Stacy Claflin's Blog, page 12
February 12, 2021
Celebrate Valentines Day with a sweet romance!
She’s hiding from danger. He’s deeply wounded. Could they be exactly what the other needs?
Tiffany Saunders is on the run. When she winds up stranded in a seaside town, she wants nothing more than to forget her horrific past and kept moving. But a chance meeting with a handsome local changes everything.
Jake Hunter has some deep emotional scars and is trying to cope with running the family business. The last thing he wants is a relationship—until a mysterious brunette walks into his store and complicates it all.
Tiffany prefers to keep the painful memories of the past where they belong—in her rear view mirror. But dark secrets cannot stay hidden forever. Just as the walls around Tiffany’s heart start to come down, the past catches up with her. Will true love be able to conquer all?
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ExcerptThe bell rang and a pretty brunette walked in by herself. Jake did a double take for that fact alone. During tourist season, everyone traveled in packs.
She looked about his age, early-twenties, and had long, wavy hair that nearly reached her waist. Despite the heat, she had on skinny jeans and a long-sleeved sweater.
As the door closed behind her, she pulled her dark sunglasses to the top of her head and looked around the store. She had gorgeous, almond-shaped eyes. Most of the girls coming in looked like they hoped to run into a Hollywood producer who would hire them on the spot for the next blockbuster. This girl had a natural beauty, and that made Jake curious.
He got up and walked over to her. “Can I help you?”
Looking startled, she turned to him. “I just need a few things. I don’t think I’ll need any help.” She crinkled her cute, button nose as she gazed to the back of the store.
“Are you sure? I know where everything is.”
She turned back to him, her bright green eyes studying him. “I’m not even sure what I need yet.”
“No one else is here, so you may as well take advantage of my expertise. Once the next rush hits, I’ll be stuck at the register.”
One side of her full lips curled down. “I’ll risk it, but thanks.”
“Okay, but if you do need any help, you know where I am.”
She nodded, not moving her feet.
Jake studied her lightly freckled face. She seemed to have a lot on her mind, very much unlike every other girl running into the shop. People came to town so they could forget their worries and the locals were all busy with their own businesses that time of year.
“Just give me a shout if you need anything.” He went back around the counter, this time, leaning against it rather than sitting, so he could watch her. There was a sadness about her that made him curious. Jake wanted to know more, but she obviously didn’t want to talk.
She switched her purse to the other shoulder while still standing in the same spot. Finally, she went toward the far side, near the back where they had some refrigerated goods. He continued to watch her in the mirrors along the ceiling. The girl stopped and looked at a few things, but didn’t even pick anything up.
The door opened, forcing Jake to focus on ten new people in the store. He recognized a few of them who had been coming in regularly since the previous weekend. Another group came in, followed by another. The store was soon as packed as it had been all day.
He kept his eye out for the sad, pretty girl, but she didn’t come to the register. He couldn’t find her in the mirrors either, so she must have not found what she needed and slipped away when he was busy with customers.
People came in and out for the next half hour before the store emptied again. He looked at the clock. It was only a quarter past three. Where were his brothers when he needed them?
The brunette came around an aisle, holding a few basic items. Where had she been hiding?
He smiled. “You found what you need. Sure I can’t help with anything else?”
She shook her head, the sunglasses falling over her forehead. “I’m good.” She pushed the glasses back and dumped everything on the counter.
Jake rang up the microwave dinner, milk, coffee, and cold cereal. He told her the total and waited for her to hand him the card so he could find out her name. Instead, she gave him some cash.
“No card? You’re not the typical tourist.”
“Nope.” She looked around, looking eager to get out of the shop.
Not that he could blame her. Jake couldn’t wait for the shop to close. “Where are you staying?”
“Around.”
“There are a lot of places to eat around here. You don’t need to eat this.” He held up the TV dinner before putting it into the bag.
She gave him a sad look. “I’m not a tourist.”
“Do you live around here? I thought I knew all the locals.” He did, actually, but he didn’t want to put her on the spot.
She took the bag and stepped away from the counter. “Keep the change.”
“But it’s over five dollars.”
“Get yourself a latte. I gotta go. Sorry.” She hurried toward the door, sliding her glasses back onto her nose.
Shaking his head, Jake watched as she left the store. If she wanted to lay low, she had come to the wrong town.
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The post Celebrate Valentines Day with a sweet romance! first appeared on Stacy Claflin, Author.
February 5, 2021
Enchanting Fantasy – #Free reads for a limited time
Looking for an Urban Fantasy? Paranormal Romance? Mythology? Folklore? You’ll find a little of everything here…
You won’t want to miss this exciting collection of dozens of enchanting tales!
Included in the promotion are my two books:
Check out the sale today!The post Enchanting Fantasy – #Free reads for a limited time first appeared on Stacy Claflin, Author.
February 4, 2021
Renegade Valkyrie: An angel of death with heart… #free
When an angel of death breaks her Valkyrie oath, she’ll face Valhalla’s brutal wrath.
Soleil isn’t one to follow the rules. Still in mourning for her fiancé’s death, she defies an assassination order from Valhalla itself to keep a friend alive. Now the Valkyrie’s entire species plans to make her pay…
On the run from her own kind, Soleil’s problems double when a powerful witch targets the angel of death on a quest for revenge. Desperate to keep her best friend Titan safe, she considers abandoning the one she cares about most. If only she wasn’t starting to fall deeply in love…
Facing retribution from all sides, Soleil must endure an impossible supernatural battle or die trying…
Renegade Valkyrie is the first book in the gripping Valhalla’s Curse series of urban fantasy novels. If you like sweet paranormal romance, plucky heroines, and underworld fantasies, then you’ll love USA Today Bestselling Author Stacy Claflin’s spell-binding novel.
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ExcerptThe beat of the music runs through me as I dance among the throng of other bodies. Bright colorful lights move all around in tune with the song.
I close my eyes and really throw myself into it, bumping into others. They don’t care, and I don’t care. We’re all here to have a good time. And many of us are here for another reason—to forget something. Or many somethings.
In my case? Many, many somethings.
Forgetting is my favorite thing about dancing the night away every single evening.
The music stops for a moment as the current song ends. When a slower, more romantic song begins, I open my eyes and realize how dry my mouth is.
I weave my way through the dancing bodies then finally reach the bar.
“Your usual?” The bartender flips his long black bangs from one side to the other.
“You know it.” I sit on a stool and catch my breath.
“Comin’ right up, Soleil.” His wide smile reveals his gold tooth, then he turns around and works on the drink.
Someone sits at the stool next to me, bumping me.
I ignore him.
He doesn’t ignore me. “Hey there. Did you just fall from Heaven?”
“That’s original.”
The guy shifts his weight and runs his hand over his sleeked-back, light brown hair. “Can’t help it. It’s hard to think straight around such beauty.”
I hold back a sigh, bored. Obviously another line, but he has no idea how on the mark he is with that one. My beauty is designed to draw people to me. I could kill him right this very second and nobody would even notice.
At least not until someone has to move the body.
The bartender slides my drink over. “Add this to your tab, Sols?”
I really should learn his name. “Thanks.”
“Tab?” Sleeked-hair raises an eyebrow. “You come here often?”
“Yep.” I sip the rainbow-colored drink, missing the ones made by my friend, the former troll king. He makes them with unicorn horn flakes—an ingredient woefully unavailable in a purely human establishment.
It makes me wish I could head back home, but if I dwell on that, I’m not doing my job, which for the moment is to forget about all my problems.
As I set my empty glass down, I realize the guy next me is rambling on about something. He’s about as interesting as a thumbtack.
I shove my empty glass toward the bartender and slide off my stool.
“Going to dance?” He looks hopeful, like a puppy. Probably some college kid. They always seem to walk around with that look in their eyes like the world is a big place full of wonders.
It’s none of that—it’s small and soul-crushing.
I shake my head. “Going to the ladies’ room.”
He follows me, yammering something about the song.
I ignore him. Or try to, anyway. Not that it does much good. He’s really latched onto me. With any luck, he’ll lose interest while I’m in the bathroom. If not, things could get ugly.
And I don’t want that to happen.
I open the door marked WOMEN and turn to him. “This is where we part.”
He stands taller. “I can go in with you. I’m feeling like a woman right about now.”
Creeper.
I narrow my eyes. “Have some respect.”
“Oh, I do. Believe me.”
“Seriously.” I glower at him, holding back my annoyance which could easily turn to anger. He doesn’t want to see that. It could be the last thing he sees, and I’d prefer to let the weasel live.
He grins. “Oh, I am. Serious as a heart attack.”
The dude is about to get a warning, and hopefully he’ll take it.
They usually do.
I try logic one more time. “Just wait out here.”
“This is the twenty-first century. I can go in there.” He nods toward the women’s bathroom.
“That rule is meant for people who actually—”
“Shut up.” He grabs my shoulders and presses his chapped lips on my mouth.
That’s it. Nice Soleil is taking a backseat.
I shove him back. He flies into the wall with an impressive crash. At least he doesn’t crack the surface like the last guy did.
He doesn’t respond at first, but then looks around. His eyes gloss over.
“I said to wait out here.” Without waiting for a response, I rush into the bathroom. My ears ring from the sudden quiet. Not that it’s truly silent—the music is only muffled.
Three girls in too-short skirts pass me, giggling to each other. Maybe they’ll be more interested in Sleeked-hair out there.
That’d be a lot better than me showing him what I’m really made of. He doesn’t want to see that, and I don’t want to do that. I’d rather pretend I’m just human. Unfortunately, that pretense only ever lasts a short while. Doesn’t matter how hard I try.
I go to the mirror and pretend to fix my hair, but who am I kidding? It’s perfect, as always. It falls over my shoulders, looking like I spent hours on it. Sometimes I wonder what it’d be like to actually have to fight with it.
A blonde comes out of her stall. “Love your hair color. Where’d you go to get it? I’m always trying new shades of blonde.”
“It’s natural.”
Her mouth drops open. “For real?”
I nod, then pull out some lip gloss. “For real.”
“You are so lucky. I’d kill for that color.”
“Maybe that’s it.” I am a Valkyrie, after all. My entire purpose is to take lives. I’m an angel of death sent from Valhalla.
“Huh?” She looks at me like I’ve sprouted a second head.
“Nothing. Thanks for the compliment.”
“Whatever.” She scurries from the bathroom.
I wash my hands as a group of five come in, laughing and gasping for air. They disperse into different stalls, then I make my way out, hoping Sleek-hair found someone else to bother.
Nope. He’s leaning against the wall, and he flashes me a self-satisfied grin as soon as we make eye contact.
“Not put off too easily, are you, soldier?”
He pushes himself away from the wall. “Soldier, huh? I like that.”
Great. “I have to meet my friend. See you around.”
“I can go with you. Is she as pretty as you?”
“No, he’s nowhere near as pretty as me. He’s super hot, though. Are you into that?”
He scowls. “No. Do I look like I am?”
I glance back to the ladies’ room. “You did say you identify—”
“You’re way more trouble than you’re worth.” He storms off. Finally.
I wait a moment, taking in his absence before heading back to the dance floor and looking for Titan. Last I saw my friend, he was headed upstairs with a redhead to the lounge. Girls love him. I wasn’t kidding about him being super hot.
If I were in a different place in life, I’d definitely be interested in more than a platonic roommate relationship. But that’s all it is, and it works for us. Besides, I know better than to get involved with a mesmer. They’re part of the trickster species.
A song from the eighties with a great beat blares over the speakers. Now that had been a good decade. And that week with Prince…
I shake my head to clear the memory.
Time to stay in the present. I throw myself onto the dance floor and give everything to the song, trying to forget that everyone I danced with to this back in the day is now in their fifties, or dead.
So goes the life of an immortal. Most everyone else grows older and dies. That’s one reason I like my new best friend. Titan may be a trickster, but he isn’t getting any older. Everyone else around us will eventually settle down and have families. Then when their kids are old enough to come dance here, Titan and I will be here to teach them some new moves.
A soft but firm hand rests on my bare shoulder.
I turn and find a beautiful woman in a flowing, floor-length black dress. Her brunette tresses reach her elbows, and her blazing brown eyes lock with mine. Seems like she wants something.
“Want to dance?” I ask.
Her gorgeous face contorts to a scowl, and she’s still stunning. “I’m not here to dance, Soleil.”
I stop dancing, and concern pricks me as I study her. She knows my name. She’s unusually alluring. Magic emanates from her—so strong it sends a shiver down my spine.
She’s a witch. And based on her glare, not a friendly one.
“What do you want?”
“You killed my sister. I want your blood.”
“What, like a drop for a spell?”
Her nostrils flare and her full, perfect lips thin as her mouth forms a straight line. “I’m here to kill you.”
“Why not take me by surprise?”
She steps closer. “Because I want you to know why you’re dying.”
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The post Renegade Valkyrie: An angel of death with heart… #free first appeared on Stacy Claflin, Author.February 3, 2021
Moon Kissed: Wolves of Midnight Bundle #Free #BoxSet
Dive into five full-length novels full of fierce heroines and the sexy wolves who love them. From fated mates and enemies-to-lovers to heart-pounding adventures starring shifters, vampires, and witches, this paranormal box set will leave you breathless and anxious for more.
Half Wolf by Aimee Easterling – When half-shifter Fen is cast out of her home pack, she and an unlikely ally are forced to shore up her waning power in an effort to save half-breeds everywhere.
Lost Wolf by Stacy Claflin – Victoria is troubled by a secret that already killed her once. Can she unravel the mystery surrounding the sexy alpha before it kills her again?
Descendant by S.M. Gaither – Infected by a werewolf bite, Alex is plunged into a supernatural war — and discovers her family’s bloodline holds the key to saving the world.
A Shifter’s Curse by Raven Steele and Ava Mason – With a dagger in her boot and blades in her bra, Briar’s only goal is to kill the Alpha responsible for the destruction of her entire family. But she soon discovers the only way to get close enough to kill him is to join his pack.
Tattered Loyalties by Carrie Ann Ryan – Pack Alpha Gideon must take a mate — except the one destined to be his is a woman whom he shouldn’t desire…the submissive wolf daughter of his rival Pack.
Don’t miss these exciting worlds from six New York Times, USA Today, and national bestselling authors!
The post Moon Kissed: Wolves of Midnight Bundle #Free #BoxSet first appeared on Stacy Claflin, Author.
January 23, 2021
Can 15yo Macy outwit a monster to survive?
One poor decision will haunt her forever…
Macy Mercer only wants a little independence. Eager to prove herself grown up, she goes to a dark, secluded park. She’s supposed to meet the boy of her dreams who she met online. But the cute fifteen year old was a fantasy, his pictures fake. She finds herself face to face with Chester Woodran, a man capable of murder.
Distraught over his own missing daughter, Chester insists that Macy replace his lost girl. He locks Macy up, withholds food, and roughs her up, demanding that she call him dad. Under duress from his constant threats and mind games, her hold on reality starts to slip. Clinging to her memories is the only way of holding onto her true identity, not believing that she is Chester’s daughter. Otherwise she may never see her family again.
This is Part One of a three-part trilogy. You may prefer reading the complete trilogy to have all three parts together.
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ExcerptSitting in his warm truck across from the park, Chester Woodran watched her walk across the open field. An overhead light turned on as she passed under it in the dusk. Her long, dark hair swished back and forth behind her. She wandered around the playground, walking between the climbers and slides until she stopped in front of the swings.
He had spent hours watching her. Studying her. He knew her almost better than she knew herself.
The moment of truth would arrive soon. She’d come a few minutes early, but he wouldn’t deviate from the schedule. He would act exactly on time. He’d laid the groundwork. He wasn’t going to let her change a thing.
Chester pulled out his phone and scrolled through the pictures, stopping at his favorite. It was the girl in the park for sure, although he couldn’t see the details of her face up close yet. He would have to wait a few minutes.
From the phone, her light brown eyes shone at him. Her shy, almost insecure face smiled sweetly.
His heart sped up at the thought of many weeks of work coming together at long last. The waiting was about to end.
Clenching the steering wheel with all his might, he took several deep breaths to calm himself. Every precaution had been taken. Prepared with painstaking care. There was no chance of anything going wrong so long as he stayed with the plan.
The alarm on his digital wristwatch beeped. He turned it off and then leaned back into the seat, adjusting his over-sized glasses.
It was time.
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The post Can 15yo Macy outwit a monster to survive? first appeared on Stacy Claflin, Author.January 14, 2021
New Year – Try a New Series #Free #99c
Looking to start a new series this year? You’re at the right place!
With 24 new series to try for either FREE or 99c you have nothing to lose!
The post New Year – Try a New Series #Free #99c first appeared on Stacy Claflin, Author.January 11, 2021
New Covers: Flawed Souls Romantic Suspense
Last week I shared the brand new covers for the Flawed Souls romantic suspense series! In case you missed any, they’re all here…
If you’re looking for books that will give you all the feels, then you’ve landed at the right place! You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and your heart will warm. These characters are flawed souls, but they’ll find healing and true love with one another…
He saved her life. She’ll shatter his.
Kenna Mitchell grew up despised and mistreated by those who should’ve loved and protected her. Now homeless and alone, with pain too heavy to bear, she’s ready to end it all.
Enter Rogan Scott, an up-and-coming rock star with one focus—his band. Out in the woods, looking for song inspiration, he comes across a beautiful girl seconds from ending her life. He saves Kenna, only to face her anger. Intrigued, he pulls her into his world of rock and roll.
But his social circle proves as cruel as the one she left behind. If Rogan can’t show Kenna that life is worth living, the merciless secrets of her past will convince her to finally end it all. And it will rip him apart.
When Tomorrow Starts Without Me explores the depths of grief, forgiveness, and true love.
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What could be worse than your boyfriend dying in your arms?
The night of their graduation, a car wreck takes Kade’s life. Sutton’s world is shattered. But then everything spirals out of control when, at his funeral, she discovers she’s pregnant.
She turns to the one person who understands her devastation—Anchor, Kade’s best friend. He pushes past his own anguish to help Sutton navigate her impossible decisions. Feelings and attraction intensify, but so does guilt. Despite the tangled emotions, they manage to fill the Kade-sized hole in each other’s hearts.
Then life hits them with another devastating blow. Anchor and Sutton grew close through tragedy, but this time it could be what ends them… unless they can muster the strength to fight for what they’ve built.
The Only Things You Can Take explores the depths of grief, loss, and true love.
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She’s there for everyone. But who’s there for her?
Malia is the glue that holds her dysfunctional family together. Her two brothers need constant attention, the family business drains her, and her narcissistic parents are on the verge of divorce. All that leaves her little time for herself. But when her brother nearly dies in her arms, she’s terrified she isn’t enough to save him.
Then Lincoln walks into her life at that crucial moment.
Linc’s got real pain in his past, pain that’s made him harden his heart. Even so, he can’t walk away from Malia—not the night he meets her, and not afterward. She might just be the thing that helps him risk love again.
But Malia has secrets that make her try to push him away, secrets some people would do anything to protect. When Linc forces them to light, he puts her in jeopardy, making him once again face the fear of losing someone he loves. And this time, he doesn’t think he can survive it.
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The post New Covers: Flawed Souls Romantic Suspense first appeared on Stacy Claflin, Author.January 10, 2021
Ringing in the New Year with #KindleUnlimited Reads
Looking for a new book to read? Pick up one of these unputdownable Kindle Unlimited reads by 33 different authors. What a variety of choices!
Get these books fast! This promotion ends January 25th!
My book The Perfect Death is featured in this sale:
A deadly cover-up. A haunted house. Returning home might be the last thing she ever does.
Kenzi Bannon left her painful childhood behind for the glitz and glamour of California. But when her estranged sister commits suicide, she’s forced to return to her abandoned family house. Unexpectedly made guardian to her grieving teenaged niece, Kenzi becomes increasingly convinced her sister’s death was murder.
Devastated by shocking evidence proving Kenzi’s theory, the pair scour the ramshackle house for clues. But when eerie sounds echo through the hallways and the real killer comes after them, she must work fast to unmask the true culprit.
Can Kenzi and her niece get justice for her sister before they follow her into an early grave?
The post Ringing in the New Year with #KindleUnlimited Reads first appeared on Stacy Claflin, Author.
January 9, 2021
When You Start to Miss Me (A Flawed Souls Romantic Suspense)
He’s covering deep heartache. She has secrets she would do anything to protect. When he forces them into the light, he puts her life in jeopardy. Can he survive losing someone else?
She’s there for everyone. But who’s there for her?
Malia is the glue that holds her dysfunctional family together. Her two brothers need constant attention, the family business drains her, and her narcissistic parents are on the verge of divorce. All that leaves her little time for herself. But when her brother nearly dies in her arms, she’s terrified she isn’t enough to save him.
Then Lincoln walks into her life at that crucial moment.
Linc’s got real pain in his past, pain that’s made him harden his heart. Even so, he can’t walk away from Malia—not the night he meets her, and not afterward. She might just be the thing that helps him risk love again.
But Malia has secrets that make her try to push him away, secrets some people would do anything to protect. When Linc forces them to light, he puts her in jeopardy, making him once again face the fear of losing someone he loves. And this time, he doesn’t think he can survive it.
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Meet the other flawed souls…
The post When You Start to Miss Me (A Flawed Souls Romantic Suspense) first appeared on Stacy Claflin, Author.
January 7, 2021
The Only Things You Can Take (A Flawed Souls Romantic Suspense)
Where do you turn when the love of your life dies? To the one person who understands…his best friend. Feelings intensify but so does guilt. The attraction can’t be denied, but then she reveals a secret that changes everything.
What could be worse than your boyfriend dying in your arms?
The night of their graduation, a car wreck takes Kade’s life. Sutton’s world is shattered. But then everything spirals out of control when, at his funeral, she discovers she’s pregnant.
She turns to the one person who understands her devastation—Anchor, Kade’s best friend. He pushes past his own anguish to help Sutton navigate her impossible decisions. Feelings and attraction intensify, but so does guilt. Despite the tangled emotions, they manage to fill the Kade-sized hole in each other’s hearts.
Then life hits them with another devastating blow. Anchor and Sutton grew close through tragedy, but this time it could be what ends them… unless they can muster the strength to fight for what they’ve built.
Amazon | Apple | Kobo | Nook | Google | Other
Meet the other flawed souls…
The post The Only Things You Can Take (A Flawed Souls Romantic Suspense) first appeared on Stacy Claflin, Author.
