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.
Win Prizes at LASR’s 12th Anniversary Party!
Long and Short Reviews is having a big 12th Anniversary Bash and you’re invited !! Fun, Games, and Prizes Galore!
This anniversary celebration is for all fiction genres (romance, erotic romance, YA/Middle Grade, Mystery/Suspense, SFF and mainstream fiction and will run August 26 – 30, 2019.
In addition to several other prizes, there is least two $100 Amazon/BN GCs, and several smaller prizes like Amazon/BN GCs, Don’t miss out!
For one of the $100 GCs, they’ll be a blurb, book cover and buy link on a post, and in order to earn entries, visitors must read the blurb and answer a question on a rafflecopter.
For the other $100 GC, visitors may enter by visiting authors Facebook page or following all other social media.
One of my best-sellers and award winning book A Demon’s Witch is featured today! So what are you waiting for, get over to https://wp.me/p2ZcT9-mni and enter to win prizes today! Good Luck!
Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here. Don’t miss my Summer Sale! One of my award winning, best-selling books is on sale for 99¢ A DEMON’S WITCH the book that started it all in the award winning series A DEMON’S WITCH. Be swept away in a magical, romantic, fantasy adventure that you’ll never want to leave! Download your copy today!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Demon's Witch, LASR Anniversary Party, Prizes, Tena Stetler by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
Finally Home by Author L. Simpson – Book Blast
Give a warm welcome to L. Simpson author of Finally Home!
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. L. Simpson will be awarding $10 Boroughs Bucks to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Tell us a little about Finally Home.
HEART AND SOUL
Ben McTavish is besotted when he sees a vixen in striped leggings own a cringe-worthy moment and turn it into a hilarious bit. He can’t stop thinking about her even though he puts his foot in his mouth every time he tries to get to know her. Ben would love to spend some time with this woman who has captivated him, but he needs to get his farm established before the bank takes back the land.
Kate Bloomington is all about whipping her life into shape, including getting to know her grandmother who she is now caring for. When she meets Ben, also known as Saint McT since he helps all comers, she pushes him away. Somehow, he shows up at every inopportune moment, mortifying her and enticing her at the same time. She learns that he needs help as much as she does, and together they create a love that is unbreakable.
A sneak peek between the pages of Finally Home!
True to his word, Ben was at my door right before eight in the morning. I was running a little late because I was struggling to focus. My emotions were a tumble, and while I was unable to deny my excitement at seeing him despite the fact he was Saint McT and I was a hot mess, I was still trying to bury the events of Friday night. Images of Frank would pop up, and I questioned my decision to do nothing. But the system wasn’t fair. I needed to move on. I had just started to get my life back, to feel like I belonged, and after being alone for so long, I simply couldn’t go back. It wasn’t right, but I couldn’t see any other option.
“Do we have time for coffee?” he asked as I got into his truck.
“Of course,” I said trying not to turn into mush as I took him in. He was dressed casually again, and while I missed the suit I’d caught a glimpse of, his navy woolen jumper and fitted, faded jeans had my mouth watering.
“Great,” he said and drove us straight to the bakery. While we ordered coffees, every local in the place stared at us. Their gazes sharpened when Ben put his hand on the small of my back as we walked out. I wanted to tell them all he was just being Saint McT, but it was hard to concentrate because my body came alive at his touch and I was within smelling distance. Yes. That’s right. The pastries held no sway now. I was all about Ben and his sexy, fresh soap smell. This trip was going to be a nightmare. Would it be easier or harder on the back of his bike?
“Do you not ride your bike often?” I found myself asking, trying not to sound hopeful.
“Not as often as I’d like. I didn’t think you’d appreciate it in that skirt,” he said grinning wickedly at me. I blushed.
“Have you ever been on one?”
“No way, my mother forbade them.”
“Well, anytime you want a ride…” he trailed off and I laughed, blushing.
About the Author: As a girl growing up in Australia, Laura was lost in the world of Anne of Green Gables and Little Women. During high school, volleyball dominated her life. There had to be something positive about being 6’1” with red hair. Representing Australia from a young age she eventually took a scholarship at the University of Iowa. Living in America and being a full time athlete in a college town was an eye-opening experience and lots of fun (from what she can remember). #gohawkeyes
Returning from the States, her career took a different turn as she started working at the Red Cross and completed her Masters of Law in Human Rights. As one of the few non-lawyers in the class, her essays were far more floral than the rest, something that caused the discerning professors to shake their heads. Through working and studying, she realised there are other ways to win hearts and minds.
While she’s spent the last 14 years as an advocate against poverty and homelessness, the desire to change the world through storytelling has only got stronger. She now lives in the Alpine Valleys of North East Victoria, Australia with her husband, daughter, son, two dogs and seven chooks. When she’s not doing the whole mum thing, working at a homelessness agency, renovating her farmhouse, or trying to do laundry bleary-eyed at midnight, she is writing.
Say G’day to Laura:
website: http://www.lsimpsonauthor.com
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/l.simpson.romance
twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lsimpsonauthor
instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lsimpsonauthor
linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-simpson-47278971
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Finally-Home-Alpine-Valleys-Simpson/dp/1951055020/ref=sr_1_1
Thanks for providing information on Finally Home. Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with Finally Home!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged > Simpson, Alpine Valleys Books 3, Contemporary Romance, Finally Home by Tena Stetler with 4 comments.
CJ Zahner Author of Project Dream
Give a warm welcome to CJ Zahner, author of Project Dream, just released August 1st, 2019. 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 CJ and her Project Dream!
The first chapter of a book can make or break a story. Even if I know what my entire novel entails, I always labor over where to begin. So for Project Dream, I decided to base the beginning of a real-life event that had stunned me.
I have had my share of paranormal experiences. They always leave me with an oh-I-must-be-crazy feeling. Chapter one of Project Dream is based on one of those experiences. Many years ago, a new friend asked if I would like to visit a little side chapel of a Catholic church in my hometown with her. In Project Dream, that chapel is in San Diego, but in real life, that little sanctuary is in Erie, Pennsylvania.
The chapel struck me as lovely. I knelt down beside my friend and immediately began praying. I don’t recall who I prayed for, more than likely it was for one or all three of my kids. Regardless, there I was—I like to say I was minding my own business praying—when I had this swooshing feeling like an angel came down out of the ceiling. I’ve had these experiences before and often ignored what I was feeling, blaming it on my wild imagination. This time, however, the woman, white spirit, ghost, whatever you would like to call her, was relentless. She wouldn’t leave.
I heard her say, quite clearly, “My daughter doesn’t believe in this sort of thing.” She chuckled mildly. Made some other comments about loving her daughter and then just before she left, she opened her arms and showed me the roses.
The dream seemed so real that I was quite shook up. When we were leaving, my friend asked what was wrong.
I said, “You are going to think I’m crazy, but I think the mother of one of those women in that chapel appeared to me.”
Of course, she looked at me like I was nuts. But still shook, I described the things I heard the woman express, and my friend became quiet. Finally, I said, “I know. I’m crazy.”
She asked, “What was the woman’s name?”
I told her I’d seen lots of spirits but I never seemed to get their names right. They usually only gave me feelings or showed me signs. Then I remembered, and said, “oh wait, the woman’s name might have been Rose.”
My friend was quiet for a long time. I was sure she thought I’d lost my mind. The silence was piercing, then she finally spoke. “My mother’s name was Rose.”
And from that true-life experience, I conjured up the entire first chapter of Project Dream.
Now for the dreaded but fun Speed Round, this time two words are allowed:
1.What is your favorite book of all time? Gone with the Wind
- Where do you relax to read? backyard swing
- What sound drives you right up a wall? lawn mowers
- What sound relaxes you? babbling brook
- Favorite drink? coffee
- Walking in the sand, shoes or barefoot? shoes
- Favorite pet? dog
- Snow? Love or hate? neither
- Doing marketing is like nailing jello to the wall.
- Rock and Roll, Country, Jazz or Classical? country
- What can’t you leave the house without? my kindle
- Calendar or not; Paper or electronic? electronic
- Favorite place to write. Presque Isle
- What is your decadent indulgent? eating chocolate
- You’ve just won $1,000.00, you have only 24 hours to spend it, so what will you buy? Books, chocolate, a bottle of wine, and something for my granddaughter
- Plotter or panster? pantser
- Introvert or extrovert? extrovert
- Flight or fight? flight
- Favorite Monster? Bumble
- Magic or Not? magic
Tell us a little about Project Dream:
What happened to the kids in Area-51?
In 2002, the CIA removed teens from detention centers and placed them in a National Security Test Program called Project Dream. Children selected had two characteristics: physical superiority and a sixth sense.
When the awkward, destitute Izzy Jimenez is caught stealing clothes, authorities enroll her for two reasons: Izzy swims like a fish—and she sees angels.
Terrified and alone for the first time in her life, Izzy finds herself in a military school set deep in the belly of a desolate Nevada desert within Area 51. There, she attends classes and learns to perfect her clairvoyance, hoping authorities will allow her to go home. But when she and other students master remote viewing and produce results that stun White House officials, additional children are recruited, and Izzy’s hope of going home dwindles.
Not until the beautiful and popular Rachel Callahan arrives and befriends Izzy does her life become bearable.
Project Dream is a coming-of-age story of teenagers thrown into the most unusual circumstances. Each struggle to survive their time in the desert with the goal of getting out and going home, but—
Can any of them really go home?
A Sneak Peek between the pages of Project Dream
Izzy slid back onto the pew, wondering how she would approach the sad woman.
Revealing the messages the white people relayed always perplexed her. How did she tell someone a ghost followed them around? And more importantly, how did she do that without alarming Mama? She wished her Belo Jimenez had given his gift—curse—of seeing angels to Enrique, not her.
“The gift skipped a generation and fell to you, Izzy,” he once said.
“But Belo, I don’t want your darn-blasted gift.”
Her grandfather had set one long finger against her lips to quiet her. “Listen to the angels, but be careful who you tell. They’ll come for you.”
“Who will come for me?”
Belo had scared the daylights out of her.
“Who?” she asked over and over, but Belo would never respond, which made her worry until hives forced their way out of her skin. Every time she asked, he set a finger against his lips, closed his eyes, and shook his head. So Izzy was darn careful who she told.
She gazed toward the sad woman wearing the simple clothes. The lady had no jewelry and wore no makeup. She looked harmless. Was it safe to tell her?
The woman made the sign of the cross, kissed her rosary beads, and slid back onto the pew to gather her things. The spirit above her clasped her hands and begged.
Izzy sprung onto the kneeler again.
“Mama, may I get a drink of water?”
Her mother leaned toward her, whispering, “Yes, but quickly.”
Izzy darted toward the door; the woman was coming. She stepped into the hall and rushed to the drinking fountain. She sipped water, listening for footsteps.
When the woman neared, Izzy turned. “Hello.”
“Hello.” The woman nodded and walked by.
Izzy closed her eyes and scratched her forehead. If only she had been born with a flowing tongue like Belo said of Enrique.
“Ma’am.” She couldn’t open her eyes when she heard the lady turn. “Did your mother die?”
Oh, that sounded horrible. Why had she asked such a thing? She wasn’t even sure the white spirit was her mother.
“Of lung cancer?” Izzy opened her eyes. “She smoked, right?”
The lady stared but didn’t say a word.
“She says you shouldn’t go to New York City.”
The lady’s face wrinkled. “What?” She sounded cross.
“I’m sorry. It’s—well.” Izzy scratched her nose. She might be breaking into hives. “I saw this lady by you and she kept slashing the letters NYC like you shouldn’t go there and she wouldn’t stop, so I thought I better tell you. She kept doing it over and over and, well, I know she doesn’t want you to go to New York City.”
The woman took a step toward Izzy. The wrinkles melted from her face. “I do have a trip scheduled to New York. Next week. For a conference.”
Goosebumps crawled over Izzy’s skin. Whenever people, real human beings, confirmed what the white people told her, chills spread through her.
The lady stood still, waiting for Izzy to say more.
Izzy scratched and the lady stared.
“What was her name?”
“What?”
“My mother. What was my mother’s name?”
The woman appeared hopeful. She held her breath, waiting. But Izzy didn’t know the woman’s name. She had difficulty hearing the white people. Usually, they simply gave signs.
Yes, signs.
“Oh.” Izzy held a finger up. She remembered the sign. “Rose? Is your mother’s name Rose?”
The chapel door opened behind Izzy, and she heard her mother’s voice. “Izzy, what are you doing?”
“Nothing, Mama.” Izzy sidled down the hall toward her mother.
“I hope she wasn’t bothering you.”
The woman said nothing. She stared at the two of them, a perplexed expression tainting her face. After a time, she left the building without saying more.
“Izzy,” Mama barked. “What were you talking to that woman about?”
“I only said hello to her, Mama.”
Her mother gazed at her skeptically. “Remember what Belo said. Don’t talk to anyone.”
“I didn’t, Mama. I promise.”
“Go collect your things. Your brother called. It’s time to pick him up.”
Izzy hurried back into the chapel and grabbed her coat, missal, and satchel. She smiled and waved goodbye to Jean as she exited.
Eight days later, the World Trade Centers collapsed. Izzy prayed the woman from the chapel had not been inside. She watched for her in church on Sunday and at the chapel during the week when she and Mama went to pray for the people who had died, but Izzy didn’t see the woman.
Three weeks after September 11th, Izzy and her mother visited the chapel on a Sunday evening once again. The lady was sitting in the pew next to the woman named Jean. When Izzy walked in, she heard the lady say, “That’s her. That’s the girl.”
“That’s Isabelle Jimenez,” Jean said.
The woman stood and rushed toward Izzy. Jean followed.
“Mrs. Jimenez?” The lady glanced at Izzy’s mother.
“Yes?”
“Mrs. Jimenez, your daughter saved my life.”
Izzy’s mother made her spend the next two Saturday afternoons praying in church. But it was too late. Saving that woman’s life would prove Belo right.
They would come for her.
Links:
Buy Links:
Amazon http://bit.ly/AMProjectDream
Kobo http://bit.ly/KoboProjectDream
Barnes & Noble http://bit.ly/BandNProjectDream
About the Author:
Addicted to can’t-put-down books, coffee, chocolate & wine. I love my family, friends, and while I’m not a TV-buff, I enjoy news shows and am hopelessly addicted to the Bachelor & Vanderpump Rules. What’s wrong with me? (For Pump fans: one character in Project Dream resembles Tom Sandoval. You’ll have to guess who!)
Website/blog: www.cjzahner.com
Interview Link:
Book Circle Online interview: http://bit.ly/CJZinterview
Social Media links:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cjzahner/
Twitter https://twitter.com/TweetyZ
Facebook http://bit.ly/FBcjzahner
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyndiezahner/
Goodreads http://bit.ly/gProjectDream
BookBub http://bit.ly/BBProjectDream
Book Gorilla http://bit.ly/CJZahnerBookGorilla
It was wonderful having you with us today. Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with Project Dream!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged CJ Zahner, Coming of Age, fantasy, Project Dream, Teen & Young Adult by Tena Stetler with 6 comments.
