Second Chance in Laguna NBtM

Blurb:

When Sophie Barnes’s fiancé jilts her at the altar, her carefully planned life implodes. Considering her ex’s betrayal to be a rude wake-up call, she leaves everything she knows in San Diego and flees to Laguna Beach. She vows to transform her life by avoiding men for a year and by fulfilling her dream of writing a wildly successful novel. 

Sophie’s new landlord, Nicholas Morgan, is a gorgeous, successful architect with a player reputation. He makes it tough for Sophie to remember that she’s sworn to be single. Nick’s avoided the intimacy of a long-term relationship--until Sophie’s independence, courage, and beauty touch his guarded heart. Both Sophie and Nick are terrified of being hurt again, but can they resist the pull of true love?

Excerpt:

Kelly hopped into the front seat of the car, leaving Sophie no choice but to sit in the back.

 She scrunched down in her seat. How had he maneuvered her into spending another evening with him? Why was he so persistent? And, why was it annoying to be relegated to the back seat, like a kid? She stuck her tongue out at him.

Nick’s glance caught hers in the rear view mirror—of course he’d looked at the exact moment she’d given in to childish impulse. His mouth quirked at the corners before he shifted his focus to the road.

Not that she cared what he thought one way or the other as she was planning on being a single novelist for the foreseeable future.

Like Jane Austen.

Just like Jane Austen.

They arrived at Vines, a charming little wine bar. When the valet opened Sophie’s door, she resolved to have a good time. She’d promised herself a new life and her best friend was visiting. Just enjoy it.

Nick offered one arm to Kelly, who accepted it with a smile. He offered his right arm to Sophie. Goose bumps erupted down her spine the moment her hand touched his sinewy forearm.

Claire, thanks so much for stopping by. How did you get started writing? 

I was a voracious reader at a young age. Writing came naturally for me and I started writing stories in elementary school. Most of them starred various pets, including a cat named Tom, a squirrel named Squeaky, and my brother’s boa constrictor, Napoleon Bonaparte. Books can transport you to another world for a few hours and I love to escape. I seek to provide this experience for my readers.

What was the inspiration for your book?

Taking a negative experience like learning that the person you love is a serial cheater and turning it into an opportunity to transform your entire life. I love the idea of a new door opening when another one closes. Life is a cycle of growth—we’re always changing and learning. Sophie’s ex-fiancé hurt her, but his actions catapult her into the life of her dreams.

What’s the one genre you haven’t written in yet that you’d like to?

Once I’ve completed my Finding Forever in Laguna series, I’m moving on to my first love: historical romance. I’m planning a Regency historical series about three orphaned French sisters who must move to London and live with a guardian they’ve never met. The men they fall in love with include a Scottish rogue, a disenchanted duke, and their mysterious guardian. I’ve also got plans for a women’s fiction novel with a love triangle set in 1920’s Paris.

Are there any genres you won’t read or write in? Why?

I’m not a huge fan of science fiction or fantasy. I enjoy light paranormal—think vampires—but nothing too involved with beasts and crazy alien worlds. I love a happy ending, so romance fits the bill for me.

What are you up to right now? Do you have any releases planned, or are you still writing?
Book Two in the Finding Forever in Laguna series, At Last in Laguna, comes out in Fall 2017. I’m working on Book Three, Sunset in Laguna, as we speak. Next, I’m planning a Regency historical series about three orphaned French sisters who must move to London and live with a guardian they’ve never met. I’ve also got plans for a women’s fiction novel set in 1920’s Paris.

Alright, now for some random, fun questions. Favorite color? 

Ocean blue.

Favorite movie?

Three-way tie between Midnight in Paris, Pulp Fiction, and A Fish Called Wanda.

Book that inspired you to become an author?

Ernest Hemingway’s A Moveable Feast.

You have one superpower. What is it?

Tele-transport. I want to blink my eyes and instantly be somewhere else. Paris for a breakfast of croissants and café au lait, Antibes for a lunch of salad Nicoise, and dinner in Kauai for some fresh fish.

You can have dinner with any 3 people, dead, alive, fictitious, etc. Who are they? 

Ernest Hemingway. Jim Morrison. Chris Cornell. Tortured, beautiful, brilliant artists.

Last question: Which of your characters are you most like and how/why?

Readers who know me recognized parts of me in Sophie Barnes, the heroine in Second Chance in Laguna. I’d say her ability to bounce back and start over, her love of the ocean, her affinity for animals, and her inability to resist the perfect man. Nicholas Morgan is the perfect man for her.

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Author Bio and Links:

Claire Marti started writing stories as soon as she was old enough to pick up pencil and paper. After graduating from the University of Virginia with a BA in English Literature, Claire was sidetracked by other careers, including practicing law, selling software for legal publishers, and managing a non-profit animal rescue for a Hollywood actress.

Finally, Claire followed her heart and now focuses on two of her true passions: writing romance and teaching yoga. Her debut releases from The Wild Rose Press on March 31, 2017 and is the first in the Finding Forever in Laguna series.

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