BooksChatter: ℚ♫ Second Chance in Laguna: Finding Forever in Laguna [1]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Claire Marti to talk about Second Chance in Laguna (31 March 2017, The Wild Rose Press, Inc, 169 pages), a Contemporary Romance, book one in the Finding Forever in Laguna series.

"Sweet, sexy, lush, and lovely, this series is a new force in the genre you won't be able to put down until the ultimately satisfying end..." Kerrigan Byrne, Bestselling author of the Victorian Rebels series

"Put SECOND CHANCE IN LAGUNA on your list of 2017 Beach reads!" 5 Star Amazon Review

"Claire Marti has a contemporary, self-assured style to her writing and character development that is refreshing." 5 Star Amazon Review

|| Synopsis || Teaser: KCR Preview || Author Q&A || About the Author || Giveaway & Tour Stops ||

A very warm welcome to Claire Marti; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

To start, Claire has shared with us some of the music I listened to while writing Second Chance in Laguna - enjoy!

What was the inspiration for Second Chance in Laguna?

"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. In romance, sometimes having your heart broken by someone who turns out to be the opposite of who you believed them to be can be an enormous impetus for transformation. Sophie’s ex-fiancé hurt her, but puts her on the path to find herself and true love."

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"Confession: Sophie’s ex-fiancé is based upon mine. I tapped into the visceral pain and betrayal I experienced when I learned he’d been living a double life. I’m a huge animal lover and even ran a dog and cat rescue group. Nicholas Morgan’s endearing horse of a dog knocks Sophie down and that’s how the two connect. Finally, I got engaged in Laguna Beach and find it to be the most romantic city in the United States."

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for Second Chance in Laguna - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"Who doesn’t find an embrace on the shore of a rugged, enchanting beach romantic? I wanted a simple cover that would elicit emotion. Both Nick and Sophie love nature and embrace the lifestyle of a charming seaside town. The cover artist is RJ Morris, who works for my publisher, The Wild Rose Press."

Why should we read Second Chance in Laguna and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your book unique?

"Readers say it’s a fun, quick read with heart. Sophie’s journey inspires you to release fear and embrace change. She truly lives the concept of Carpe Diem. She’s courageous, funny, and you’ll cheer for her to find her happy ending, both with her personal dreams and her romance with Nick. And, Nick is a hero worthy of being your next book boyfriend.

In terms of what sets me apart? My voice is different than anyone else’s. Yes, this is a second chance romance, but that doesn’t mean the story is like every other second chance romance. The characters are realistic and you can relate to their emotional issues, flaws, fears, and strengths. The next two books feature characters you meet and adore in Second Chance in Laguna.

Oh, and the readers tell me they love the steamy bits…"

Can you tell us something quirky about Second Chance in Laguna, its story and characters?

"Well, here’s a funny story about the heroine’s name, Sophie Barnes, which arose after the fact. Once my book launched, I learned of a historical romance writer named Sophie Barnes. I reached out to her and we ended up doing a cross-promotion on social media. She posted about how now she stars in her very own romance novel."

Who would you recommend Second Chance in Laguna to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"Anybody in the mood for a beach read, light-hearted humorous story with heart. My publisher rated the book Spicy or PG-13 for a few rather hot and steamy encounters."

If you could / wished to turn Second Chance in Laguna and the Finding Forever in Laguna series into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"I’d love to have a female director who knows how to tell a love story and capture the beauty of nature.

Nick Morgan looks like Chris Hemsworth and Brad Pitt—only with green eyes.
Sophie looks like model Barbara Palvin and actress Allison Williams.

Of course, we’d have to film it in Laguna Beach. Although, Laguna looks a lot like the South of France, so if you twisted my arm, they could film it in Antibes or Juan-les-Pins. As long as I could be a part of it!"

What do you like to write and read about? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?

"I enjoy creating characters with hidden wounds. In other words, characters who have cloaked themselves with normalcy, but inside they feel like impostors. The types of characters that other people assume are happy and fulfilled because of external appearance or actions. Peeling back the self-protective layers and digging beneath the surface is where building a hero or heroine becomes interesting.

I’m planning on moving on to some historical romances next because I love history. I also enjoy mainstream fiction and literary novels."

What is your writing process?

"It all starts with the characters. Generally, one or both of the main characters pops into my brain and I start from there.

I use a three-act structure and have a vague idea of where I’m going. I don’t like to plan too much because I like to see where my characters lead me."

What is in store next?

"Book Two in the Finding Forever in Laguna series, At Last in Laguna, comes out later this year. 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. At least one of them will fall in love with a Scottish rogue.

I’ve also got plans for a women’s fiction novel set in 1920’s Paris."

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?