At Last in Laguna by Claire Marti

Give a warm welcome to Claire Marti, author of  At Last in Laguna! Just released October 18, 2017.  I see you brought a guest with you.

Yes, I’ve brought Brandt Dempsey from At Last in Laguna.   

Wonderful! Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cauldron, a Bat Wing Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Brandt Dempseey and At Last in Laguna. But first Claire, tell us about writing At Last in Laguna. Was it fun or difficult? Do your characters always act as you expect? Are you a plotter, or fly (write) by the seat of your pants?

Actually, this story, my second novel, almost wrote itself. Alyssa and Brandt were percolating under the surface all through Second Chance in Laguna, so I was eager and ready to write their story. I had strong visions of both of them, but they surprised me a few times too. I’d call myself half-plotter/ half-pantster. I need to have a story arc with the major turning points, which can be fluid. I start with the characters. I know the lessons I want each character to learn and how they’ll need to grow in order to earn their happily ever after.

Okay then, lets find out about what makes Brandt tick.

  What event in your past has left the most indelible impression on you?

I’m very private about my past, but I’m working on making peace with it, so I’ll share with you. Most people don’t know, but my parents were abusive addicts and my early childhood was brutally tough. When they died, I ended up on the streets and in the foster care system. Luckily, I met my “Uncle John,” a Good Samaritan who helped me get off the street and into school. His kindness and generosity are why I’m here today.

What do you most value?

Loyalty. I don’t have a family, except for the few close friends and Uncle John so, I’ll fiercely protect them and stay true to them no matter what.

What is the type of woman you want to spend the rest of your life with?

I’ll be honest, I never pictured myself in a long-term relationship. I’ve purposefully kept my dating life on the casual level because I’m not marriage material. If I could describe the perfect woman, she’d be intelligent, funny-as-hell, and gorgeous inside and out. Okay, I just described my best friend’s little sister, Alyssa. She’s the marrying type.

  What do you consider most important in life?

Making a mark by helping others have a chance at a better life. My new center, Tearmann House, means safe haven in Gaelic. It’s going to be a place where abused women and children who aren’t receiving the assistance they need from the system can find refuge.

What is your biggest secret?

At Nick and Sophie’s wedding, Alyssa took me aside, kissed me, and suggested we have an affair while her brother heads off to his honeymoon. She shocked me and now I can’t fight these feelings she’s unleashed. Nick can’t find out: he asked me to act like a surrogate big brother while he’s gone.

Oh, boy I’d say you’re in deep dodo, Brandt. 

How about a little about At Last in Laguna!

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?

A sneak peek between the pages of At Last in Laguna.

What was his deal this morning?

She’d give him the cold shoulder if it killed her.

And it just might.

He’d rejected her, so why was he opening doors, hovering, and acting like a pest? Practically breathing down her neck. She could swear he’d sniffed her. Sniffed her. He couldn’t conceal his awareness. If he were so attracted to her, he would’ve agreed to her proposition, right? Since he’d shot her down in flames, he could at least have the decency to ignore her today. Rude, infuriating man.

Inhaling a deep cleansing breath, she forced herself to concentrate on the center. Sunlight streamed through the abundance of windows and along with the high ceilings imparted a feeling of freedom and space, perfect for the planned occupants. Because they’d decided to wait to obtain her input for the more specific room layout, the building’s interior remained a shell. She’d add to her brother’s amazing design and ensure Tearmann House’s beauty and serenity.

Serenity. What a concept. Ha.

You can find At Last in Laguna at:

Amazon, The WIld Rose Press, Barnes and Noble, Kobo and ibooks.

About the Author:

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. At Last in Laguna is the second book in her Finding Forever in Laguna series from The Wild Rose Press.

More about Claire:

Website:  www.clairemarti.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ClaireMartiAuthor/

Twitter:  @clairepmarti

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8203678.Claire_Marti

It was wonderful having you both with us today.  Please feel free to stop by anytime. Congratulations and good luck with your new release At Last in Laguna!

 

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