Claire Kingsley's Blog
December 2, 2025
Available in bookstores now!
It's bookstore release day for Temptation Trails! You can grab this beautiful paperback, along with Obsession Falls and Storms and Secrets, in bookstores all over North America!
The new edition includes fun annotations at the end, with my thoughts and doodles on one of my favorite scenes.
Time to treat yo'shelf!
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/temptation-trails-claire-kingsley/1146835365?ean=9781464233517
Books-A-Million: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Temptation-Trails/Claire-Kingsley/9781464233517
The new edition includes fun annotations at the end, with my thoughts and doodles on one of my favorite scenes.
Time to treat yo'shelf!
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/temptation-trails-claire-kingsley/1146835365?ean=9781464233517
Books-A-Million: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Temptation-Trails/Claire-Kingsley/9781464233517
November 7, 2025
Now Available!
Dear Book Besties,
Time to grab your favorite reading beverage and snacks, curl up in a cozy blanket, and enjoy a Christmas romance!
This book was so fun to write. There's a part of me that doesn't quite know what I was thinking. Could I really take a side character from a romcom series and create a small-town, romcom, romantic suspense, Christmas romance? Is that a thing? Would anyone want to read that?
But sometimes once an idea begins to take shape I can't resist, even when it's going to be a challenge. Maybe especially when it's going to be a challenge.
Hold my egg nog.
Sleigh Bells and Snowstorms has so many of our favorite things - a hero who will make you swoon, a heroine who'll be your new BFF, banter, a dash of spice, a bit of adventure and suspense, cozy Christmas vibes, lots of big feels, and a super heartwarming happily ever after.
I hope you love Jensen and Natalie's story as much as I do! Happy reading and happy holidays!!
From USA Today Bestselling author Claire Kingsley, the stand-alone small-town/romcom/romantic suspense/Christmas romance you didn’t know you needed.
Handsome, charismatic, and charming, Jensen Lakes is an enigma in a designer suit. But his playboy reputation is a persona—one of many—that he uses in his unique line of work.
A priceless heirloom goes missing right before the holidays, and Jensen is hired to find it. Tracking down the perpetrator will be simple. He’ll be in and out before Santa hits chimneys.
Natalie Thatcher needs a break. She’s a dedicated sister, aunt, and nurse, but her life is no Christmas carol. Between bills, mounting home repairs, and holiday shopping still to be done, most days she feels like a tangled strand of lights.
Jensen follows his quarry to Tilikum, and the Christmas-clad town throws him for a loop. As does Natalie. He enlists her aid—who better to help him navigate the local quirks than the captivating woman next door? Despite their chemistry and sizzling banter, love isn’t on his Christmas list. Or hers.
But as danger mounts, Jensen finds himself in an unexpected position—falling in love with his partner. And when her life is on the line, he’ll risk everything to keep her safe.
And get her home for Christmas.
Author’s Note: A handsome charmer falls hard for a sassy small-town girl. Adventure, witty banter, Christmas coziness, and a holiday happily ever after that will leave your heart full.
Sleigh Bells and Snowstorms can be read as a stand-alone romance.
Paperback - available here!
Audio - available here!
Ebook - available here!
Time to grab your favorite reading beverage and snacks, curl up in a cozy blanket, and enjoy a Christmas romance!
This book was so fun to write. There's a part of me that doesn't quite know what I was thinking. Could I really take a side character from a romcom series and create a small-town, romcom, romantic suspense, Christmas romance? Is that a thing? Would anyone want to read that?
But sometimes once an idea begins to take shape I can't resist, even when it's going to be a challenge. Maybe especially when it's going to be a challenge.
Hold my egg nog.
Sleigh Bells and Snowstorms has so many of our favorite things - a hero who will make you swoon, a heroine who'll be your new BFF, banter, a dash of spice, a bit of adventure and suspense, cozy Christmas vibes, lots of big feels, and a super heartwarming happily ever after.
I hope you love Jensen and Natalie's story as much as I do! Happy reading and happy holidays!!
From USA Today Bestselling author Claire Kingsley, the stand-alone small-town/romcom/romantic suspense/Christmas romance you didn’t know you needed.
Handsome, charismatic, and charming, Jensen Lakes is an enigma in a designer suit. But his playboy reputation is a persona—one of many—that he uses in his unique line of work.
A priceless heirloom goes missing right before the holidays, and Jensen is hired to find it. Tracking down the perpetrator will be simple. He’ll be in and out before Santa hits chimneys.
Natalie Thatcher needs a break. She’s a dedicated sister, aunt, and nurse, but her life is no Christmas carol. Between bills, mounting home repairs, and holiday shopping still to be done, most days she feels like a tangled strand of lights.
Jensen follows his quarry to Tilikum, and the Christmas-clad town throws him for a loop. As does Natalie. He enlists her aid—who better to help him navigate the local quirks than the captivating woman next door? Despite their chemistry and sizzling banter, love isn’t on his Christmas list. Or hers.
But as danger mounts, Jensen finds himself in an unexpected position—falling in love with his partner. And when her life is on the line, he’ll risk everything to keep her safe.
And get her home for Christmas.
Author’s Note: A handsome charmer falls hard for a sassy small-town girl. Adventure, witty banter, Christmas coziness, and a holiday happily ever after that will leave your heart full.
Sleigh Bells and Snowstorms can be read as a stand-alone romance.
Paperback - available here!
Audio - available here!
Ebook - available here!
October 25, 2025
The Sleigh Bells and Snowstorms Playlist
Listen with Spotify here!
Every Side of You - Vance Joy
White Christmas - Frank Sinatra
Tell Her You Love Her - Echosmith, Mat Kearney
You Feel Like Home - Hills x Hills
Starving - Hailee Steinfeld, Grey, Zedd
Jingle Bells - Bing Crosby, The Andrews Sisters
Dare You to Move - Switchfoot
I Am Yours - Andy Grammer
I'll Be Home For Christmas - Michael Bublé
Rest of Our Lives - The Light The Heat
Every Side of You - Vance Joy
White Christmas - Frank Sinatra
Tell Her You Love Her - Echosmith, Mat Kearney
You Feel Like Home - Hills x Hills
Starving - Hailee Steinfeld, Grey, Zedd
Jingle Bells - Bing Crosby, The Andrews Sisters
Dare You to Move - Switchfoot
I Am Yours - Andy Grammer
I'll Be Home For Christmas - Michael Bublé
Rest of Our Lives - The Light The Heat
October 23, 2025
Preorder Sleigh Bells and Snowstorms!
If preordering eBooks is your jam, you can check something off your holiday list! Sleigh Bells and Snowstorms is available for preorder!
That means we're only two weeks away from unwrapping this fun Christmassy adventure with a big holiday happily ever after. Two weeks!
And in case you missed it, yes, it will be in Kindle Unlimited (KU books are available to borrow starting release day), paperback, and DUET audio (also on release day).
I'm so excited to take you back to Tilikum for the holidays!
Pre-order the eBook here → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FXBR5C96
Order the paperback here → https://www.amazon.com/dp/1959809237/
That means we're only two weeks away from unwrapping this fun Christmassy adventure with a big holiday happily ever after. Two weeks!
And in case you missed it, yes, it will be in Kindle Unlimited (KU books are available to borrow starting release day), paperback, and DUET audio (also on release day).
I'm so excited to take you back to Tilikum for the holidays!
Pre-order the eBook here → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FXBR5C96
Order the paperback here → https://www.amazon.com/dp/1959809237/
October 12, 2025
Team Theo or Team Reese? Who is next?!
Captivation Creek: Haven Brothers Book 5 releases April 7, 2026 in eBook, Kindle Unlimited, audiobook, and paperback.
He’ll help her solve a mystery, but they can’t risk their hearts.
A devastating injury ended Theo Haven’s pro-football career, but he’s made a good life for himself in his hometown. The high school teacher and football coach might be single, but that’s by choice. And his work bestie, Penelope? She’s one of the best parts of his job, but they’re just friends.
No, really. Not the sort of friends who are secretly pining for each other or destined to hook up. Just… friends.
Art teacher Penelope Fallbrook is stuck in a rut. When a locally renowned artist dies suspiciously, she channels her restless energy into amateur sleuthing. Who better than her best friend Theo to help her search for the truth?
When Penelope’s life comes crashing down, Theo is there, picking up the pieces and offering a place to stay. Best friends become roommates, and living one room away might be too much temptation.
As they dig deeper into the mystery of the artist’s death, secrets unravel. Are they searching for a murderer? Or uncovering the work of a serial killer?
And is Penelope in danger of becoming the next victim?
Author’s Note: a fun twist on friends-to-lovers with work besties turned roommates turned lovers. A murder mystery, small-town shenanigans, feuding senior citizens, page-turning suspense, and a charming couple who will steal your heart.
He’ll help her solve a mystery, but they can’t risk their hearts.
A devastating injury ended Theo Haven’s pro-football career, but he’s made a good life for himself in his hometown. The high school teacher and football coach might be single, but that’s by choice. And his work bestie, Penelope? She’s one of the best parts of his job, but they’re just friends.
No, really. Not the sort of friends who are secretly pining for each other or destined to hook up. Just… friends.
Art teacher Penelope Fallbrook is stuck in a rut. When a locally renowned artist dies suspiciously, she channels her restless energy into amateur sleuthing. Who better than her best friend Theo to help her search for the truth?
When Penelope’s life comes crashing down, Theo is there, picking up the pieces and offering a place to stay. Best friends become roommates, and living one room away might be too much temptation.
As they dig deeper into the mystery of the artist’s death, secrets unravel. Are they searching for a murderer? Or uncovering the work of a serial killer?
And is Penelope in danger of becoming the next victim?
Author’s Note: a fun twist on friends-to-lovers with work besties turned roommates turned lovers. A murder mystery, small-town shenanigans, feuding senior citizens, page-turning suspense, and a charming couple who will steal your heart.
October 7, 2025
Holiday Signing Event
You're invited to a special holiday book signing with Claire Kingsley and Lauren Blakely at We Be Book'N in Monroe, WA on Saturday, November 8th.
We'll start things off with a FREE public signing at We Be Book'N at 3pm. No registration necessary.
Then we'll have a private event starting at 4:30pm. Between the Pages will include an In Conversation with me and Lauren, a Q&A session, a private signing with both authors, a fun bookish swag bag, and themed cocktails and snacks (available for purchase). Between the Pages is a ticketed event and you can register below.
To reserve your Sleigh Bells and Snowstorms special edition for either the free public signing or the private Between the Pages, use the link below and select pick up in store.
Order SE paperback here!
Register for Between the Pages private event here!
Reserve other CK books for pick up at the event here!
We'll start things off with a FREE public signing at We Be Book'N at 3pm. No registration necessary.
Then we'll have a private event starting at 4:30pm. Between the Pages will include an In Conversation with me and Lauren, a Q&A session, a private signing with both authors, a fun bookish swag bag, and themed cocktails and snacks (available for purchase). Between the Pages is a ticketed event and you can register below.
To reserve your Sleigh Bells and Snowstorms special edition for either the free public signing or the private Between the Pages, use the link below and select pick up in store.
Order SE paperback here!
Register for Between the Pages private event here!
Reserve other CK books for pick up at the event here!
New Holiday release!
Sleigh Bells and Snowstorms is coming November 6th to eBook, Kindle Unlimited, paperback, and audio. A short eBook preorder will be available in late October, and the audiobook and paperback will be available on release day.
From USA Today Bestselling author Claire Kingsley, the stand-alone small-town/romcom/romantic suspense/Christmas romance you didn’t know you needed.
Handsome, charismatic, and charming, Jensen Lakes is an enigma in a designer suit. But his playboy reputation is a persona—one of many—that he uses in his unique line of work.
A priceless heirloom goes missing right before the holidays, and Jensen is hired to find it. Tracking down the perpetrator will be simple. He’ll be in and out before Santa hits chimneys.
Natalie Thatcher needs a break. She’s a dedicated sister, aunt, and nurse, but her life is no Christmas carol. Between bills, mounting home repairs, and holiday shopping still to be done, most days she feels like a tangled strand of lights.
Jensen follows his quarry to Tilikum, and the Christmas-clad town throws him for a loop. As does Natalie. He enlists her aid—who better to help him navigate the local quirks than the captivating woman next door? Despite their chemistry and sizzling banter, love isn’t on his Christmas list. Or hers.
But as danger mounts, Jensen finds himself in an unexpected position—falling in love with his partner. And when her life is on the line, he’ll risk everything to keep her safe.
And get her home for Christmas.
Author’s Note: A handsome charmer falls hard for a sassy small-town girl. Adventure, witty banter, Christmas coziness, and a holiday happily ever after that will leave your heart full.
Add to your Goodreads!
From USA Today Bestselling author Claire Kingsley, the stand-alone small-town/romcom/romantic suspense/Christmas romance you didn’t know you needed.
Handsome, charismatic, and charming, Jensen Lakes is an enigma in a designer suit. But his playboy reputation is a persona—one of many—that he uses in his unique line of work.
A priceless heirloom goes missing right before the holidays, and Jensen is hired to find it. Tracking down the perpetrator will be simple. He’ll be in and out before Santa hits chimneys.
Natalie Thatcher needs a break. She’s a dedicated sister, aunt, and nurse, but her life is no Christmas carol. Between bills, mounting home repairs, and holiday shopping still to be done, most days she feels like a tangled strand of lights.
Jensen follows his quarry to Tilikum, and the Christmas-clad town throws him for a loop. As does Natalie. He enlists her aid—who better to help him navigate the local quirks than the captivating woman next door? Despite their chemistry and sizzling banter, love isn’t on his Christmas list. Or hers.
But as danger mounts, Jensen finds himself in an unexpected position—falling in love with his partner. And when her life is on the line, he’ll risk everything to keep her safe.
And get her home for Christmas.
Author’s Note: A handsome charmer falls hard for a sassy small-town girl. Adventure, witty banter, Christmas coziness, and a holiday happily ever after that will leave your heart full.
Add to your Goodreads!
September 13, 2025
The title of my next novel is......
Announcing, Sleigh Bells and Snowstorms, coming November 6th to eBook, Kindle Unlimited, audiobook (in DUET!), and paperback.
Y'all. This book. It's fun. It's romantic. It has adventure, suspense, humor, witty banter, a dash of spice, a small town we know and love, a big holiday happily ever after, and Christmas!
More details, including the cover reveal, narrator announcements, and more, are coming soon! I can't wait to spend the holiday season back in Tilikum with all of you! Mark your calendars for November 6th, Book Besties!
And stay tuned, because we have some fun stuff planned, including an exclusive sprayed-edges signed paperback through one of my favorite indie bookstores. It's going to be so adorable.
P.S. There will be a SHORT eBook preorder in late October. Audiobooks and paperbacks will be available on release day.
Y'all. This book. It's fun. It's romantic. It has adventure, suspense, humor, witty banter, a dash of spice, a small town we know and love, a big holiday happily ever after, and Christmas!
More details, including the cover reveal, narrator announcements, and more, are coming soon! I can't wait to spend the holiday season back in Tilikum with all of you! Mark your calendars for November 6th, Book Besties!
And stay tuned, because we have some fun stuff planned, including an exclusive sprayed-edges signed paperback through one of my favorite indie bookstores. It's going to be so adorable.
P.S. There will be a SHORT eBook preorder in late October. Audiobooks and paperbacks will be available on release day.
August 25, 2025
Signed Paperbacks
Signed paperbacks AND brand-new bookplates are available in the CK Store! This is a limited time thing, so if there are any signed books you'd love to have on your shelf, get those orders in. TeamCK and I will be shipping these out in September.
You'll notice that the Haven Brothers series and the Bootleg Springs series are not available. That's because the print editions are now traditionally published.
But you can get a signed copy of Storms and Secrets: Haven Brothers Book 2 from the Well Read Moose!
Order from the CK Shop here!
Order from the Well Read Moose here!
You'll notice that the Haven Brothers series and the Bootleg Springs series are not available. That's because the print editions are now traditionally published.
But you can get a signed copy of Storms and Secrets: Haven Brothers Book 2 from the Well Read Moose!
Order from the CK Shop here!
Order from the Well Read Moose here!
August 6, 2025
Book Mood: Grumpy/Sunshine
I love me a grumpy hero, especially when he's paired with a sunshiney heroine. "The grumpy one is soft for the sunshine one" is so good, every single time. To the surprise of no one, I've written that sort of pairing more than once. And I'm sure I'll return to it again!
When he's stoic on the outside, but marshmallowy soft for her? SWOON!
Obsession Falls: Haven Brothers
Josiah Haven is grumpy, solitary, and communicates largely with grunts. But Audrey, the new girl next door, and her silly rescue dog, Max, find their way into his walled-off heart. And when a stalker threatens Audrey, he finds himself willing to do risk anything to save her.
Unraveling Him: Bailey Brothers
Tall, broody mechanic Evan Bailey is used to being the lone wolf. And he likes it that way. Fiona's sweet charm, and love of houseplants, gets deep under his skin, and his life will never be the same.
Highball Rush: Bootleg Springs
Gibson Bodine comes by his grumpiness honestly. But his troubled past and gruff exterior aren't the full story, and the woman who captures his hard-to-reach heart just might keep it forever. (Note: you're going to want to read the Bootleg Springs series in order. Trust me.)
How the Grump Saved Christmas
A Christmas-hating businessman and a sassy farm girl clash over her parents' farm--and their unresolved feelings for each other. Elias has a Scrooge streak that only Isabelle can cut through, and their happily ever after comes with a sleigh full of holiday cheer.
Faking Ms. Right
Shepherd Calloway will always have a special place in my heart. He's a broody billionaire who denies he has any feelings. Everly Dalton is his longest running assistant--and the only one who can handle him. But when he needs Everly to pose as his girlfriend, faking it gets all too real, and maybe Shepherd has a heart under his tough exterior after all.
When he's stoic on the outside, but marshmallowy soft for her? SWOON!
Obsession Falls: Haven Brothers
Josiah Haven is grumpy, solitary, and communicates largely with grunts. But Audrey, the new girl next door, and her silly rescue dog, Max, find their way into his walled-off heart. And when a stalker threatens Audrey, he finds himself willing to do risk anything to save her.
Unraveling Him: Bailey Brothers
Tall, broody mechanic Evan Bailey is used to being the lone wolf. And he likes it that way. Fiona's sweet charm, and love of houseplants, gets deep under his skin, and his life will never be the same.
Highball Rush: Bootleg Springs
Gibson Bodine comes by his grumpiness honestly. But his troubled past and gruff exterior aren't the full story, and the woman who captures his hard-to-reach heart just might keep it forever. (Note: you're going to want to read the Bootleg Springs series in order. Trust me.)
How the Grump Saved Christmas
A Christmas-hating businessman and a sassy farm girl clash over her parents' farm--and their unresolved feelings for each other. Elias has a Scrooge streak that only Isabelle can cut through, and their happily ever after comes with a sleigh full of holiday cheer.
Faking Ms. Right
Shepherd Calloway will always have a special place in my heart. He's a broody billionaire who denies he has any feelings. Everly Dalton is his longest running assistant--and the only one who can handle him. But when he needs Everly to pose as his girlfriend, faking it gets all too real, and maybe Shepherd has a heart under his tough exterior after all.
