller coaster of a ride. Every emotion was lived in these pages. The turmoil and angst that Mandi went through on a daily basis was a total drain.
As the story proceeds we learn why Mandi is so closed off. I won’t give too much away, but have tissues handy
Lane was not what I expected, he was as open as you could get. I enjoyed their ‘it’s only for a good time’ attraction, but at the same time i wanted them to recognize how good they were together! And, the ‘will they/won’t they, was entertaining to read.
The author expands her characters gradually, and watch their fights and eventual HEA, (although I was worried it wouldn’t happen). It’s a great read, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a different read.
October 9, 2016
This one tugs at your heartstrings! Darlene Deluca has taken a tale of two young people trying to find their path to redemption and each other.
Although the book bogs down in a couple of places--just keep reading. The ending is well worth the effort. I certainly didn't expect this book to be so complex. It was truly a pleasant surprise.
The storyline was well-developed; the characters were very believable;the emotions ran the gamut from lower than low to over-the-top happiness.
The road to HEA was not easy. You need to read the book to experience the trip with Mandi and Lane.❤️
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book for eDiscovery.)
Although the book bogs down in a couple of places--just keep reading. The ending is well worth the effort. I certainly didn't expect this book to be so complex. It was truly a pleasant surprise.
The storyline was well-developed; the characters were very believable;the emotions ran the gamut from lower than low to over-the-top happiness.
The road to HEA was not easy. You need to read the book to experience the trip with Mandi and Lane.❤️
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book for eDiscovery.)
December 1, 2014
Something Good was not happening in Mandi's life until Lane came along. The story is not only a good romance, but also a good story. There are so many obstacles for Mandi to overcome before she can even consider a romantic involvement. The reader turns the pages to find out if the young woman will ever be able to have a good life and what a successful life would mean for her. The setting and the situations are believable and interesting, and the story is chock full of ideas which make one think.
February 18, 2016
I luv "Something Good". I couldn't put my Kindle down, it was very moving. I wanted to know what happened next. Mandi seemed to have lost everything, her ex, her daughter Paige. She worked 2 jobs plus online courses. Then she met Lane that came into the diner. One night with him turned into the love of her life. I like when she made the decision to be a surrogate to a mother that couldn't have children and the one kicker just so happen to be a very special person. At least in the end she worked real hard to get to the school she always wanted to attend and Lane went with her.
April 16, 2015
High schoolers are known for making bad decisions but sometimes those decisions are life altering. Mandi was one of those people who lived to regret choices she made, that impacted her life for years. She finds a way to do something good, to make restitution to the world, but it comes with consequences also. Life and romance are very complicated. Will she find a way to make it all work? Find a spot at the beach and make this your read.
March 11, 2014
Another great story by Darlene Deluca! As with all of Darlene's books, this one too features characters I really came to care about. The main character has experienced a personal tragedy, and she now seems lost and unable to care about her own well-being. How she gets through this dark period and sets a new course for her life make for a captivating read!
April 22, 2014
Awesome!!!!
April 24, 2014
This book was a pleasure. Grabbed me from the start and kept moving with twists and turns. I recommend this book for those who want a distraction and enjoy a good romance!!
December 23, 2015
Oh my, what a cute story! :) Totally enjoyed reading this one!
October 4, 2016
"I received a copy of this book from eBook Discovery in exchange for my honest review."
This book was brilliant, I loved the way it went deeper than a romance or love story. It showed the life of people and not just the characters, it brought feelings into it and you saw how someone could function through their pain and loss and keep it in from the rest of their life rather than face the pain of it alone. The main character was only young but had suffered more than most in her life, she thought she deserved the suffering because of past mistakes. She turned her back on her life before and worked for a better life rather than having handouts from her parents because she deserved it after what she's done, she had brought it on herself.
Not many knew the background she really came from, how she wasn't really meant to struggle with 2 jobs to keep her dreams alive of a better life, getting away from the slums and label "trailer trash" she would do it on her own.
Lane came into her life he could see she wasn't really meant to be working the jobs she did, she was better than that, she shone and carried herself differently to most, but she had pain and sadness in her eyes, there was something about her that drew him in, but he was only there to do a job nothing else.
He didn't "fit" into her life either, he was like her parents and didn't understand, but she had never told him why either so how could he!
I couldn't put the book down it just drew me in wanting to read more and see where or if Lane fit into her life, could she let someone in and tell them what she'd done, only one person really knew her and he'd not been part of her life in years, not even her parents knew all of it.
But he wasn't here long so he didn't need to know, she could just have fun, Lane wanted more though he wanted to know the real Mandi. Could she open up enough, she'd never told anyone everything before. She kept everyone at arms length and didn't have any real friends, not in the sense that she confided in them, they only knew part of her, the part she wanted them to know.
I loved the story and the way the characters intertwined, it was a real story, something you could imagine happening, it wasn't just boy meets girl, they fall in love and happy ever after, it's a real story, It had depth to it and meaning. I wanted to know what happened to Mandi and if she got her dream of breaking away from her past.
I couldn't put the book down and read it to the end in the early hours of the morning. It was a very emotional book and I cried in parts. It's very well written and a definite to people that like a true to life book that touches your emotions. I smiled in parts wanting Mandi to find happiness either on her own or with Lane, you just want her to get out and make a life for herself however she does it. A refreshing change to the normal sex and happy go lucky characters that most portray. I'll definitely be reading more from this author.
I'd recommend it to everyone that likes a romance, bare in mind the book touches on subjects a lot don't so can be upsetting to some but it isn't graphic and doesn't go into too much detail, that said it's one of the best books I've read in a long time.
This book was brilliant, I loved the way it went deeper than a romance or love story. It showed the life of people and not just the characters, it brought feelings into it and you saw how someone could function through their pain and loss and keep it in from the rest of their life rather than face the pain of it alone. The main character was only young but had suffered more than most in her life, she thought she deserved the suffering because of past mistakes. She turned her back on her life before and worked for a better life rather than having handouts from her parents because she deserved it after what she's done, she had brought it on herself.
Not many knew the background she really came from, how she wasn't really meant to struggle with 2 jobs to keep her dreams alive of a better life, getting away from the slums and label "trailer trash" she would do it on her own.
Lane came into her life he could see she wasn't really meant to be working the jobs she did, she was better than that, she shone and carried herself differently to most, but she had pain and sadness in her eyes, there was something about her that drew him in, but he was only there to do a job nothing else.
He didn't "fit" into her life either, he was like her parents and didn't understand, but she had never told him why either so how could he!
I couldn't put the book down it just drew me in wanting to read more and see where or if Lane fit into her life, could she let someone in and tell them what she'd done, only one person really knew her and he'd not been part of her life in years, not even her parents knew all of it.
But he wasn't here long so he didn't need to know, she could just have fun, Lane wanted more though he wanted to know the real Mandi. Could she open up enough, she'd never told anyone everything before. She kept everyone at arms length and didn't have any real friends, not in the sense that she confided in them, they only knew part of her, the part she wanted them to know.
I loved the story and the way the characters intertwined, it was a real story, something you could imagine happening, it wasn't just boy meets girl, they fall in love and happy ever after, it's a real story, It had depth to it and meaning. I wanted to know what happened to Mandi and if she got her dream of breaking away from her past.
I couldn't put the book down and read it to the end in the early hours of the morning. It was a very emotional book and I cried in parts. It's very well written and a definite to people that like a true to life book that touches your emotions. I smiled in parts wanting Mandi to find happiness either on her own or with Lane, you just want her to get out and make a life for herself however she does it. A refreshing change to the normal sex and happy go lucky characters that most portray. I'll definitely be reading more from this author.
I'd recommend it to everyone that likes a romance, bare in mind the book touches on subjects a lot don't so can be upsetting to some but it isn't graphic and doesn't go into too much detail, that said it's one of the best books I've read in a long time.
March 11, 2014
I received this book from the author and the Making Connections group in exchange for a honest review.
My Thoughts: This was an OK read for me. I did not really relate to the heroine. She blames herself for her daughter's death even though it was not her fault. So, because of her guilt she has no self-respect for herself. I had no problem with the hero. He was a nice guy. I thought the heroine was TSTL when after only a few times talking to the hero at the diner she goes and meets him at his hotel. He could have been a creep for all she knew. The coincidence dealing with her being a surrogate mother was over the top.
The Story: Mandi works at Jimmy's diner. Lane is an urban planner and is developing a plan to redevelop the area where Mandi works and lives. Mandi serves Lane a couple of times and then propositions him. She meets him at his hotel room and they have casual sex. Lane tries to get to know her, but she wants no part of that. She has shut herself off from the world emotionally.
In the midst of their casual relationship, Mandi decides to be a surrogate mother to make up for her daughter's death. She does not tell Lane and when he finds out he reacts badly. He thinks she is trying to trap him. So, they break up.
The rest of the book deals with Mandi and Lanes eventual HEA.
Overall, this was not what I expected after reading the blurb on the book.
My Thoughts: This was an OK read for me. I did not really relate to the heroine. She blames herself for her daughter's death even though it was not her fault. So, because of her guilt she has no self-respect for herself. I had no problem with the hero. He was a nice guy. I thought the heroine was TSTL when after only a few times talking to the hero at the diner she goes and meets him at his hotel. He could have been a creep for all she knew. The coincidence dealing with her being a surrogate mother was over the top.
The Story: Mandi works at Jimmy's diner. Lane is an urban planner and is developing a plan to redevelop the area where Mandi works and lives. Mandi serves Lane a couple of times and then propositions him. She meets him at his hotel room and they have casual sex. Lane tries to get to know her, but she wants no part of that. She has shut herself off from the world emotionally.
In the midst of their casual relationship, Mandi decides to be a surrogate mother to make up for her daughter's death. She does not tell Lane and when he finds out he reacts badly. He thinks she is trying to trap him. So, they break up.
The rest of the book deals with Mandi and Lanes eventual HEA.
Overall, this was not what I expected after reading the blurb on the book.
March 11, 2014
Mandi's story has stuck with me! From the beginning of the novel, I wanted to know what had happened to knock her so far off her earlier course, and found her situation believable and sympathetic. Her continued reticence about getting close to someone - and Lane's reserve, as well - rang true. I enjoyed their 'it's only for a good time' attraction, while at the same time wanting them to recognize how good they were together! And, instead of remaining only a 'will they/won't they see what's happening', the author expands her characters as each, strengthened by this new relationship, grows towards personal goals that are completely consistent with their pasts. The surprising choices that Mandi makes to be real and true to herself are fascinating - I very much enjoyed reading about her generosity and about the issues of surrogacy. And the complications her choices put between her and Lane are at the heart of this romance, and of these two trying to get over the past and to move on, with each other...? (No spoilers!)
I've read each of Ms. DeLuca's novels, and know I can count on a solid story and great characterization, as well as a plot that could easily happen to someone I know - real, good people trying to do their best. Great books - and this is another fine addition to her work!
I've read each of Ms. DeLuca's novels, and know I can count on a solid story and great characterization, as well as a plot that could easily happen to someone I know - real, good people trying to do their best. Great books - and this is another fine addition to her work!
October 25, 2016
This is such a good romance book! An emotional story all the way through. It's so down to earth, with Lane working on development of a low income area of Dallas. When he goes to eat at a local diner near his hotel, he sees a pretty waitress, Mandi, who doesn't seem to fit the area. She's a big mystery, and he has to meet her and get to know her. I really like the story of the town and the people and the fact that she's working two jobs to make ends meet. Some of the things in the story are hard, and you can feel the pain of the couple...but it's so worth it, reading the story to find out what happens. Thanks to ebook discovery for the copy so I could do a review. The book is highly recommended.
December 17, 2016
I received this book from Ebook Discovery in exchange for an honest review. This was a terrific read that I could hardly put down. An urban planner meets a waitress in a decrepid neighborhood that he wants to get a contract from the town to improve. She has problems from earlier in her life and tries to work out her guilt by becoming a surrogate mother. I really got involved in the characters and plot.
May 1, 2014
So, truth time. When I first started reading this, I didn't think I'd like it. But the further I got into the story I was intrigued. Why was Mandi's doing the things she was doing what was her big dark secret? There were so many twists and turns in this story. It kept me guessing until the end ... Complete with the happy ending Darlene is known for. I enjoyed it, and I think you will, too.
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