Stacy Claflin's Blog, page 20
October 18, 2019
New Release: Bayside Dreams (The Hunters)
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All of her dreams just went up in flames.
Cassidy’s entire life was wrapped up in her business boarding and caring for pets — that is, until the night it burned down.
Shale never expected to find love again, especially with a stubborn woman running into the flames. Ever since his wife died, he’s avoided emotion like the plague, but there’s something about the annoying stranger that makes him want to know more.
Cassidy has physical and emotional scars from the night she lost everything. Whenever she looks in the mirror, she’s reminded that nobody could ever love her the way she now looks… except there’s no denying the way the gorgeous firefighter keeps finding reasons to be around her.
But the hidden scars each holds close to their hearts are their biggest obstacles. If they can’t overcome what’s holding them back, they’ll lose each other forever.
Read it today: Amazon
Excerpt
Cassidy Jones rolled over and pulled the blankets over her head, willing the phone to stop playing the cheerful song. Whatever it was could wait until morning. It had been a long, trying week, and her body ached. The few hours’ sleep she’d already gotten only made her more exhausted.
The song stopped. Finally.
She removed the covers from her ears and started to drift off.
The song played again.
Cassidy groaned and reluctantly felt around the headboard for her phone. Two-thirty-three. In the morning. It was Audrey Hunter from the doggie boarding house. What on earth could she need at this hour?
Maybe it was an emergency.
She bolted upright and accepted the call. “Audrey? What’s going on?”
“There’s a fire!”
“What? Where?” Cassidy’s heart nearly exploded out of her chest.
“In the doggy daycare building!”
The bedroom spun around her. Images of the blaze that took her parents from her flashed through her mind like a rapid-fire assault. She clung to the blankets and struggled to breathe. “What did you say?”
“I’ll meet you there!”
Cassidy scrambled out of bed, gasping for air. “How’d you hear about it?”
“Shale called Logan.”
“Who’s Shale?” Not that it mattered. The only thing that mattered was getting to her business.
“Logan’s brother—the firefighter. He knows I work there. Hurry!” Audrey ended the call.
Cassidy could hardly think straight as she threw on some clothes without even paying attention to whether they matched. Her business was on fire. Everything she’d worked so hard for—she’d put her all into it. Heart, mind, soul, time, money, and energy.
Thankfully, the boarding house on the other side wasn’t on fire. She housed a lot of pets on any given day. The daycare building was on the other side of the property and vacant at night.
Her heart felt like it would give out as she stumbled around the house and finally made it to her car. It took three tries to start the ignition because her hand shook so hard.
Cassidy panted and tried to focus. She needed to pull herself together, at least enough to make the short drive. Thankfully, Enchantment Bay was a pretty small town, so she didn’t have far to go. She also had insurance. The building could be replaced—as much of a nightmare as that would be. The important thing? No animals or employees would be hurt if the flames stayed away from the boarding building.
What could’ve started the fire? She kept her buildings up to code and had regulations in place to make sure any potential hazards were checked routinely and fixed immediately.
Maybe it was that new girl. She’d only been there two weeks. What if she hadn’t been doing her job properly? Or what if something had gone wrong with the wiring? That wasn’t something Cassidy knew anything about.
The glow of the flames came into view before she pulled onto the road to the building.
Her heart nearly gave out. The fire was that bad?
What if it did spread to the boarding house? Would they be able to get the animals out? There was less staff overnight, but someone was always there. Maybe Audrey was already there, helping to bring the pets out to safety.
She prayed silently as she made her way toward her beloved business. The entrance was blocked with yellow tape. Onlookers gathered around the sidewalk.
Cassidy parked on the side of the road and raced out of the car past the small crowd. She started to go under the yellow tape when a tall firefighter blocked her and pointed to the tape. “That’s to keep you out.” He spoke with a deep, commanding voice. “You need to stay out there.”
“I own this place!” She reached for her purse, but in her haste, she’d left it at home. Not good considering the speed limits she’d broken on the way over. And not only that, she couldn’t prove her ownership.
The firefighter didn’t budge. “You have ID? I can’t let just anyone in.”
Her stomach twisted, her mind raced.
Purchase it today: Amazon
October 17, 2019
Cover Reveal: When You Start to Miss Me
The third book in the Wildflower Romance series is now available for pre-order, and for the first time, you can see the gorgeous cover!
I’ve been holding onto this one for a long time, and I’m so excited to finally share it…
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Other books in the series… (Book #2 is currently on sale for 99c. Grab it before the price goes up!)
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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.
Amazon | Apple | Kobo | Nook | Google
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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.
Get it for 99c ~ Limited Time:
October 14, 2019
The Only Things You Can Take: 99c Limited Time
Where do you turn when the love of your life dies? To the one person who understands… his best friend.
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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.
Amazon | Apple | Kobo | Nook | Google
Excerpt
Warm, sticky blood drips onto my face, splattering near my eye. I reach to wipe it away, but my arm feels twenty pounds heavier.
I’m moving so slowly.
My head hurts. Bad.
The ground is on my right, beneath me. I’m sideways, held in place by the seat belt digging into my shoulder.
How did I get here? I can’t even tell whose car I’m in. It’s too dark. The little light I see is from outside. Headlights. Maybe a street lamp.
Another spattering of blood drips on me. From the driver’s seat.
From his seat.
Everything comes back to me in a dizzying flood.
I gasp for air. “Kade! Are you okay?”
Silence.
I reach around for the overhead light. It’s out of reach. I’m sideways.
The driver’s seat is empty.
“Kade!” My voice is shrill, my heart about to explode from worry. “Kade!”
I reach toward where he should be, but he’s not there. He doesn’t seem to be anywhere. I need to find him. My entire body hurts, but it doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is finding Kade.
Or purchase it and read the full story: Amazon | Apple | Kobo | Nook | Google
October 8, 2019
Pre-Order: Bayside Dreams (A Sweet Firefighter Romance)
All of her dreams just went up in flames.
Cassidy’s entire life was wrapped up in her business boarding and caring for pets — that is, until the night it burned down.
Shale never expected to find love again, especially with a stubborn woman running into the flames. Ever since his wife died, he’s avoided emotion like the plague, but there’s something about the annoying stranger that makes him want to know more.
Cassidy has physical and emotional scars from the night she lost everything. Whenever she looks in the mirror, she’s reminded that nobody could ever love her the way she now looks… except there’s no denying the way the gorgeous firefighter keeps finding reasons to be around her.
But the hidden scars each holds close to their hearts are their biggest obstacles. If they can’t overcome what’s holding them back, they’ll lose each other forever.
Check out the other Hunter books:
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October 1, 2019
YA Scavenger Hunt
Welcome to YA Scavenger Hunt! This bi-annual event was first organized by author Colleen Houck as a way to give readers a chance to gain access to exclusive bonus material from their favorite authors…and a chance to win some awesome prizes!
On this hunt, you not only get access to exclusive content from each author, you also get a clue for the hunt. Add up the clues, and you can enter for our prize–one lucky winner will receive one book from each author on the hunt in my team!
But play fast: this contest (and all the exclusive bonus material) will only be online for 120 hours!
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Go to the YA Scavenger Hunt page to find out all about the hunt. There are FOUR contests going on simultaneously, and you can enter one or all! I am a part of the PURPLE TEAM–but there is also a red team, a gold team, and a blue team for a chance to win a whole different set of books!
If you’d like to find out more about the hunt, see links to all the authors participating, and see the full list of prizes up for grabs, go to the YA Scavenger Hunt page.
SCAVENGER HUNT PUZZLE
Directions: Below, you’ll notice that I’ve listed my favorite number. Collect the favorite numbers of all the authors on the PURPLE TEAM, and then add them up (don’t worry, you can use a calculator!)
Entry Form: Once you’ve added up all the numbers, make sure you fill out the form here to officially qualify for the grand prize. Only entries that have the correct number will qualify.
Rules: Open internationally, anyone below the age of 18 should have a parent or guardian’s permission to enter. To be eligible for the grand prize, you must submit the completed entry form by October 6th, at noon Pacific Time. Entries sent without the correct number or without contact information will not be considered.
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SCAVENGER HUNT POST
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Today, I am hosting Jessica Ruddick on my website for the YA Scavenger Hunt!
Award-winning young adult and romance author Jessica Ruddick lives in Virginia with her college-sweetheart husband, two rambunctious sons, and two rowdy but lovable rescue dogs. Since her house is overflowing with testosterone, it’s a good thing she has a healthy appreciation for Marvel movies, Nerf guns, and football. Learn more about Jessica at jessicaruddick.com.
Find out more information by checking out the author website or find more about the author’s book here:
jessicaruddick.com/blog
https://amzn.to/2lNshyL
jessicaruddick.com/authorjessicaruddick
instagram.com/jessicamruddick
https://twitter.com/JessicaMRuddick
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The truth about her past may define her future.
Sophie loves being an elemental. Being able to bend the natural world to her will is thrilling, even if the need for secrecy is putting a cramp in her dating life. Lately, though, her powers have been growing, making it difficult to resist the heady temptation to use her gifts.
Trying to balance the elemental world with having a normal life is tough enough without her overbearing, way-too-perfect, and way-too-good-looking guardian Aidan watching—and judging—her every move. The trouble is she’s not sure where she fits in and she’s sure as heck not ready to conform to stringent elemental rules.
But when secrets about her life are revealed and outside forces threaten everything Sophie holds dear, she must embrace who she is or risk losing it all.
EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
Undefined Exclusive Excerpt
He shoved his hands in his pockets and stared at me,
probably waiting to see if I was done babbling. I wanted to face-palm myself. I
never babbled. I’d sounded like an
idiot. I wished I could blame it on the drug, but I’d already determined it was
no longer affecting me.
Looking down at my toes, I suddenly found their unpainted
state fascinating. The thing was, I didn’t need
him to help me, but I wanted him
to.
That realization rolled around in my mind. The air between
us was thick, becoming more uncomfortable with every second.
What was up with this craziness? This was Aidan.
Aidan, who I used to play hide-and-go-seek with. Aidan, who
enjoyed antagonizing me with tough workouts. Aidan, who’d been so kind and
gentle when I’d needed it most.
I racked my brain for a smartass comment to break the
tension, but nothing came to mind. Nothing appropriate anyway. Not that I’d
ever cared about being appropriate.
The rules had changed—that much I was sure of—but I didn’t know what the new rules were.
My Prize
The paperback I’m giving away for the scavenger hunt is Mermaid’s Song, which is also free in ebook form October 1-5th.
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My life as I know it is over.
And no, I’m not being dramatic. I’ve been living as a human, but now I have to return to my mermaid roots because my dad is the new king of Valora. As soon as we arrive, he sends me to the Dark Sea Academy. Whispers and glares greet me at every turn. Students accuse my dad of killing the previous king, his brother.
My first night, the most popular girl tries to kill me. I barely escape, only to run into Bash. He’s older and one wrong move from being expelled. Also as gorgeous as he is arrogant. For some reason, he keeps looking at me with concern in his eyes while giving me a crooked smirk. Almost makes me forget all my problems.
But I can’t let myself get side-tracked by him. I won’t. If I’m to survive the academy, I need to focus on staying alive. Unfortunately, that means relying on Bash—and he’s a distraction that could very well cost me everything.
Enter the contest!
And don’t forget to enter the contest for a chance to win a ton of books by me, hosted author’s name, and more! To enter, you need to know that my favorite number is 77. Add up all the favorite numbers of the authors on the PURPLE TEAM and you’ll have all the secret code to enter for the grand prize!
Entry Form: Once you’ve added up all the numbers, make sure you fill out the form here to officially qualify for the grand prize. Only entries that have the correct number will qualify.
CONTINUE THE HUNT …
To keep going on your quest for the hunt, you need to check out the next author: https://mackenzieflohrblog.wordpress.com
September 24, 2019
Indigo Bay: 2nd Chance Romances to Warm Your Heart…
Escape to Indigo Bay where you’ll find second chance sweet romances, swoon worthy heroes, and happily every afters! Pick one or all six. You can read in any order, too! https://buff.ly/2Yiyil1
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Multiple authors. Many Sweet Romances…
One small South Carolina beach town…
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He can have any woman he wants… except her.
NFL quarterback Dylan Manley’s life revolves around his career and the fame associated with it. He’s only back in Indigo Bay to help with a fundraiser in memory of his best friend. But then finds he has to work with Brooke—the one person who has always made him trip over his own feet.
Brooke Davenport is a far cry from the girl next door who left town years ago. Focused on her political aspirations and still recovering from the loss of her doting brother, she wants nothing more than to return to DC for good. But first she has to get through the fundraiser with Dylan, who she blames for her brother’s death.
When a family emergency pulls Brooke’s parents out of town, the success of the fundraiser depends on Brooke and Dylan. He’ll do whatever it takes to show her he’s a new man, but every attempt only makes him look worse. If he can’t make things right, he’ll lose her forever.
Check out the other Indigo Bay sweet romances here: https://buff.ly/2Yiyil1
September 21, 2019
New Release: The Dark Sea Academy Full Trilogy
Life as I know it has been flipped on its tail.
And no, I’m not being dramatic. I’ve been living as a human, but now I have to return to my mermaid roots because my dad is the new king of Valora. As soon as we arrive, he sends me to the Dark Sea Academy. Whispers and glares greet me at every turn. Students accuse my dad of killing the previous king, his brother.
My first night, the most popular girl tries to kill me. I barely escape, only to run into Bash. He’s older and one wrong move from being expelled. Also as gorgeous as he is arrogant. For some reason, he keeps looking at me with concern in his eyes while giving me a crooked smirk. Almost makes me forget all my problems.
But I can’t let myself get side-tracked by him. I won’t. If I’m to survive the academy, I need to focus on staying alive. Unfortunately, that means relying on Bash—and he’s a distraction that could very well cost me everything…
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September 20, 2019
Two nailing-biting thrillers in one!
Two nailing-biting stories featuring side characters from the USA Today bestselling Gone Trilogy.
DEAN’S LIST
A USA Today bestselling novel
Every marriage has secrets. Some are deadly.
Lydia Harris knows her marriage to Dean has problems, but when she finds a box of news clippings he took great pains to conceal, the problems go from disappointing to dangerous. Nation-wide murders… in cities where he has traveled. She doesn’t want to believe him capable of such violence, so she searches for clues to explain the hidden clippings.
As the evidence begins to mount, Lydia is torn. Dean seems to be trying to rekindle their lost spark, and she yearns for what they’d once had. But can she look past her own feelings to uncover the truth, or will she be next on his list?
NO RETURN
Family comes first. Until it kills you…
Rusty Caldwell is a lonely victim of tragedy. After losing his wife and kids to a drunk driver, he spends most nights towing drunks to keep them off the streets. His one-track existence takes a turn when he finds out his estranged sister Mandy has committed suicide.
After flying out to offer his support, Rusty learns there’s much more to the story. It turns out his sister had been cheating on her husband Chris with Travis Calloway, the rich CEO of the biggest company in town. Before Mandy died, she claimed that Travis fathered one of her children and demanded that he pay up…
While Rusty is trying to figure out the truth, Mandy’s friend Laura offers to help look into Travis. Sparks start to fly between her and Rusty, and soon neither can deny the attraction. Before they can catch a break, they receive death threats for their efforts.
With Travis and Chris both looking guilty, Rusty better find out the truth before he or Laura are the next one to fall.
September 19, 2019
New Release: Danger Zone (An Alex Mercer Thriller #8)
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Someone is going to great lengths to destroy Alex Mercer’s life.
On the surface, the Mercers are finally settling into a comfortable routine—Alex’s job is going great, he’s accepted his unusual family dynamics, and they’re even planning a dream vacation. Things couldn’t be better.
Or could they?
Dig a little deeper, and the problems are growing out of control. Someone is threatening to ruin Alex, his wife is harboring a shocking secret, and their daughter is hiding a dangerous new relationship.
If Alex’s cyber-stalker doesn’t get him first, his family could implode on its own. If he can’t unravel the tangled mess in time, he might lose everything—and everyone—he holds dear.
Excerpt…
Daisy Marston’s breath caught in her throat as she skidded to a stop. She held completely still and listened, trying to hear what she could over her pulse drumming in her ears.
An owl hooted not far away.
The sound sent a shiver down her spine. Hopefully, that was what she’d just heard. She’d have to assume so and keep going.
There was no turning back now. She struggled to get a deep breath before breaking into another run. Leaves rustled all around her, and it felt as if harm awaited her at every turn.
But she was running toward help. Someone who, if he couldn’t help her himself, could point her in the right direction. Get her into the hands of someone who would be able to protect her. Keep her safe.
The real threat was outside the woods, a full state away. Looking for her. They had no clue where she’d gone or why. And they would never guess who she was going to see—that was exactly why she’d chosen him.
Daisy leaned against a tree, gasped for air. Clutched her one small bag. She wasn’t athletic to begin with, but especially not now. She looked into the distance, hoping to see the house. Any sign of humanity would do.
It was clear he didn’t want to be found, given how deep into the woods he’d built his cabin. It wouldn’t put her off, though. She needed his help, and nothing would get in her way. Not hooting owls, not rustling leaves, and certainly not whatever else stood between her and help.
She was a survivor if nothing else. That was the one thing she’d cling to. It was what would get her to his house. Heck, it was what had gotten her this far. She’d made a lot of mistakes along the way. A lot of them. That was what had brought her to these woods in the first place. But she’d made it through everything else. She’d get through this, too.
There was no other choice.
Snap!
Heart thundering, she turned toward the noise. Pressed her back against the tree and readied herself to run again, or to fight if it came down to it. Whatever it took to stay alive. To protect everything near and dear.
Continue reading and you won’t be able to stop until the stunning conclusion…
September 18, 2019
Free Romance: Bayside Wishes
She’s guarding a family secret. He’s investigating a murder. Will a second homecoming lead to true love?
Freya Hunter is living the fabulous life. The west-coast girl rakes it in as a fashion model in New York City, but everything changes after she returns home for a quick visit.
The reunion with friends and family in Enchantment Bay is sweet, especially when she hits it off with Nico Valentin, a ruggedly handsome police sergeant. As Nico investigates the death, Freya learns a family secret big enough to turn her world upside down.
Freya is torn between her new life and her hometown — the life she loves vs. the brother who needs her and the sergeant who wants her. When her decision doesn’t go nearly as well as she planned, she wonders if she can help her brother and keep her growing feelings for Nico at bay before they consume her.
If you like sweet romance, easy storytelling, and satisfying tales of true love, you’ll enjoy this new spinoff series from the wildly popular Seaside Hunters.
