Spotlight #NewRelease and Character Interview ~ SUNSET IN LAGUNA by Claire Marti
Please make welcome to the Tavern, sister Rose (The Wild Rose Press), Claire Marti! We're celebrating her new release, Sunset in Laguna! As a special bonus, Claire has brought along the hero from her story! I'm serving champagne and cheese tarts, so get comfy and let's here what this handsome man has to say...
MM: Welcome to the Tavern today! Will you share your full name with the readers.
CW: Christian Wolfe
MM:What is one word that best describes you?
CW: Strong-willed
MM: Do you think the author portrayed you accurately? If not, please explain why.
CW: Yes, but sometimes I was embarrassed when she would describe my looks. I mean, I was a Major in the Army Special Forces and believe physical fitness is vital, especially now I run a wine bar. I’m not going to complain if Kelly really believes I have a perfect butt. But I work out to stay healthy, not be an underwear model.
MM: Then consider it a bonus that Claire described you in an appealing way to the females. ;) What makes you laugh out loud?
CW: Olive, that little bug-eyed alien looking service dog of mine, cracks me up constantly. She isn’t just funny looking, she has mannerisms like a little piglet sometimes and other times she marches around like she was the one in the military.
MM: Wow! I'd love to see a picture! What makes you angry?
CW: I don’t have a quick fuse temper, but when I see someone being bullied or spoken to in a disrespectful manner, I have to intercede and try to straighten it out.
MM: What is your favorite drink?
CW: You know I own Vines, the wine bar in Laguna Beach, right? Definitely red wine. I love an earthy Syrah.
MM: I've recently heard about the wine bar, Christian and must check it out. Reds are my favorite, too, especially a fruity Merlot. What is your greatest fear?
CW: Hurting Kelly. I’m working on the nightmares I still have from my time over in the Middle East. I’ve had a few incidents where I’ve knocked a lamp or a clock off my nightstand and I could never forgive myself if I inadvertently harmed her.
MM: Totally understand. What do you wear when you go to sleep at night?
CW: Hey, did Claire Marti ask you to ask me that question? I sleep in boxers.
MM: Haha! No, but inquiring females always want to know, Christian. What is the perfect romantic date?
CW: Here in Laguna Beach, we’ve got some beautiful cliffs over the ocean. I’d put together a picnic from my restaurant with a bottle of wine, some cheeses, prosciutto di parma, a baguette, some strawberries—Kelly loves strawberries—and watch the sunset together.
MM: Oh, my! Definitely romantic. When you look at Kelly what catches your interest? Have you seen her?
CW: Initially, I was simply blown away by her looks—she’s exotic with these caramel color eyes and beautiful smile. But, what really pulled me in is her big brain and even bigger heart. I’ve never met someone so focused on helping people. She’s one in a million.
MM: How lovely...What is one word that best describes Kelly?
CW: Sunshine
MM: This question is for Claire: Is your book part of a series? If so, what does the future hold for the readers of the series?
CM: Yes, SUNSET IN LAGUNA is the third book in the Finding Forever in Laguna series, but can be read as a standalone. I’m planning a Christmas novella centered around Christian’s younger brother Riley, a young resident physician.
MM: Thank you both for visiting the Tavern! Wishing you all the best!
Backcover Blurb for 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.
A Sneak Preview from SUNSET IN LAGUNA ~
Maybe he just needed a punishing session with the punching bag or a few fingers of Jameson whiskey. Stop being such a damn wuss. Workouts and alcohol weren’t driving the demons away. He stepped forward.
Something needed to change.
“Christian?” A husky voice lilted his name.
His head whipped to the right. A beautiful woman dressed in a conservative dark suit and tortoiseshell glasses stared at him. Somewhere in his brain he registered dangerously toned legs encased in red skyscraper-high stilettos.
Sweat popped onto his brow, and he swallowed, his throat suddenly parched. Recognition flooded his system when he dragged his gaze up from those spiked heels. Her tawny cat eyes captured his—Kelly Prescott. Didn’t she live in San Diego?
“Um, hey, Kelly.” What the hell was she doing at Peaceful Warrior?
“What are you—?”
“Why are you—?”
“Ladies first.” Distract. Deflect. Damn it to hell.
“Well, it’s kind of a secret at the moment, but I’m about to interview for the general counsel position here.” The corners of her rosy lips curved up.
“General counsel?” For some reason he couldn’t seem to utter more than two words at a time.
“Yes. They’ve needed one for a long time and recently got a grant to fund it. So here I am.” She walked toward him. Hints of cinnamon and some exotic scent assaulted his nostrils.
He drew in his abs and expanded his chest. Kind of like a rooster. He grunted. “You’re going to commute?”
“No, if I get the job, I’m actually moving up here.” She shrugged and flashed perfect white teeth, oblivious of his discomfort.
“Huh.” Over a year ago, her golden beauty had caught his attention when she’d accompanied his buddy Nick and Sophie to Vines. He’d been single at the time—hell, he was always single—and asked Nick about her. She was Sophie’s best friend. His attraction cooled when he’d learned she was a wealthy corporate attorney working for her daddy’s firm and dating another lawyer. Too complicated.
“So what are you doing here?” She tilted her head up, still about a foot shorter than he was, even with those damn shoes that would be forever burned into his brain.
“Oh, just taking a break from work, getting some fresh air.” He gestured with palms sweatier than they’d ever been in the searing heat of the Middle East.
To purchase your copy of SUNSET IN LAGUNA stop by ~
(Release date: August 29th!)
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.
Social Media Links ~
Website: www.clairemarti.com
Twitter: @clairepmarti
Instagram: @clairepmarti
