Monday Book Review: At Last in Laguna, by Claire Marti

At Last in Laguna, (Finding Forever in Laguna, Book 2) by Claire Marti
Published October 2017 by The Wild Rose Press

About the Book:

Alyssa Morgan has secretly been in love with her older brother Nick’s best friend, Brandt Dempsey, since she was an awkward, lonely teenager. When she catches the bouquet at Nick’s wedding, she throws caution to the wind and propositions Brandt to a two-week fling. He’s tried to ignore how Alyssa has blossomed into a strong, talented, gorgeous woman because as his best friend’s baby sister, she’s off limits.

After they share a mind-blowing kiss, Brandt struggles to fight their undeniable chemistry. His tragic childhood scarred him, but he pushes it deep inside, only allowing the world to see a wealthy, carefree entrepreneur. Forced to work together on Brandt’s latest charitable venture, Brandt and Alyssa’s passion cannot be denied. Alyssa knows he’s the one. Can she convince him they belong together?

My Take:

Claire Marti crafts a heartfelt story filled with both longing and self-doubt. The self-imposed barriers keeping these characters from their happily-ever-after are both real and really frustrating, as each struggles to work through their inner demons and find a place of acceptance.

At Last in Laguna is the second book in this sexy contemporary romance series, but can easily stand alone. Both the hero and heroine had supporting roles in the first book, but their story does not depend on the first for context.

Alyssa Morgan is the younger sister of the hero in book one, Second Chance in Laguna.  And yes, she's totally in love with her brother's best friend who thinks of her as the off-limits little sister.

Brandt Dempsey might have considered Alyssa "little sister" material, but ever since a certain Kiss under the Mistletoe, she's been co-starring in all of his hottest fantasies. Except he still thinks of her as a golden girl on a pedestal... so when she propositions him in the first chapter, he's completely caught off-guard.

The third-person narrative progresses in a he said/she said manner. His hardscrabble childhood makes him feel totally unworthy of the attentions of someone like Alyssa, while her struggles with self-worth and eating disorders make her feel unworthy of love, period. The continued battling with inner demons and doubts are enough to make a reader scream "enough" and slap them both silly... Or maybe that's just me.

The sex scenes are panty-melting hot, and the emotions tug hard at your heart strings, so just hold on through all the angst-y self-doubt. Ms. Marti pulls it all together by the end of the story and gives the characters the HEA they both deserve. I'm totally looking forward to the next installment of this series.

Grab your copy on Amazon.

Monday Book Review: Second Chance in Laguna, by Claire Marti

About the Book:

When Sophie Barnes’s fiancé jilts her at the altar, her carefully planned life implodes. Considering his 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. 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?

MY TAKE: 

This fun, fast-paced romance takes us on a quest for a second chance at romance, despite the fact that the heroine isn't looking for love. Sometimes, it's when you aren't looking that good things find you.

Sophie is kind of a ditzy, insecure mess when we first meet her. She recently broke it off with her fiancé, quit her job and rented a house site unseen in a brand new town to start fresh. After years as a magazine editor, she wants to try her hand at penning her first novel, and immediately breaks the first rule: don't quit your day job. Second? Don't fall for your landlord.

Nick Morgan is handsome, sexy, and workaholic -- the opposite of his less-than-organized and klutzy new tenant, but he's immediately drawn to both her beauty and her spark. He's a self-employed (and very successful) architect, trying to achieve the accolades that his father never received. He has no time for long term relationships, thus has developed a rep as a player. But after a few dates with Sophie, he knows he wants something more.

The obstacles? Her insecurities, her ex, his busy schedule, and a conniving coworker who tries to sabotage the budding relationship. All par for the course in this sexy romp, just this side of chick lit. Fast-paced, light and breezy, I would totally recommend this fun read for beach or poolside reading. I also can't wait for a few follow up stories to give Sophie's friends a chance to find love too!

Grab your copy on Amazon.

Writing Wednesday: Debut Author Claire Marti

Today, I'm hosting a new author from The Wild Rose Press, Claire Marti. I was lucky enough to read an ARC of her debut novel, Second Chance In Laguna, a fun romp of a read (review coming soon) and invited her to visit!

Hi Claire! Give us your "brief bio."

Here's my "standard" pitch about myself... (sorry it's in the third person!)

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 novels and teaching yoga. Her debut, Second Chance in Laguna, releases from The Wild Rose Press on March 31, 2017 and is the first in the Finding Forever in Laguna series.

The part about managing an animal rescue sounds ripe for more stories... What's your favorite part of being an author?
I’ve got two favorite parts. First, I love creating the characters because the entire story springs from their inner conflicts. Learning to love and accept themselves frees them up to love and accept others. Second, I enjoy transforming the crappy first draft into flowing prose. I compare it to fitting puzzle pieces together.

What's your approach to the actual writing? Do you plot or go with the flow?
I’ve got a hybrid approach. I do detailed character sketches and create and analyze the characters’ inner conflicts. Then, I have a loose story plotted over a three-act structure. I don’t do a detailed outline because I need the freedom to see what happens within my initial story concept.

I totally get that. Now, for a more creative question... If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
To transport myself from place to place in seconds. I’d love to visit my friends and family around the world in a blink of an eye. I’m impatient and would love to skip all that pesky driving and flying.

OMG, Totally get that. I recently spent 7 hours just sitting at Logan while waiting for JetBlue to fix a broken plane! Could've totally used that superpower!!

Now, for the meat. Tell us about your new release!

My debut novel, Second Chance in Laguna, won best unpublished contemporary romance in the Heart of the Molly and third place in the Maggie and releases on March 31, 2017. Here’s what it’s about:

Magazine editor and aspiring novelist Sophie Barnes left everything she knew to move to Laguna Beach to rebuild her life after being devastated by her fiancé’s jilting her at the altar. Little does she know she’ll meet the love of her life, player Nicholas Morgan, and fulfill her deepest dreams of becoming a successful author.

And I've read it so I know it's a fun read! Okay, you’re casting the movie version of your novel – who would you choose for the main characters? We’re talking dream cast.

Hero Nicholas Morgan can be played by Chris Hemsworth with green contact lenses. (YUM!)

Heroine Sophie Barnes can be played by either Allison Williams or Barbara Palvin. (Yep, can totally see that. Good choices!)

Thanks for visiting today, Claire, and best of luck with your new release! I'll be watching out for the next book int he series too - - Where can readers like me find your book and where can we find you online?

My website is www.clairemarti.com and you’ll find me on Twitter @clairepmarti, on Facebook at ClaireMartiAuthor, and on Goodreads.

My book is available in eBook and paperback at all major retailers. Here are the links:

·       Amazon: http://amzn.to/2kafVLW

·       The Wild Rose Press, Inc.: http://bit.ly/2jk8iQY

·       Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/2mpGgq9

·       Kobo:  https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/second-chance-in-laguna

·       iBooks:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/second-chance-in-laguna/id1196981760?mt=11

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