Book Blast for The Very Thought of You by Claire Marti
Happy Halloween!! Today I have treat for you from a fellow author friend Claire Marti! Her book The Very Thought of You ( Pacific Vista Ranch Book #2) released October 30, 2019, and I know you are going to love it.
Click on the cover to read more or purchase!
A perfectionistic equine vet. A gorgeous fireman. An unrequited high school crush blazes hot twelve years later.
She’d spent most of her life always choosing the safe path. She’d been the big sister to her twin siblings when they’d lost their mom. The shy, private bookworm, her books and her animals had always comforted her. She was the only McNeill family member who didn’t either wear their heart on their sleeve or have a temper like a rollercoaster.
No matter how much she despised the label, she was a practical woman. Sensible even. When Jake and she were together, undeniable chemistry sizzled in the air between them.
As a practical woman, the smart move would be to take the situation into her own hands. She’d test it out to see how he reacted, but if he was even half as attracted to her as she was to him, she’d make the first move.
It was the sensible thing to do, considering the circumstances.
What did she have to lose?
Well, besides her pride and possibly her free personal trainer.
And her dog.
But what if her gamble paid off? She shivered.
He sat quietly next to her, the warmth from his skin reaching across the space between them. There was just so much smooth bronzed skin, stretched taut against all the sinewy muscles. She’d never been this close to such a perfect physical specimen.
Heat pooled low in her belly. This was ridiculous. They hadn’t even kissed yet and she was on fire for him. She’d never had this type of reaction to a guy before. Maybe if she had, she would have gone on more dates over the last six years.
And maybe because she hadn’t gone on many dates over the last six years was exactly why she was so on fire. Regardless.
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.
Claire loves to hear from readers!
Reach out via email or sign up for her newsletter at www.clairemarti.com
Follow Claire:
Twitter @clairepmarti
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ClaireMartiAuthor/
Instagram at @clairepmarti
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8203678.Claire_Marti”>https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8203678.Claire_Marti
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Claire Marti, Contemporary Romance, Equine vet, Firefighter, The Very Thought of You by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
Nobody Else But You Author Claire Marti’s Interview
Give a warm welcome to Claire Marti author of Nobody Else But You – Pacific Vista Ranch, Book one. Happy Release Day!
Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Claire and Nobody Else but You.
What inspired you to write Nobody Else But You?
After I wrote my first contemporary romance series, Finding Forever in Laguna, I was in the mood to try something different. I had plans for a Regency series with three French sisters, a standalone novel in 1920’s Paris, and a standalone novel set in Paris and San Francisco. All of those books are in varying stages of completion, but a new idea sparked my interest and the Pacific Vista Ranch series was born first.
Let me give you a little background: I’m a yoga teacher and have private clients who live in an exclusive wealthy enclave called Rancho Santa Fe, California. This community is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. Without giving you a geography lesson, it’s a ten mile area developed by a female architect, Lilian Rice, in 1921. Rancho Santa Fe is made up of a village center and several small horse ranches all connected with lush tree-lined winding roads, complete with horse and hiking trails throughout the properties. This private haven is only five miles from the Pacific Ocean.
My client’s daughter-in-law is a horse-breeding manager at a large quarter-horse breeding ranch in a neighboring town. I was intrigued to learn how she was one of a handful of women in a profession dominated by men. I love writing about strong, fiery heroines and once I met this young woman, I was inspired to write about a powerful woman excelling in this traditional profession. Once I visited the ranch where she controlled the large operation, I learned more than I ever anticipated about stallions, foals, and something called the phantom mare. You’ll have to read Nobody Else But You to learn more.
Inspired to create a series where family plays a major role, I created the McNeill clan, who were once upon a time Hollywood royalty. Chris McNeill, the patriarch, was a major movie director and producer. After a tragic accident devastates the family, he moves them from Los Angeles to Pacific Vista Ranch to start over. . Sam has a twin sister Dylan, who is an artist and an older sister Amanda, who is the equine vet.
Capitalizing on the Hollywood concept, and using the movie industry to build conflict, I created a hero who would rub Samantha McNeill the wrong way simply by existing. The moment he opens his mouth, Holt Ericsson, top Hollywood stuntman, infuriates Sam. Studying a few, okay a few hundred, photos of actor Charlie Hunnam inspired Holt’s looks and cocky, playful attitude.
Sam and Holt’s story is a classic enemies to lovers, opposites attract story. I had so much fun writing their heated exchanges, complete with eye rolls, smirks, and reluctant passion. Samantha McNeill is a modern heroine, who once she learns to open her heart, receives her happily-ever-after, on her own terms.
Next for the McNeills? Each sister will have her own story, coming out in October and November 2019. Their three stepbrothers stories will be out in 2020.
Tell us a little about Nobody Else But You.
A smoking hot stuntman. A fiery horse breeder. And a 220-acre ranch too small for both of them.
She’s avoided Hollywood for years…
When an arrogant Hollywood stuntman struts into Samantha McNeill’s breeding barn, sparks fly. She doesn’t care how mouthwateringly gorgeous he is, not when he assumes Pacific Vista Ranch’s resident horse breeding manager must be a man. Not to mention his job threatens to pull her family back into the paparazzi filled world they escaped from over a decade ago.
Now it’s at her door––wearing faded jeans and a wicked grin.
Holt Ericsson can tell the beautiful redhead hates him on sight and the feeling is becoming mutual. But he will call in a favor and convince Sam’s legendary director father that Pacific Vista Ranch is the only suitable place left in California to film an epic Western. Holt’s invested all his savings in the movie and his entire career is riding on it. No way will he allow one irritating, sexy woman to stand in his way.
Sam intends to fight him at every turn…if only her heart didn’t race when they’re together. Holt does his best to steer clear of her…except all he wants to do is hold her close. The sizzling attraction between them is either going to burn up the sheets or burn down the ranch…
A sneak peek between the pages of Nobody Else But You:
Swallowing a flutter of nerves in her throat, she rapped on the door. She was simply going for business. Ranch business. Bringing him dinner was simply being polite, like her father had raised her to be. So why was her heart hammering against her ribcage?
“It’s unlocked.” A muffled voice called. So much for manners. Holt apparently didn’t seem to bother with them.
She hesitated a moment. She smoothed back an errant strand into the ballet bun she hadn’t bothered to unravel. Although she’d changed out of her dance gear into her favorite old pair of jeans and a super-soft t-shirt, she hadn’t been in the mood to mess with her hair. Briefly, she regretted not being more like her twin sister, talented with makeup and hair. But, nope, Dylan had received the lion’s share of feminine genes.
Whatever. She opened the door, and then froze. He was rubbing his hair dry with a white towel slung over one shoulder. The pristine white material emphasized his bronzed skin. Tiny beads of moisture clung to chiseled pecs and the light sprinkling of golden hair on his chest was the only thing preventing him from looking like a marble statue. Barely. Shredded eight-pack abs and sharp V-cuts of muscle converged at the waistband of a pair of jeans as faded as her own. Her mouth suddenly parched, she swallowed. Hard.
“Sorry, I got stuck on the phone.” He grinned and tossed the towel onto a nearby chair.
She jerked her gaze up to his face, which had to be safer, right? Her pulse thrummed in her temple and heat descended to her belly. Damn. His face was definitely not safer than his gorgeous body.
“How’d you get that scar?” She blurted out the words, desperate to distract herself from his pure physical presence. He really needed to put on a shirt. Pronto.
“Scar? Which one?” He laughed, seemingly oblivious to her reaction, thank goodness.
“Forehead. The one across your forehead.” A flaw. Weren’t scars flaws? Why did it make him look just a little dangerous? And it did save him from utter perfection. Didn’t it?
My Review of Nobody Else But You:
A smoking hot stuntman. A fiery horse breeder. And a 220-acre ranch too small for both of them sums up this book perfectly.
Years ago a tragic accident on a Hollywood set left the McNeil family broken and grief stricken. Chris McNeil the father left the bright lights and settled his three young girls, Samantha, Dylan and Amanda on a California ranch far removed from the scene of the accident and scandal.
The years have been good to them, Chris remarried and his girls are now an equine veterinarian, the ranch manager, and an artist when the unthinkable happens. Chris agrees to allow part of the ranch to be used at a set for a movie. Bringing the very thing to their doorstep they sought to escape, drudging up painful memories, and threat of a media invasion the women are furious.
First on the scene, stuntman, Holt Ericsson’s initial meeting with Samantha McNeil was didn’t go as planned. They were like oil and water from the very beginning. Yet the sizzling attraction between them won’t be denied.
I loved this book. Ms. Marti’s characters are bigger than life in a descriptive setting that makes you feel like you are right there with them in the thick of things, which is the way I like books. The twists and turns keep you turning the pages of this exciting romance until the very end. I have to admit, I was sorry to see it end. A satisfying read that I highly recommend.
Five well earned stars!
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.
Claire loves to hear from readers!
Reach out via email or sign up for her newsletter at www.clairemarti.com
Follow Claire:
Twitter @clairepmarti
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ClaireMartiAuthor/
Instagram at @clairepmarti
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8203678.Claire_Marti”>https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8203678.Claire_Marti
It was wonderful having you with us today. Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with Nobody Else But You!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged California, Claire Marti, DContemporary Romance, Horses, Nobody Else But You, Ranch by Tena Stetler with 1 comment.
Interview Claire Marti Author of Sunset in Laguna
Give a warm welcome to Claire Marti, author of Sunset in Laguna, third in the Finding Forever in Laguna series. Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about 
Sunset in Laguna and Claire’s thoughts on why romance matters. Is love a superpower?
LOVE IS A SUPERPOWER: WHY ROMANCE MATTERS
“It’s about what you believe. And I believe in love. Only love will truly save the world.” Wonder Woman from the awesome movie. Love is a superhero power!
We can all be superheroes. Love heals everything. Love is strength. Love is power. Love comes from within. I’m talking love in all its forms: love for yourself, love for nature and the world, and love for your fellow humans and animals. No matter what is going on in your life, acting from a place of self-love will allow you to be your most powerful.
I enjoy writing romances where the characters need to heal their own wounds before they can truly love another person. In my latest book, SUNSET IN LAGUNA, both Christian and Kelly battle personal demons that have caused them to be mired in fear. Once they are able to peel away the layers of armor restricting them, they find the courage to live a life filled with love. Now my characters (or you and me for that matter) may not save the world like Wonder Woman, but everyone can learn to be their greatest self.
Love and fear are often said to be the only two emotions. Or, I like to think of love as an absence of fear. Closing yourself off to protect from pain only prevents you from accepting love. What would it take to release the fear, to process the pain, to lift your hands up in the air in reckless abandon and accept you’re on this ride called life? Sickness, death, lost love—we all experience these realities of life. Gather your courage and enter the darkness. Trust yourself.
Trust that you have the ability to regenerate and love again. When you forgive those who’ve harmed you, you open your heart. Come on, open your heart and share your love with the world. Use your superpowers! And check out Christian and Kelly’s story to see how they discovered theirs.
Click on the cover to read more or purchase.
Tell us a little about your new release SUNSET IN LAGUNA.
Returning to Laguna Beach after four tours in the Middle East, Christian Wolfe leaves the military behind and buys a wine bar, vowing to keep his life simple. He fights to keep his devastating PTSD a secret and refuses to burden anyone else with his baggage. When stunning Kelly Prescott and her red stilettos saunter into town, she drives him past the bonds of his self-control.
Successful in her father’s stuffy law firm, Kelly’s too compassionate to survive in the cutthroat world of corporate litigation. Leaving behind both family and courtroom drama, she moves to Laguna to become general counsel for a nonprofit veterans’ organization.
She didn’t bargain on a gorgeous modern-day Heathcliff, and in Christian, she sees another kind of challenge—one she can’t resist.
Buy links:
AMAZON Barnes&Noble iBooks Kobo The Wild Rose Press
A sneak peek between the pages of SUNSET IN LAGUNA.
“Scared? Of this? No.” Still, he didn’t bend down to pet the alien-looking object. He didn’t want to encourage her attentions.
Kelly leaned in to pet Olive, and her hand brushed his denim-clad leg. Even through the heavy material, a spark of heat ignited and shot straight up his thigh. Damn. Maybe the dog was safer?
Olive shifted her attention to his other leg and began dancing a little jig. What the hell was wrong with it?
“Come on, Christian. Just pick her up. Poor thing seems to be half in love with you.” Kelly laughed again. “Oh fine.” He leaned down and grasped the little beast by its plump midsection. “What is it? Not really a dog, right?” He held the ten pounds of fur aloft, and it locked its bug eyes onto his. Was she grinning at him? Her pink tongue lolled out of the right side of her mouth.
“Give her a little hug. Don’t just hold her out there.” Melinda’s brisk tone brooked no argument.
Geez. Fine. He snuggled the dog against his shoulder, and he could have sworn she sighed in ecstasy. She laid her head on his shoulder and gazed up at him. Even he could see the worship in her eyes. Figures this ugly little creature would latch onto him. He gave a few gentle pats to the rolls of fat on her back and set her down.
“There. Are you happy?” He glanced at Kelly, who was grinning, looking incredibly gorgeous. He’d much rather snuggle her sexy little body into his shoulder.
“Are you sure it’s a dog? And how could it help a disabled vet?” He directed his gaze at Melinda. Weren’t service dogs usually Labs or other large breeds who could provide physical assistance if needed?
“I’ll tell you. Come on. We’ll let Olive and Howard finish training while we continue the tour.” Melinda headed back toward the metal gate, and they trailed behind her.
Before they could exit the pen, Olive darted out and slammed against his ankles. He peered down, and sure enough she was gazing up at him with stars in her Bette Davis eyes. She hopped and yipped, apparently wanting to be carried. Some service dog.
“Olive, go back to Howard,” Melinda commanded.
“We’re about done, so she can follow along with you on the tour,” Howard called with a smirk on his freckled face.
“Great,” he muttered. Olive looked up at him in triumph and marched next to him. He’d probably trip over her and break his neck.
REVIEW LINKS:
5 Stars Wild Women Reviews: http://wildwomenreviews.blogspot.com/2018/08/sunset-in-laguna-claire-marti.html
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.
Website: www.clairemarti.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClaireMartiAuthor/
Twitter: @clairepmarti
Instagram: @clairepmarti
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8203678.Claire_Marti
It was wonderful having you with us today. Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with SUNSET IN LAGUNA!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Claire Marti, Contemporary Romance, Sunset in Laguna, Superpower by Tena Stetler with 11 comments.
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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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged At Last in Laguna, Claire Marti, Contemporary, Romance, Wedding by Tena Stetler with 18 comments.
