Interview with Darlene Fredette, author of Cherry Red!

Wow, is this image eye-catching or what? Ice cream, motorcycles, hot firefighters...I'm already sweating! Yet at the heart of this sweet romance isn't just a hot shirtless firefighter, but a true emotional connection between two people. Today I'm thrilled to welcome Darlene Fredette, author of contemporary romance Cherry Red, released recently via The Wild Rose Press. TWRP is also my publisher and I've already met so many lovely fellow writers *and* discovered new books! What more could you ask for? So settle in and enjoy learning more about Darlene, her writing process, and of course, Cherry Red! Be sure to pick up your copy - click here to order! Check out a full-sized image of the smokin' cover below, and keep scrolling for the interview!

Welcome, Darlene. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I reside on the Atlantic Coast of Canada where the summers are too short, and the winters are too long. I write contemporary romances with a focus on plot-driven page-turners. When not working on my next book, I can be found with my husband, my daughter, and our yellow Labrador.

How do you overcome writer’s block?

I stop writing because frustration sets in staring at the screen with no words to type. By walking away, I am able to clear my head. It may be an hour or two…or longer when I replay the scene in my head and come up with ideas to move the story along.

Are you a pantster or a planner, or somewhere in between?

I am a planner. I like to know where the story is going. Sometimes it takes a bit of nudging, but having the basic details is a must.

If you could go back in time, what writing advice would you give your younger self?

Don’t worry if someone doesn’t like your story because every reader likes different things. And don’t worry if you’re not a master at marketing/promoting your books.

What are you reading right now?

Today, I finished reading a murder mystery and started a young adult suspense.

It seems like many of your books focus on small-town business owners and entrepreneurs. Where did this inspiration come from?

My series, Redford Falls, is based on a small town an hour away from where I live. It’s my favourite place to visit and the perfect setting for my series. Most of my stand-alone titles take place in the actual town where I live because it’s easier to write about a familiar place.

Tell us a little bit about Cherry Red.

This summer, ice cream entrepreneur Carly Redd's only focus is expanding her business—until she's coerced into attending her ex's engagement party. Showing up without a date is unthinkable. She reluctantly agrees to be escorted by her brother’s co-worker, although doing so breaks her rule of not dating firefighters.

The daughter of the town’s fire chief should wear a Do Not Touch sign, but firefighter Noah Harding's interest blazed the moment he saw Carly. Agreeing to be her fake boyfriend is a no-brainer, but convincing Carly to trust him with her heart is harder than extinguishing a fire.

Overstepping the platonic-only rule is as dangerous as fire and ice swirling into a tempting combustion.

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

Ice cream research for recipes that include liquor. I definitely need to make a few of Carly’s concoctions.

How did you keep the fake-relationship trope feeling fresh? (One of my favorite tropes, by the way!)

I enjoy this trope as well! The banter between my characters is what I feel makes their story fresh and unique. Their careers, family, and coworkers also add to the fun.

What’s the heat level of your book, on a scale of chili peppers?

• Pepperoncini: mild heat, safe for my mother

• Serrano: low medium heat, keep a fan on

• Cayenne: medium spicy, requires an air conditioner and a glass of milk

• Habanero: pretty spicy, surround yourself with ice packs

• Carolina Reaper: sizzling, read only while standing in a freezing cold shower

I guess it would be Pepperoncini: mild heat, safe for my mother. Cherry Red is a sweet (clean) romance. The mild heat would be when Carly sees Noah without a shirt on, lol.

P.S. Darlene, that was one of my favorite parts...I need more shirtless Noah!

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

Thank you for hosting me and Cherry Red today! It’s also been a pleasure getting to know you!

Darlene, thank you so much for sharing about yourself, your life, your process and your latest book!

Here's how you can get in touch with Darlene:

Click here to buy her book | Visit her website | Check out her blog | Visit her author page on Amazon | Follow her on Twitter