Second Chance in Laguna by Claire Marti (VNBtM, guest post, excerpt, and GIVEAWAY) GFT

I am delighted to be able to share a post from one of the writers from The Wild Rose Press (congrats on your debut and welcome to the Garden!), who answers my question...

ELF: What do you think is the strongest attraction about the genre(s) you like to write in?

CM: Readers love the romance genre for a variety of reasons. Romance novels impart a sense of hope in an uncertain world. In the genre, readers know they will receive a happy ending and a positive resolution of seemingly insurmountable odds. Who doesn’t need their faith in love renewed?

When choosing what book to pick up next, readers select based upon what experience they are seeking when they dive into the pages. Does romance provide an escape? Yes! A complex emotional challenge? Often! An opportunity to learn something new? Yes!

As a romance author, I love delving into emotionally rich stories where the characters learn and grow on their path to finding true love. I focus upon the personal evolution of the characters. Each one is like an onion and as the layers are peeled away, an individual’s truth emerges. When someone becomes more self-aware, they can discover how their own emotional patterns and habits limit their happiness.

Readers want to identify with a hero or heroine and hop on the ride with them. Navigate the twists and turns. When a fictional couple overcomes both individual challenges and joint obstacles together, the reader’s own faith in love and human nature can be renewed. A romantic story can transport the reader from the difficulties of his or her job, family, marriage, and the world in general. Despite any peril that may arise, there will be a happy ending for the couple. There’s comfort and hope.

If the character can overcome difficult odds and find true love, a reader will close the book with a sense of satisfaction.

*******************************

Second Chance in Laguna

by Claire Marti

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE: Contemporary Romance

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Nick arrived right on time, looking gorgeous in faded jeans and a plain white t-shirt. How did he always manage to start the butterflies fluttering in her stomach? Just by standing there with the setting sun framing him? She was in trouble.

“Hi beautiful, ready to go?” He clasped her face in his hands and planted a soft kiss on her lips.

Returning his kiss, Sophie wound her arms around his neck and deepened it. She couldn’t resist. His strong arms wrapped around her waist, hugging her close to his broad chest.

“Mmmm, feel free to greet me like that every time I come over,” he said, lips curved up into a sweet smile.

Heat washed her cheeks and she returned his smile. “Let’s go. Prepare to be blown away by the movie snack of the century.”

Determined to keep things light and enjoy the movie before “the talk,” Sophie thrust down the lick of panic bubbling in her gut. She’d accomplished next to nothing all afternoon, instead wrestling with whether she needed to tell him about Doug.

The angel on her shoulder whispered to tell him because if they were going to have any kind of relationship, even a friends-with-benefits one, honesty and trust were vital. The devil urged her to zip it. They’d only known each other a few weeks. What if he lived up to his “Player of Laguna” reputation and expected only a fun fling? Even though he seemed deeper than that. What if she scared him off with a premature talk?

Buy Links:

Amazon

The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

Barnes and Noble

Kobo

iBooks

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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.

Website

Facebook

Twitter:  @clairepmarti

Goodreads

***********************************


GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway


The tour dates can be found here