Stacy Claflin's Blog, page 25
November 14, 2018
#NewRelease: The Only Things You Can Take
When your world falls apart, where do you turn?
Sutton Scott has her entire life mapped out—getting her degree, marrying her longtime boyfriend Kade, then having three kids, a cat, and a dog.
Anchor Jones is scorned by love and has no desire to tie himself down like his lifelong friend Kade. He has his sights set on adventure.
Until one night when the unthinkable happens. Kade dies in Sutton’s arms. With their worlds shattered, Anchor and Sutton turn to each other. Feelings intensify, but so does guilt. The attraction can’t be denied, but then Sutton reveals a secret that changes everything. He’s jolted, conflicted. Maybe falling for her was a mistake. Or maybe it was the best decision he ever made.
AVAILABLE AT:
Excerpt
After they leave, I settle into a chair then close my eyes. I try to sleep, figuring Sutton and her mom have a lot to talk about. But instead of sleep, my mind gives me images of Kade and Sutton as the happy couple. There’s no denying how perfect they were for each other. I loved watching them together. They gave me hope that I might find the same kind of happiness.
I never once dreamed that it would be Sutton I’d eventually fall for. I’d have never done that to Kade. Yet here I am. Just the thought of her gives my heart palpitations. Seeing her beauty makes me want—no, need—to kiss those lips.
But I can’t. For both her and for Kade. I have to keep my desires to myself and be okay with it. We need each other to be able to get past our unsurmountable loss. What happens beyond that is anyone’s guess. And I have to be okay with whatever the outcome is. The last thing I’m going to do is ruin our friendship and add further hardship to Sutton’s life.
Read an exclusive excerpt here.
Read the first two chapters here.
AVAILABLE AT:
November 8, 2018
When tragedy tears your world apart, where do you turn?
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.
Got to get loose. I grope for the seatbelt button. It won’t push, won’t free me. Stuck! I pull, squirm, but the belt won’t loosen.
Oh! Kade keeps a pocket knife in the glove box for emergencies. This is definitely an emergency.
My fingers fumble, but I manage to open the box. The knife falls. Somehow I catch it before it slides out of my reach. I manage to pull out a blade without hurting myself further. Then I cut the seatbelt.
I crash against the window below me. My shoulder hits first, then my head, making my ears ring.
Where’s my purse? I need to call for help. It’s not on the floor—or I guess, the car door, since that’s what’s on the bottom now. I can’t find it anywhere.
First I’ll find Kade, then worry about making a call.
I force myself to stand, then I scramble over the seats and to the driver’s side window, which is shattered. The broken glass slices a deep gash in my arm as I start to climb through. Cringing, I try to ignore it. I’m halfway out of the car, and look around to get my bearings.
A streetlight shines about twenty feet ahead, casting a light glow on the asphalt. Another car is near Kade’s, but it’s completely flipped over. They had to have hit us. It’s hard to remember.
I still don’t see my boyfriend.
“Kade!” My voice sounds foreign, and it echoes around me in the too-quiet night. “Kade!”
Why isn’t anyone answering? Where is everyone? There’s another car. Maybe other people from the graduation party.
“Help!”
More silence.
I want to scream at the top of my lungs, but it won’t do any good. I just need to find Kade. He must need my help.
As I pull myself through the window, my hand slips in something, and I slide.
Rip!
My new dress, the one Kade picked out for me, is ruined. I’ve slipped in blood that soaks into the fabric and onto my side.
It’s not mine. Must be Kade’s.
My chest tightens. Squeezes the air from my lungs.
Where is Kade?
Something primal takes over, and I vault out of the car and jump down to the pavement. Pain shoots through my feet because I’m wearing heels. An ankle twists and I crumple to the ground.
But I don’t care about me or my injuries. The only thing that matters is finding Kade.
“Kade!”
Someone mumbles something.
I stumble toward the voice. It’s coming from the other car. Not Kade, but it’s someone who’s hurt.
But not Kade.
My throat closes up. I kick off my pinching shoes and hurry toward the muttering.
It’s a guy in his forties, wearing a red Hawaiian shirt, hanging halfway out of the crushed car. He’s not from the graduation party, like I thought.
“Help… my wife… please.” He stares at me with almost empty eyes. “My wife.”
Then I notice he has a cell phone in his hand. I grab it from him. “I’m calling for help!”
“My… wife.” He closes his eyes.
“Hold on!” My voice is even more shrill now. I make my way to the other side of the car as I fumble to find the emergency numbers without having to deal with his password.
The phone is ringing.
When I get to the other side of the car, what I see makes my stomach lurch. I’ve never seen so much blood in my life. Not even in slasher films or the gory lifeguard training videos.
A horrible odor hits me. I turn around and retch.
The emergency operator is talking on the phone.
I wipe my mouth and struggle to find my voice. “There’s been an accident.” My voice barely comes out louder than a whisper. I try to speak louder. “A bad accident. People are dying!”
The woman on the other end asks me some questions. I answer as best I can, but I don’t even know where we are. Need to find the street signs. I stumble away from the car and down the street. There, on the corner, I spy two signs. “Near the corner of Third Avenue and West Spruce Street. Hurry!”
“Stay on the line. What’s your name?”
Didn’t I already tell her? I struggle to swallow air. “I need to find my boyfriend!”
“Sutton, stay with me.”
I knew I’d told her my name. “Hurry!”
Then I drop the phone without ending the call. I limp back over to Kade’s car as fast as I can. He has to be near it. And he has to be in better shape than that couple. I can’t bear to think of anything happening to him.
We’ve already promised to marry each other after college. Agreed on three kids, a dog, and a cat. We’re going to grow old together. But before all of that, we have an action-packed summer to get through. We’re going to celebrate the year between high school and college with a backpacking trip, beach parties, and even a week building houses for the poor.
“Kade!”
I make my way around to the other side of his car.
Then I see him.
My knees nearly give out on me, but I run toward the person I love more than any other. “Kade!”
Shards of broken glass dig into my soles, but I don’t care. He’s lying on his side, sprawled halfway on the road and halfway on the grass. Not moving.
Hot tears sting my eyes worse than the broken glass in my feet. I call out to him, not sure I’m actually making sense.
It feels like forever, but I finally reach him. I crumple to the ground, put my fingers under his nose.
He’s not breathing.
Yes, he is. Warm air tickles my finger!
“Kade!” I wrap my arms around him and brush his black hair from his face. Some of it sticks to his forehead—his bloody forehead. “Kade, I’m here. It’s Sutton.”
He mumbles something, but I can’t make it out.
“Kade, I love you. Talk to me!”
His eyelids flutter.
I kiss his cheek. “I’m not going anywhere, babe. I’m right here.”
“My head hurts.”
I kiss his temple, getting blood on my mouth. “There was an accident. Paramedics are on the way.”
“My back.” He gasps for air.
“Help is coming.” I kiss his lips.
Kade mumbles again.
“Stay with me.” My voice cracks. I’m barely holding myself together, but I have to. For him. “We have to get ready for the backpacking trip, remember?”
His eyelids flutter again, then he opens them. “I’ll always love you.”
My heart sinks at the finality in his tone. Tears blur my vision. I blink them away. “Don’t do this! Don’t say goodbye.”
“You made my life worth living.”
A lump in my throat prevents me from responding.
“Enjoy the trip for me. I love you.”
“Kade, no!”
He closes his eyes.
“No!”
His breathing sounds like a whistle.
“Wake up!” I kiss him all over his face. “Wake up, please! I love you too!”
Kade takes a shallow breath. Then another.
“Kade!”
I wait for another breath. Wait some more.
Sirens sound in the distance.
“Help is here,” I whisper in his ear.
He still hasn’t taken another breath.
“Hang on, Kade!” Tears stream down my face, mixing with his blood. “Breathe!”
He doesn’t.
I press on his chin, forcing his mouth open. Then I plug his nose and breathe into his mouth. Once, twice, three times.
Tires squeal, stopping behind what’s left of the car.
“Sutton? Kade?”
I turn to see Anchor, Kade’s best friend. His eyes widen and his face pales. Then Anchor’s date shows up next to him. She covers her mouth with her hands and cries out.
“Sutton?” Anchor falls to his knees next to me. Tears shine in his eyes as he stares at Kade. “Is he…?”
“He’s gone.”
Anchor leans over and gives Kade mouth-to-mouth. Then he looks up at me with a wild look in his eyes. “This isn’t working!”
I collapse, then bury myself against Kade’s chest for what will surely be the last time. Choking on violent sobs, I realize my world will never be the same. My heart shatters into smaller pieces than the window glass.
I know I’ll never recover.
The ambulance is now here. But it’s too late.
My Kade is gone.
PRE-ORDER TODAY:
When tragedy tears your world apart, where do you turn?
Sutton Scott has her entire life mapped out—getting her degree, marrying her longtime boyfriend Kade, then having three kids, a cat, and a dog. An idyllic life for the perfect couple.
Anchor Jones is scorned by love and has no desire to tie himself down like his best friend. Kade can do the domestic-bliss thing. Anchor has his sights set on adventure.
Then one night, the unthinkable happens.
A car accident claims Kade’s life. He dies in Sutton’s arms just before Anchor reaches them. With their worlds shattered, Anchor and Sutton turn to each other for comfort and healing. Feelings intensify, but so does guilt. The mutual attraction can’t be denied, but there’s a complication—Sutton reveals a secret that has the potential to change everything.
Anchor is jolted, conflicted. Falling for Sutton might have been a mistake.
Or maybe it was the best decision he ever made.
PRE-ORDER TODAY:
October 30, 2018
Part of Each Pre-Order Will be Donated to Fight Childhood Cancer
My novels are primarily for entertainment, but this one has an important message – to bring awareness to a childhood cancer called DIPG. I’ve been touched by families and children who bravely fight the disease and I’m honored to donate to such a worthy cause.
About
[image error]When your world falls apart, where do you turn?
Sutton Scott has her entire life mapped out—getting her degree, marrying her longtime boyfriend Kade, then having three kids, a cat, and a dog.
Anchor Jones is scorned by love and has no desire to tie himself down like his lifelong friend Kade. He has his sights set on adventure.
Until one night when the unthinkable happens. Kade dies in Sutton’s arms. With their worlds shattered, Anchor and Sutton turn to each other. Feelings intensify, but so does guilt. The attraction can’t be denied, but then Sutton reveals a secret that changes everything. He’s jolted, conflicted. Maybe falling for her was a mistake. Or maybe it was the best decision he ever made.
*One dollar from every pre-order will be donated to fight childhood cancer.
PRE-ORDER TODAY:
October 24, 2018
New Release: Lies Never Sleep (A Thriller with a Twist Ending)
[image error]Two teens break into a long-abandoned insane asylum. But neither walks out.
Atlas James and Emmett Powell are best friends determined to make a name for themselves no matter the cost. They enter the dilapidated mental hospital eager to find a ghost or relic that will become their claim to fame. Instead, they vanish without a clue.
As friends and family learn of their disappearance, fear gives way to accusations and dark secrets come to light. Everyone in the small town has something to hide, and anyone could be behind what happened to the teens.
Somebody knows the truth, but no one’s talking. Will the community push aside their differences and come together for the sake of the missing boys? Or will more lives be destroyed to keep long-buried secrets hidden?
Only a confession will yield answers. But honesty is the one thing in short supply.
AVAILABLE AT:
Excerpt
Atlas James hesitated at the edge of the property as they crept through the rusty wrought-iron gate. His heart thundered in his chest, both from nerves and excitement. The phone shook in his hand as he captured the video.
Emmett Powell turned around, wide-eyed and grinning, though it was barely visible in the moonlight. “You ready?”
Atlas didn’t want to admit his nerves were getting the best of him. “It’s gonna be awesome.”
“Right? And best of all, we’ll finally be famous. This video is going to go viral for sure. We’d better get going before midnight strikes.” Emmett pushed aside some old vines growing up and protruding from the trees, then opened the second gate—the owners of the insane asylum had been serious about keeping the residents locked inside. It creaked in protest.
“Try to keep up.” Atlas rushed past Emmett down the uneven path. It had probably once been a perfectly-level walkway, but roots and decades had changed that.
Emmett caught up to him. “You think anyone else is here? I mean, it is the anniversary of the slayings.”
As far as Atlas knew, nobody else had ever been brave—or stupid—enough to break into the old building on this date. “I think we’re good.”
“If we don’t get killed, right?” Emmett laughed and whacked Atlas on the back.
“Right.” Atlas aimed his phone at the old asylum.
The large abandoned building loomed before them, partially blocking their view of the moon. It looked more like a mansion than a mental hospital, but rumor had it, that was how it had started… until the original owner went crazy and killed his family and servants. Then his house became a mental hospital after no potential homeowners would buy it.
Emmett held up his phone and aimed it at himself. “Atlas and I are here on the anniversary of the Ichabod slayings. We’re the first to attempt this, and we’re going to try to lure out old Dr. Ichabod himself. Or maybe even the original owner of the building. What you’re about to see is history!”
Atlas glanced over at the building. After having only walked a little way, the moon was now directly over the building.
Emmett continued speaking into the phone as they made their way closer to the towering building. It was even taller and creepier up close.
They both skidded to a stop as they reached the steps leading to the front door. Emmett turned his phone toward the building, giving more narrative before pausing the recording.
Atlas held his breath, trying to calm his pounding heart. If this kept up, it would burst through his chest. The sound echoed in his ears, drowning out everything in the night. Even Emmett’s voice. He turned toward his friend. “What?”
“You ready?”
He studied the building, and a chill ran down his back. Rumors and stories he’d heard since childhood spun through his mind. As much as he wanted a viral video, he hoped they wouldn’t actually run into any murderous spirits. Ghosts didn’t exist, right? With any luck, they’d just find some cool relics and the video would still make them famous. “Yeah, of course. Can’t wait to see what’s in there.”
Emmett marched up the steps like he owned the place.
Atlas swallowed and pulled some of his hair behind his ears.
It was the moment of truth. Everything in him screamed to run away. But he was no chicken. Not only that, they’d planned this for months. He couldn’t let Emmett down. Besides, they might actually go viral. And if they didn’t do this now, they’d have to wait another year for the anniversary of the sanitarium’s closing.
Another year for the anniversary of the massacre at Ichabod Insane Asylum.
Atlas caught up with Emmett. Each step felt like it would break under their weight. None did.
“What are we going to do if it’s locked?” Atlas stared at the enormous door with several deadbolts.
“It’s not.” Emmett spoke with the confidence of experience.
“How do you know? Have you already been here? Did you come here without me?”
“The locks were all broken when that doctor killed everyone, remember? People tried to escape, but nobody made it off the property that day alive. The police broke all the locks to get inside. The sight was so terrifying, several of them passed out.”
Atlas shuddered. What would they find? Old blood stains? Murder weapons?
“Ninety years ago tonight.” A thread of excitement ran through Emmett’s voice. “And we’re here!”
Atlas questioned his sanity, but pushed the thoughts aside. It was just an abandoned building. Ghosts weren’t real. The anniversary was no more significant than any other day.
He hoped.
Emmett reached for the doorknob.
AVAILABLE AT:
[image error]
October 6, 2018
Romance Pre-Order: The Only Things You Can Take
[image error] When your world falls apart, where do you turn?
Sutton Scott has her entire life mapped out—getting her degree, marrying her longtime boyfriend Kade, then having three kids, a cat, and a dog.
Anchor Jones is scorned by love and has no desire to tie himself down like his lifelong friend Kade. He has his sights set on adventure.
Until one night when the unthinkable happens. Kade dies in Sutton’s arms. With their worlds shattered, Anchor and Sutton turn to each other. Feelings intensify, but so does guilt. The attraction can’t be denied, but then Sutton reveals a secret that changes everything. He’s jolted, conflicted. Maybe falling for her was a mistake. Or maybe it was the best decision he ever made.
*One dollar from every pre-order will be donated to fight childhood cancer.
PRE-ORDER TODAY:
PRE-ORDER TODAY:
September 5, 2018
New Release: Silenced Valkyrie
[image error]A Valkyrie’s work is never done.
At least, Soleil’s work isn’t. And her to-do list is growing.
As one of Valhalla’s most lethal assassins, she’s tasked with vanquishing a terrible dictator on earth. But her association with a pack of supernaturals has put her behind schedule, which has caused the high council of Valkyries to target her for retribution.
She intends to retrieve the dictator’s soul then bargain for her life and freedom when she discovers her boyfriend has been abducted—possibly by agents of Valhalla. Before she can find him, rogue Valkyries confront her and offer her a bargain. If she’ll complete their missions, they’ll help save her parents.
Soleil didn’t even know they were in jeopardy.
Now she has three humans to hunt, a boyfriend to find, and parents to save—all while avoiding a violent pack of Valkyrie hunters and the dangerous agents of Valhalla itself.
And she had hoped to retire soon.
Instead, she sets off on a clandestine mission with global implications. She crosses paths with vampires, werewolves, mesmers, Valkyries, hunters, and witches. But there may not be enough supernatural power in the world to right all the wrongs, save all her loved ones, and earn Soleil her freedom.
AVAILABLE AT:
Or start with the first book in the series!
[image error]She’s an angel of death, but her life is in danger.
Soleil is a Valkyrie, cursed to obey the laws of Valhalla—laws she’s been skirting for centuries. But when she uses her sword to protect a friend rather than to eliminate her assigned target, she crosses that fine line. Now her species is coming for her. Compounding problems, she’s also in the crosshairs of a powerful, vindictive witch who wants retribution for the murder of her sister.
It’s the worst possible time for her emotions to surface, so of course they do. While dealing with danger, she struggles with moving past the death of her fiancé and budding feelings for her best friend, Titan. Soleil already stays away from her former pack to protect them, now she feels she should leave Titan, too, to keep him safe. But she can’t bear to do it.
Now she’s put him in danger, as well as some of her old allies and new friends. It would be in everyone’s best interest if she ran. But she can’t. She won’t. And her fate comes down to an epic battle between supernatural forces—a battle she’s ill-equipped to win.
AVAILABLE AT:
Amazon Apple Kobo Nook Google Play
Excerpt
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.”
[Read an exclusive excerpt here.]
AVAILABLE AT:
August 9, 2018
New Release: Don’t Forget Me (An Alex Mercer Thriller)
[image error]When things can’t get any worse, they always do…
Alex Mercer and his fiancée Zoey have weathered many storms, but this latest one might be too much for even them. She’s hiding a secret she fears will send him running for the hills, and she has to tell him before he finds out on his own. Time is definitely not on her side. But with his busy hours at the police academy, there hardly seems a moment to open up to him.
Alex knows something is wrong with Zoey, but he’s too preoccupied to dig into it. Not only is the academy leaving him physically and mentally drained, he’s convinced he’s seeing Flynn Myer, the man who is supposedly in jail for abducting his daughter. No one believes him, but then he starts getting texts trying to arrange a meeting between him Myer.
Meanwhile, Alex’s boss and mentor, Captain Nick Fleshman, is on the case of a serial killer whose burial ground has been unearthed at the home of one of his deputies—one he has a secret relationship with. While he considers the implications of recusing himself, her father becomes the prime suspect.
Alex wants to help Nick and needs to help Zoey, all while trying to put the Myer case to bed for good. But everyone’s secrets are slowing him down, and the killer is on the prowl again. Alex needs more time, but that’s the one thing no one has left.
AVAILABLE AT:
Amazon Apple Kobo Nook Google
Excerpt
The man pressed close against a row of prickly bushes as a pickup truck drove by and then out of sight.
He released a breath. Nobody had seen him. Once he was certain the road was clear, he rose just high enough to see over the plants.
Lights still shone from inside the house.
The man checked the time. Again. He swore.
Something was wrong. The couple was off their schedule. They should’ve left by now.
But they hadn’t.
His heart raced, both with worry and irritation—which would soon turn to anger.
He needed them to leave. Now.
What was he supposed to do? Just keep waiting? Get them out of the house? Find a new location? No! This was the only place that would do. He would have to remain patient.
The problem was that the couple was already late. That meant he had no way of knowing when they would be back, if they did finally leave.
He couldn’t do what he needed without the assurance they’d be gone long enough.
The man drew in a deep breath and held it.
One way or another, something had to be done. He couldn’t hold onto his treasure for much longer.
It needed to be disposed of.
Now.
This waiting wasn’t helping anyone. Least of all him.
He would have to do something.
Wouldn’t be the first time he’d had to take matters into his own hands. But it would be trickier. Riskier.
He’d done it before, so he could do it again.
The man pulled out a phone and double-checked it was the burner. Then he triple-checked.
There was no room for errors.
He pulled up the contact list. The few numbers on this phone all showed on the tiny screen. His thumb hovered over the one he needed, ready to tap it.
Slam!
The man jumped, then turned back toward the house.
Two people stood on the front porch. The husband locked the door and turned to his wife. They spoke of a phone call that had made them late.
They hurried to their little sedan and drove off faster than usual.
It was time.
The man breathed another sigh of relief and waited a minute to make sure the couple didn’t return.
They didn’t.
Frogs bellowed in the distance. Otherwise, everything was silent on the sleepy road.
The other neighbors were either out or settled in for the night. Only the couple who just left were off their schedule.
The man scanned the area, and once he was certain nobody watched, he jumped to his feet and sprinted one block to his car.
He could smell it before he reached it.
He’d waited too long. After this, he’d need to dump the car and get a new one. The smell was too much. There was no way to mask it.
That would have to wait. First, he must bid farewell to his treasure.
How he hated letting go of his sweet prizes. As much as he needed to, it was easier said than done. Each time got harder rather than easier.
Maybe he was getting too old for this.
No! He wasn’t.
His treasures were why he got up in the morning. What kept him going each day, whether he had a new one or not.
Tomorrow was a new day. He could focus on a new one then.
For now, he needed to bury his latest treasure.
He held his breath as he climbed into the clunker he’d stolen years ago, and started it. Then he pulled onto the road and drove around the block, parking just out of sight of the back of the now-empty house.
His pulse drummed with excitement. Burying the treasures was always just as thrilling as the rest of the process. A different but equal thrill—part fear of getting caught, part saying goodbye, and part anticipation of the next treasure.
The man looked around the quiet street before climbing out of his car and hefting the oversized suitcase from the trunk. The stench made his eyes water. He gagged and blinked away the tears, then lugged the treasure down the unlit backstreet until he reached the fence.
He easily found the latch on the other side and flipped it over, unlocking the gate. It creaked as it opened—just like it had for years. It was almost as though he were the only one to use it.
Once inside, he quickly closed the gate and looked around the large yard that he had long ago memorized. Everything was the same, except now the garden was expanding. Taking up more of the yard.
Ever since the couple’s granddaughter started visiting them, the garden had been getting bigger and bigger.
What he wouldn’t do to get that little girl and add her to his treasure trove.
He shook his head to clear it, then stared down at the spot he’d picked out just for this special prize.
It was now or never.
The man set down the suitcase and checked his thick gloves. Once he was ready, he found the shovel where it always rested against the house.
He tightened the gloves and got to work digging close to the house, just off to the side of a small garden shed.
The suitcase—his treasure trunk—wasn’t very big this time, but he would still need to go deep. The last thing he needed was for the wife or grandchild to decide they wanted to start a new garden here, then find his latest prize.
It was always a risk, given how many of his precious treasures had been buried on the grounds. This newest one was already close to the first one. Maybe they could keep each other company.
That thought offered him solace until he could get his next one.
After a while, sweat broke out on his hairline. He paused and wiped it while catching his breath.
The sound of a car engine made him freeze in place. He listened, waiting for it to drive away.
It didn’t.
Instead, it slowed, followed by the squeal of a vehicle’s brakes.
It sounded like it was in the front of the house.
They couldn’t be home already! This was the night they always left for a solid three hours. Sometimes almost four.
The man leaned the shovel against the shed, crept over to the fence, and peeked over.
He swore under his breath.
They were home early. He knew performing the ritual was a bad idea when the schedule was off.
His skin felt on fire. He ran back over to the suitcase and shoved it into the hole. Only about three inches remained between the top of it and the ground.
There was no time to dig the hole deeper.
A car door slammed, then another.
Conversation.
The man released a barely-audible string of profanities as he filled the hole. He cursed the couple for not giving him enough time to properly say goodbye to his treasure.
Once the hole was filled and the sizable chunk of grass placed back on top, he stared at the leftover dirt. Usually, he took his time carrying it over to the garden.
A light shone from inside. It lit up a good portion of the backyard.
Then it dimmed systematically. Someone was closing the blinds on the sliding door on the back porch.
He glanced back at the pile of dirt. If he took it over to the garden, he would risk being seen. The only thing he could do was to spread it near the shed and hope nobody noticed.
So that was what he did. By the time he had finished, he managed to convince himself it looked just like it had before.
Except that he’d covered grass with the dirt.
It would have to do.
He replaced the shovel as it had been, crept to the corner of the house, and checked the windows. Light shone from half a dozen of them, but they all had the blinds drawn.
With any luck, he could make his escape unnoticed.
But luck was already showing it was not on his side tonight.
He pressed himself against the fence and crept along it toward the gate, managing to stay in the shadows. Then he unlatched the lock and pulled the door.
Creak!
He froze for just a moment before bolting out and closing the gate behind him, not taking the time to check the latch.
Then he ran.
AVAILABLE AT:
July 4, 2018
Christmas in July! 99c Sale
Celebrate Christmas in July with two of my Christmas stories! Seaside Christmas is a sweet romance featuring a tattoo artist and pastor’s daughter at odds. Silent Bite is the about a young vampire left to fend for herself over the holidays.
[image error]He can’t stand her. She thinks he’s crazy. Will their feelings stay etched in permanent ink?
Cruz Hunter has always stuck out in his small hometown. Now that he’s covered in tattoos, the residents peg him as even more of an outcast. It seems like the whole world is against his dream of opening a local tattoo parlor.
When he finally finds the perfect place for his new business, Cruz discovers a pastor and his daughter have already bought it. The only thing more irritating than the change in his plan is Talia, a beautiful and feisty argument in a dress. Cruz would like nothing more than to have her out of his life and his mind, but for some reason, she’s the only thing he can think about.
If Cruz and Talia can stop arguing long enough, opposites may do much more than attract.
Read the book today: Amazon | Apple | Kobo | Nook | Google
[image error]
[image error]
She can’t remember the last eighteen months… or why her loved ones have abandoned her.
Alexis Ferguson is having the worst Christmas of her life — and that’s saying something. She’s a vampire who has lost almost everything. Not only does she have a significant memory gap, but she keeps experiencing more lapses. Every time she gets close to the answer, she forgets everything again.
She knows the last year and a half has been spent with the other vampires. However, she finds herself with the human family who raised her. She has nobody to help with her bloodthirsty cravings, and she almost takes everyone out at a family dinner.
Something has to give before she does something she’ll regret. Unable to cope on her own, she falls into a depression until another supernatural steps in, concerned for her well-being. He’s gorgeous and knows what Alexis needs before she does. The only problem is that he’s a werewolf… and her teacher. What could possibly go wrong?
Read it today: Kindle | Nook | Kobo | Apple | Google
[image error]
June 27, 2018
New Release: Pursued Valkyrie (Valhalla’s Curse)
She can run, but she can’t hide.
Predator and prey. Soleil is a Valkyrie—the quintessential huntress—and she’s on a mission. Unfortunately, she’s also broken the rules. Now agents of Valhalla hunt her. And they’ll destroy anything that gets in their way. Even her loved ones.
To keep her family and friends safe, Soleil distances herself from them—at great personal cost. Her only chance at a happy ending is to complete her assignment before she’s found. But she can’t do it alone. So she enlists the help of the one person whose survival doesn’t matter to her—a person who also wants her dead.
The unlikely duo flees to Egypt and begins their pursuit. It’s not long before a rogue faction and the agents of Valhalla find them. Compounding her problems? Her trickster boyfriend, Titan, is also searching for her. He’s closing in, putting himself in great danger. And she’ll do anything to keep him safe.
It’s a race against time, villains, and all of Valhalla. The odds are against Soleil. Will she find and kill her target before her enemies find and kill her?
AVAILABLE AT:
Amazon Apple Kobo Nook Google Play
Haven’t read the first book? Start the series from the beginning!
[image error]She’s an angel of death, but her life is in danger.
Soleil is a Valkyrie, cursed to obey the laws of Valhalla—laws she’s been skirting for centuries. But when she uses her sword to protect a friend rather than to eliminate her assigned target, she crosses that fine line. Now her species is coming for her. Compounding problems, she’s also in the crosshairs of a powerful, vindictive witch who wants retribution for the murder of her sister.
It’s the worst possible time for her emotions to surface, so of course they do. While dealing with danger, she struggles with moving past the death of her fiancé and budding feelings for her best friend, Titan. Soleil already stays away from her former pack to protect them, now she feels she should leave Titan, too, to keep him safe. But she can’t bear to do it.
Now she’s put him in danger, as well as some of her old allies and new friends. It would be in everyone’s best interest if she ran. But she can’t. She won’t. And her fate comes down to an epic battle between supernatural forces—a battle she’s ill-equipped to win.
AVAILABLE AT:
Amazon Apple Kobo Nook Google Play
EXCERPT
The 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.”
[Read an exclusive excerpt here.]
AVAILABLE AT:
June 26, 2018
Every marriage has secrets. Some are deadly…
Read this USA Today bestselling title for only 99c! (Limited time sale.)
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?
Dean’s List is a nail-biting psychological thriller penned by the USA Today bestselling author Stacy Claflin. Pick up your copy today!
AVAILABLE AT:
Excerpt:
[image error]Lydia Harris focused on her phone conversation, not paying attention to her actions as she got ready for a night out with the girls. She headed into the closet to find the perfect top to go with her adorable new shorts. She forgot she carried her glass perfume bottle, and her fingers slid as her left flip-flop caught on the corner of the molding of the large walk-in closet.
“Are we meeting for drinks first? I want—”
The perfume bottle slid from her hand, heading straight for Dean’s treasured safe. It was the one where they kept the really important things, like money and jewelry.
Lydia watched in horror, the blood draining from her face, as the little glass container appeared to move in slow motion.
“Are you there, Lyds?” asked Bri.
Lydia let the phone fall onto the carpet as she reached for the perfume bottle. Her middle finger grazed it, pushing it closer toward the safe.
It hit, and broke instantly, sending glass in all directions. The strong smell surrounded her as she watched the liquid run down the front and sides of the safe, moving its way inside.
Lydia picked the phone back up. “I’ve got to go, Bri. Can you tell everyone I’m going to be a little late? Now I have a mess to clean up.”
“Oh.” Bri’s pout could be heard through the phone. “Can’t you leave the mess for the housekeeper?”
“No. Dean’s due back tonight, and housekeeping won’t be here until Tuesday. I have to take care of this now.”
“How late?” Bri asked.
“Hopefully not long, but if you guys have to start without me, then go ahead.”
“I’m sure we can wait, sweetie. See you soon.”
“Bye,” Lydia said, ending the call. She stared at the mess, not knowing where to start.
Dean was almost never home, but when he was, he was extremely particular about keeping things clean. And by clean, he meant perfect. If she left behind even a shard of glass or drop of sticky perfume, he would know, and would let her hear about it, too.
Lydia picked up the nozzle from the perfume and the larger pieces of glass, and walked back to the bathroom. Wrapping them in a paper towel and put them in the garbage, she opened the windows in the bathroom and the bedroom, and then grabbed the rest of the paper towels.
Staring at the mess in the closet, she again tried to decide the best way to get rid of all traces of her mistake. Lydia pulled off a few paper towels and used them to pick up the small pieces of glass. She was relieved to see how many stuck. When she had most of them picked up, she went back into the bathroom and threw the paper towels away.
Lydia brought the garbage back into the closet with her so she could throw each remaining shard of glass into the bin. She got on her knees and picked up the tiny shards stuck to the carpet fibers with her long, manicured nails. When she was sure she had gotten every last piece, she spun the dial and opened the safe door. Perfume ran down the inside of the door.
At least it hadn’t gotten on anything inside. She wiped everything with the paper towels, but it wasn’t enough. Lydia went back into the bathroom for a spray bottle of cleaner. After she was sure that every trace of the perfume and its bottle were gone, she gave it a once-over and then noticed something underneath the safe. It looked like her perfume may have pooled up there.
Lydia groaned, not wanting to move the heavy thing. She slid her finger along the bottom, and sure enough, underneath the safe it was wet. There was no other choice.
She moved the garbage bin and the paper towels out into the bedroom, and then stared at the safe. It was good sized, but not enormous. It wouldn’t be impossible to move, but it would take some work. She wrapped her arms around the back of it and pulled, grunting. It moved about an inch. She repeated the process until the safe was out of the way—and she was covered in sweat.
Sure enough, there was a spot where the perfume pooled underneath the safe. She was going to have to get the liquid and the smell out of the carpet. Lydia went back into the bedroom to grab the paper towels and the spray bottle again.
Several minutes into the cleaning process, her phone rang. Lydia stared at the mess in the closet, shaking her head. She grabbed her phone, knowing that it was Bri. She was right. “Bri, I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to make it today.”
“Oh, Lyds. Don’t bail on us.”
“Sorry, but you know how Dean gets about his stuff. He’s going to be back tonight, and I made a huge mess.”
“Well, if you can make it come down, okay?”
“I’ll try. Tell the girls hi for me.”
“Will do. See you later, sweetie.”
“Bye, Bri.” Lydia threw her phone on the bed and then grabbed a flashlight. She went into the closet and shone the light over the carpet to make sure she hadn’t missed any glass.
She was about to turn the flashlight off when something on the carpet caught her eye. Lydia wouldn’t have noticed it without the brighter light. Part of the carpet was a slightly different color than the rest. She knelt down and shone the light closer. A patch of the carpet was just a shade lighter.
They had never replaced any of the carpet. She would have remembered, because Dean hated stuff like that. If something was wrong, he would have simply had all of it replaced. He would much rather throw money at something than accept a substandard version.
That was how he treated Lydia as well.
She leaned over and pulled on the lighter part, and the entire piece came off. Lydia stared at it and set it down, eyes widening. It looked like there was a groove in the wood flooring.
Lydia slid her finger into the channel and pulled. The wood came up, exposing a box underneath. Her heart pounded in her chest. She had to remove two more pieces of wood to get the box out.
It was made out of a material similar to the safe, but didn’t appear to be as strong. She held her breath as she looked over the box.
Did she dare open it? She’d gone this far, she couldn’t just put it back without seeing what was inside. She crossed her legs and set it on her lap.
Lydia’s breath caught as she reached for the latch. What was she going to find? Was it something that had belonged to the previous home owner? Or something of Dean’s?
If so, it could be paperwork laying out some kind of shady deal he’d made with a client. It wouldn’t surprise her, given how secretive he always was about his work.
Whatever it was, it had to be good for Dean to go to so much trouble to hide it. He was home only about three days a month, so she was impressed that he had managed all of this without her knowing.
She pulled on the latch, and the top came off with a creak. The box was full of newspaper clippings. Lydia dug around, looking for whatever was hiding beneath the papers.
Nothing.
Lydia unfolded the first paper and looked at the headline. It was a story about a housewife in Detroit who had been murdered. Chills ran down her back, despite the warm summer weather.
She set the paper down and unfolded the next one. A waitress from Boston slain.
Lydia looked at the next one. A hotel manager from San Diego killed under suspicious circumstances.
A librarian from Houston murdered in cold blood.
Everything around Lydia disappeared as she read the headlines from each of the papers. Her ears rang, drowning out other sounds. Dread washed over her as she realized that Dean had been to every one of the cities when he traveled for work. Would his work schedule match the dates on the papers?
Her stomach lurched.
Why would he keep those clippings? Surely he’d have a good reason to save and then hide them.
She went into the bedroom to look at the time. It was later than she thought, and Dean was due back in a little over an hour. That wasn’t much time to get everything back in order.
Lydia grabbed a notebook and took it back to the closet. She wrote down the dates and cities of each murder on one of the pages.
Then she snapped a picture of each clipping on her phone. She had some digging to do, but it would have to wait until after Dean left again.
She folded the clippings with great care. If anything was even slightly off, Dean would notice right away. She put each paper in exactly as she had found it, and then closed the lid. She slipped the box into the floor and then put the pieces of wood back. Getting the carpet back as it had been was trickier, but she managed.
Lydia’s nerves were on fire as she pushed the safe back into place.
Then she put some baking soda down on the carpet and vacuumed, hoping that would bring out the scent. It did seem to help—hopefully enough. Dean could be hyper-aware of tiny details.
She double-checked everything to make sure the perfume was fully cleaned up and that not a piece of glass remained. Once she was certain everything looked untouched, she tied up the garbage bag and took it to the bin outside.
A bead of sweat ran down her forehead. Lydia wiped it away, and went back upstairs to her room. She folded the paper she had written the dates and cities on and slid it into one of her steamy romance novels, where he would never look for it. Then she changed the password to her phone. She couldn’t risk Dean accidentally finding the pictures she’d taken of the clippings.
She slid her phone into her shorts pocket and went back up to the bedroom so she could take a shower. The mixture of the perfume and sweat offended her nose, and Dean would definitely complain when he got home. Not that he would want to touch her, and for the first time, Lydia was grateful for that.
She went into the closet to grab some clean clothes. The smell of the perfume lingered, but wasn’t nearly as bad as it had been. If she could keep Dean away from the bedroom for a little while, he would never know anything had been spilled—or moved.
Lydia shook as she grabbed a sleeveless top from the hanger. She wanted to be wrong, to believe that the clippings meant something else, but how could they? Why else would he go to all that trouble to hide them?
Dean obviously wanted to save them, and clearly not digitally since that would probably leave a trail.
Lydia put her new clothes on the bathroom counter and then went into one of the guest rooms and grabbed a fan. She plugged it in by the window next to her side of the bed and turned it on, facing the window. The fragrant air needed to be pushed outside. She lit a candle, too.
Lydia finished showering and getting ready just before she expected Dean to arrive. Her pulse quickened at the thought of talking to him. Usually, he preferred to avoid her as much as possible. He averaged three nights with her every thirty days, and she used the term ‘with her’ generously. He’d be in the house, but they wouldn’t be together.
Often that bothered her. This time she dreaded his return. And prayed they wouldn’t spend any time with each other.
His job required him to travel, but Lydia had always been certain that it didn’t demand that much. He had to offer it up. She always assumed it was because he was having affairs. Never in a million years would she have guessed it was anything like this.
Lydia fluffed her hair, put the fan back in the guest room, and went downstairs. Everything was still quiet, which meant he wasn’t home yet. Dean stomped around like the king of a castle, making sure Lydia knew it was his domain, and that he could do what he wanted.
She paced back and forth between the living room and the kitchen.
Maybe just the fact that she was home was enough to alert him that something was wrong. It might be better if she joined her friends, even though she was already really late.
She heard the sounds of the garage door opening. Dean’s arrival made the decision for her.
AVAILABLE AT:
