Stacy Claflin's Blog, page 27
April 6, 2018
New Release: Against All Odds (An Alex Mercer Thriller #4)
It started as a day like any other for Alex Mercer. Then he heard the news. Something that only happens in other places is happening in his hometown.
Just a few miles away at his daughter’s middle school, a shooter is on the loose. Alex does what every other parent in town does—he races to the school to find out if his loved ones are safe.
His world falls apart around him, and he can’t turn to his best friend because they’re both dealing with scathing terror.
As the motive behind the shooting comes to light, secrets and betrayals spiral out of control.
Will Alex give into old temptations in the face of the current situation, or will he be able to move past everything and help those he loves the most?
AVAILABLE AT:
Amazon Apple Kobo Google Nook
Excerpt
(I finished this manuscript the morning of the Stoneman Douglas massacre. I struggled with whether to change it or even to not release it, but these tragedies are something we face as a society. Exploring these issues through story is part of how I process difficult events and situations. I hope reading this novel helps you work through your feelings, too.)
Ava Fleshman leaned over the sink and studied her makeup in the mirror. She’d done a decent job of covering the dark circles under her eyes. Not that she cared what anyone thought.
She pulled out a tube of the darkest red lipstick she’d been able to find, and swiped it carefully across her lower lip. Halfway through her top lip, she froze.
Screaming sounded outside the middle school bathroom.
Probably just a group of kids skipping class, like her.
Ava finished her lipstick, then turned around.
The shouts grew louder. Frantic.
Footsteps thundered, sounding like a stampede.
Someone yelled the word gun.
Her heart skipped a beat, then raced. The lipstick fell from her grasp and bounced on the tile floor.
Ava couldn’t move. Did someone really have a gun? As in, a real one? Not just some stupid prank, like Connor Johnson pulled last year?
She crept to the door and pulled it open a crack. Just enough to peek out with one eye.
Kids ran in all directions, some yelling and others crying. Bags, books, and other items lay strewn about.
Boom!
It sounded like a firecracker echoing down the hallway.
Ava knew better. It was a gunshot.
No, this was nothing like what Connor had pulled a year earlier.
Someone ran toward the bathroom. He pushed on the door before Ava had a chance to move. The door hit her in the nose. Hard.
Blood gushed out and her nose throbbed.
“Watch it!” She shoved the football player and covered her nose.
“Hide!” Ryker pushed past her and jumped into one of the stalls.
Ava dropped her bag and ran into another stall, still covering her nose. Blood now dripped down from her palm onto her white shirt. She grabbed a bunch of toilet paper and held it up to her nostrils as she climbed on top of the seat.
The bathroom door opened and shut several times. Two girls cried.
“Shut up!” Ava demanded. “You want the shooter to come in here and find us?”
Bang!
Another gunshot. It was even closer than the first one.
The crying girls both screamed.
Those idiots were going to not only get themselves killed, but everyone else in the bathroom—including Ava.
Rage ran through her. She dropped the red wad of toilet paper into the water and marched out of the stall.
The two screamers were clinging to each other, makeup smeared all the way down both of their faces.
Ava clenched her fists and glared at them. “You have a death wish?”
Still sobbing, they both shook their heads.
“Then shut up! I don’t want to die today, either.”
They quieted, other than breathing heavily.
It was all Ava could hear.
Everything else was calm.
Too calm.
Terror squeezed every inch of her. Ava’s pulse drummed in her ears as she creeped toward the door. Her hand seemed to act on its own as she reached for the handle.
One of the girls behind her let out another cry.
Ava spun around and glowered at her. “Get ahold of yourself!”
She shut her mouth and buried her face against her friend’s shoulder.
Ava turned back around and pulled the door open slightly. Other than the abandoned items, the hall was empty.
“Is he out there?” whispered one of the criers.
Ava shook her head and opened the door a little wider. Everything was still silent. Even the two girls who were huddled behind her.
She pulled on the door until she was able to fit her head through.
Footsteps sounded from the hallway. One heavy, plodding step after the next. They echoed in the empty corridor.
Ava turned toward the noise.
The man wore all black leathers and brandished a rifle. He also had two pistols attached to his belt.
He hadn’t seen her yet. Ava needed to step back into the bathroom. But something stopped her.
She knew the man.
His gaze locked on hers. “Ava.”
Her blood went cold.
“I’ve been looking for you.”
She swallowed. “Get away from me!”
He laughed, then aimed his weapon at her.
Ava ducked back in and pushed on the door. “Someone help me!”
The two girls scurried into a stall.
“Help, Ryker!” Ava cried.
The gunman pushed on the door.
Ryker ran out from the stall and shoved his shoulder against the door.
Ava had never been happier to see a linebacker in her life. But even with the two of them pushing on the door, it still moved in toward them.
“Ava, give up before your friends die!” shouted the gunman.
Ryker turned to her, wide-eyed. “You know him?”
Her stomach twisted in knots. She couldn’t bring herself to admit the truth.
“Give yourself up, and nobody else has to die!”
Ryker continued staring at her, his face paling. “Is he really going to kill us if you don’t go out there?”
Ava’s stomach lurched. Her nose throbbed. The bathroom spun around her.
“Ava…” Something tapped the door. It was probably the rifle.
Ryker stepped back. “Sorry.” He fled back to his stall.
The door burst open. Ava stumbled back. She tripped over her bag and clung to a sink to keep from falling.
Her mother’s ex-boyfriend entered the bathroom and knitted his brows together.
Ava’s knees shook as she stared at the gunman. “Wh-what are you d-doing here, Dave?”
His nostrils flared. “You won’t be the one asking questions.”
“Does this have to do with my mom?”
Dave stepped toward her and shoved the gun against her chest.
Ava screamed.
AVAILABLE AT:
April 2, 2018
Cover Reveal: Sweet Reunion (Indigo Bay Sweet Romance Series)
[image error]She’s determined to stay single, but everyone else is determined to see her married.
Maggie Kendrick is trying to start over in the enchanting beach town where she spent her summers growing up. Life has thrown her one too many wrenches, and now she’s resolved to move on—without a man.
Aunt Lucille has made it her life’s mission to see Maggie walk down the aisle. Everyone knows it too, as Lucille has tried to set Maggie up with every available bachelor in Indigo Bay.
Canyon Leblanc was Maggie’s first love, and he just returned to town. Sparks start flying again—stronger than ever. Distance has definitely made their hearts grow fonder, but Canyon has spent the last seven years living a wild and destructive lifestyle, and that reputation labels him a less-than-desirable catch.
Maggie and Canyon see past each other’s situations, but nobody in town wants them to get together, least of all Aunt Lucille. Friends, family, and even an enemy work hard to keep them apart.
Will Maggie open her heart to love again despite the many obstacles, or will the single life prove to be her best option?
March 22, 2018
Renegade Valkyrie: Now Available for Pre-Order!
[image error]She’s an angel of death, but not even that will be enough to keep her alive.
Soleil has been skirting Valhalla’s rules since before she dated ancient Egyptian rulers. She recently killed someone other than the person she was assigned to take out, so her leaders are hunting her to put her on trial. Not only that, but she has infuriated a dangerous witch—one who will stop at nothing until Soleil is dead.
With her life on the line at every turn, Soleil has no other choice but to face her greatest fears and trust new allies. Will she come out on top, or has her past finally caught up with her?
PRE-ORDER NOW:
Amazon Apple Kobo Nook Google Play
This new series is spin-off from the Curse of the Moon series. (Both series can be read apart from each other.) All of the Curse of the Moon books are now available! You can try Lost Wolf for free:
[image error]
March 1, 2018
Cover Reveal: Renegade Valkyrie (Valhalla’s Curse)
[image error] Coming in May!
This is a spin-off series from the Curse of the Moon books – each series stands completely alone. You don’t need to read one to read the other.
But if you have read the Curse of the Moon books, you’ve been wondering what happened to Soleil after [spoiler alert] and the [spoiler alert] when she [spoiler alert]. Soon, you’ll get to find out!
Click the cover to see it in full size!
Pre-order links coming soon!
If you haven’t read the Curse of the Moon books, you can start them now while you wait for Renegade Valkyrie:
[image error]
February 27, 2018
New Release: When Tomorrow Starts Without Me
[image error]He’s on the road to fame. She’s at the end of the line. A chance meeting will change everything.
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.
Rogan saves Kenna, only to face her anger. Intrigued by her reactions and motivations, he devotes himself to getting to know the real Kenna Mitchell. Turns out, she doesn’t even know herself. Soon their tenuous friendship blossoms into love, and Rogan pulls her into his world of rock and roll. But his social circle proves as cruel as the one she left behind.
As everything spirals out of control, Kenna discovers a shocking secret about her past. With each new lie uncovered, she’s gutted worse than before. She rallies every time—until she learns a painful detail she’s certain she’ll never recover from.
Can Rogan show Kenna that life is worth living, or will the merciless truths of her life convince her to finally end it all?
AVAILABLE AT:
Amazon Apple Kobo Google Play Nook
Excerpt
The railroad tracks rumble beneath my pink sneakers, vibrating my entire body along with them. My heart thunders in my chest.
I’m not backing out.
Sunshine beats down on me. It’s early summer, but it’s already proving to be an especially hot one. A rarity for a suburb of Seattle. It’s too bad I won’t be here to enjoy it.
Off to the side, near the shade of the trees, movement distracts me. Something is nearby. I can’t tell what.
And I don’t care.
The rumble of the tracks grows stronger. It’s harder to balance.
My pulse races as the deep-throated horn blares through the air.
Though the driver clearly sees me, the green and yellow machine doesn’t appear to slow.
Good. That’s exactly what I want.
The horn wails again, this time rippling through me.
My right foot slips from the track. I land in the middle of the two long pieces of metal. It’s probably for the best. I’ll be hit by the center of the train. More force to end it all faster.
Squeal! Tssh…
The brakes.
No!
Don’t stop!
Trains take forever to stop. Like half a mile or something. This can still happen.
I do the only thing I can. I burst into a run toward the massive, now-slowing vehicle.
The horn blares again, but I barely notice it. I can’t let the train stop before it reaches me. If I’m going to get anything right in my life, it has to be this.
Now that I’m running, it’s coming toward me faster. My heart pounds harder.
This is it. It’s really going to happen. I can almost count down, but it would be too disappointing to get to zero, only to find out that I’d miscalculated.
The horn now sounds like a constant noise. That driver really wants me off the tracks.
He doesn’t know who he’s dealing with.
I’m ready for this.
Something hits me. From the side.
Wait, what?
Now everything is a blur. I’m sailing through the air sideways. Away from the train! It’s leaving my line of sight.
My shoulder hits the ground first. Then my hip and side. My head hits. Hard.
I roll. Dirt and gravel get in my face.
I’m a mess of soil and grass.
The train barrels past.
I missed my train!
“What were you thinking?” demands a male voice from behind.
I spin toward the voice and glare at its owner. The gorgeous face of the owner. His almost-shoulder-length wavy hair is mostly covered by a gray beanie which perfectly matches his plaid flannel shirt.
“What were you thinking?” he repeats.
I jump up and dust rocks and grass from my jeans and shirt. “Me? What about you? Why’d you do that?”
He stands, but doesn’t dust himself off. “You mean why did I save your life?”
“Yeah.” I glower at him. My heart continues racing, but now from anger instead of excitement. “I had it all planned perfectly. Then you show up. The one variable I didn’t take into account. Jerk.”
He shakes his head. “You’re unbelievable. I save your life, and you call me names.”
“I called you a jerk. That’s one name. Learn to count.”
“Why’d you do it?” He adjusts his hat and tilts his head. His eyes are filled more with concern than annoyance now.
The guy is flipping gorgeous, but in the most down-to-earth way imaginable.
It’s infuriating.
“What’s so awful that a pretty girl like you wants to end it all?”
Pretty? Me? The guy obviously needs glasses. Maybe they flew off when he ruined my plans.
“Don’t you have anything to say?”
“Not to you.” I fold my arms.
“Hey, I saved your life. The least you could do is tell me why you were going to throw it all away.”
I sigh as dramatically as I can. Seriously, I really draw it out and even manage a slight eye roll. Maybe I should’ve gone into acting. Too late for that. For anything, really.
There will be another train.
I ignore the hottie and storm toward the tracks. “This time I’m going to get it right.”
He jumps between me and the tracks. “And if I don’t let you?”
“You’re going to try to stop me again?”
“Yeah.” He knits his brows together, clearly daring me to try and stop him.
Why does he have to be so attractive? It’s aggravating.
I clench my fists. “I’ve fought off guys bigger than you.”
He arches a brow. “Really?”
“You’d better believe it. Wanna try me?” I step closer, ready to kick him where the sun doesn’t shine for messing up my plans. I should be all over those tracks, yet here I am just arguing with a mysterious guy who shows up out of nowhere.
He steps back with a little laugh. “Okay, I believe you. Hey, why don’t we grab something to eat?”
I just stare at him. He can’t be for real. “You want to get some lunch? After this?”
“I’m hungry. Aren’t you?”
“Doesn’t matter. I didn’t bring any money.” I need to get rid of him so I can catch the next train. It’ll be another fifteen minutes. Yes, I checked. Just in case something went wrong. I’m prepared.
He shrugs. “I have money. Come on.”
It takes me a moment to realize what he said. “Now you want to pay for my meal?”
“Yeah. Come on.”
“What? Am I your charity case for the day?”
He doesn’t move a muscle.
My stomach growls. Loudly.
He chuckles and rubs the light dusting of facial hair across his cheeks. “Sounds like you could use something to eat.”
“What I need is the next train!”
Why did I admit that to him?
“Let’s get something to eat. You don’t even have to tell me why you’re out here. Just eat the food, and sit there being furious at me for saving your life. Sound like a plan?”
I clench my jaw, not wanting to give into him. My stomach rumbles again. Why did he have to bring up food?
“Well?” The corners of his perfect mouth twitch. He finds me amusing.
“Fine.” I may as well get a meal for my trouble.
There will be other trains. And looking at this guy won’t be the worst way to spend my last hour.
AVAILABLE AT:
February 20, 2018
Cover Reveal: Against All Odds (An Alex Mercer Thriller)
Coming in March 2018
While you’re waiting, check out the other books in the series, now available. This series takes place about ten years after the USA Today bestselling Gone Trilogy ends. It follows Alex Mercer, younger brother of Macy Mercer, who was abducted in the Gone books.
[image error]
He gave up his daughter years ago, but now he’ll risk his life to save hers.
Alex Mercer is no stranger to kidnappings. The emotional scars still run deep from his sister’s disappearance years earlier. His daughter Ariana remains safe long after her adoption, and he cherishes the few times a year he gets to see her. The joy is palpable when he takes her on their first one-on-one outing. At least until he pauses to answer a text and Ariana disappears…
Wracked with guilt and determined to find answers, Alex teams up with an unlikely ally at the police department. As the clues reveal a pattern of missing girls, the kidnapping case becomes a race against time to save Ariana. What cost is Alex willing to pay to keep his daughter alive?
Girl in Trouble is the first book in a series of thrilling stand-alone novels spun off from the USA Today bestselling Gone Trilogy. If you like heart-pounding suspense, page-turning action, and characters you’ll never forget, then you’ll love Stacy Claflin’s engrossing new series.
Amazon | Kobo | Google | Apple | Nook
February 15, 2018
Romance is in the Air Giveaway!
Bayside Wishes by Stacy Claflin
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.
Nico put the tickets in his wallet for safekeeping. “Sounds good to me.”
She took his hand and pulled him toward the stores. His pulse raced, but she didn’t seem to think anything of holding his hand.
A few people glanced at them, seeming surprised. Being on the force, he was well-known and he hadn’t been on a single date since moving to Enchantment Bay. And he’d definitely never been out with someone as attractive as Freya.
She stopped in front of a candle place. “You ever been in there?”
Nico held in a snort. “No. The only candle I own is for when the power goes out.”
Freya stared at him for a moment. “Seriously?”
“Just for emergencies.”
“You don’t know what you’re missing. Come on.” She yanked on his arm—she was stronger than she looked—and dragged him inside. An array of aromas hit him all at once. He couldn’t tell one from the other, but he liked the way they blended together.
Almost like the unexpected pairing of him and Freya.
Bayside Destines by Stacy Claflin
What do a fifteen-year-old pact, a fake engagement, and a stalker have in common? Audrey Hughes.
Audrey’s ex-boyfriend won’t take ‘no’ for an answer. A master manipulator and a violently selfish man, he’s decided Audrey is his property. And he’s determined to get her back. Forcibly, if necessary.
She flees to the one place she ever found ‘family’—to Enchantment Bay. More precisely, to Logan Hunter.
Logan is a successful attorney and consummate bachelor. His work is his wife, and that’s the only long-term relationship he sees for himself. Until a childhood sweetheart shows up and reminds him of the pact they made years earlier—to get married.
It surprises him that she remembered, stuns him that he’s intrigued, and shocks him to discover her reason for returning. He uses all his influence and connections to protect her, only to be the one who causes her unbearable pain and drives her away.
Can Logan find a way to keep Audrey safe, make things right, and mend both their broken hearts?
Shale glanced around and spoke in a low voice. “You sure your engagement is fake?”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Logan frowned.
“I saw the way you two kept looking at each other during dinner.”
Logan stood taller. “We have to be convincing.”
“You kissed her twice when I was the only one in here. Twice, and I know it’s fake. Or at least that it’s supposed to be.”
Logan glared at him. “It is.”
“I was looking for signs that it is, but I didn’t see any. I just saw two people acting like they think the other was the best thing ever.”
“We are friends—we genuinely like each other. You’re reading too much into it.”
“Whatever you have to tell yourself.”
“Awesome storyline! Each book in the series gets better and better!” -Amazon Reviewer
“The combination of mild suspense, sweet romantic moments, and dramatic situations really engages the reader, as the flow of the story is steady and captivating. The characters are portrayed in ways that make them seem real–like true friends, with real strengths and weaknesses. I’m already looking forward to the rest of the series!” -Amazon Reviewer
Author Stacy ClaflinUSA Today bestselling author Stacy Claflin writes about complex women overcoming incredible odds. Whether it’s her Gone trilogy of psychological thrillers, her ongoing Transformed paranormal saga, or her Seaside Hunters sweet romance series, Stacy’s three-dimensional heroines shine through.
Decades after she wrote her first stories on construction paper and years after typing on an inherited green screen computer that weighed half a ton, Stacy realized her dream of becoming a full-time author.
When she’s not busy writing or educating her kids from home, Stacy enjoys watching TV shows like Supernatural, Haven, and Once Upon a Time.
Giveaway Details
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway
Ends 3/8/18
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
February 14, 2018
Romance is in the Air – A Celebration of Sweet Romance #Giveaway
Happy Valentine’s Day!
We hope you are enjoying this month-long celebration of clean romance!
Today marks the halfway point of this event! There are currently over $300 in giveaways you can enter!
We still have 2 more weeks of great giveaways and amazing authors coming your way, but we wanted to throw in this bonus easy-to-enter $25 giveaway to help you celebrate Valentine’s Day!
Giveaway Details
$25 in Paypal Cash or a $25 Amazon.com eGift Card
Ends 2/28/18
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via PayPal or gift codes via Amazon.com. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the participating authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
February 1, 2018
Huge Giveaway: Enter to win 8 Signed Paperbacks & Swag Pack!
Surround yourself in the romance of heartwarming, sweet novellas from the USA Today, national bestselling, and award-winning authors set in the town of Romance, Oregon. Each story takes you inside the heart of a small town-its people-and features adorable animal friends in need of a forever home. Take a trip to Romance, Oregon, where falling in love has never been easier and happily-ever-after is guaranteed!
Enter to win eight of these books signed in paperback or a fantastic swag pack!
[image error]
[image error]
Lost in Romance by Stacy Claflin
Work is her life. He’s the boss’s son. Will she risk it all for love?
Finding Forever in Romance by Melanie D. Snitker
Brent’s hands are so full he doesn’t realize his heart is empty. But how can he convince Nicole to trust him and give them all a chance at the forever family they deserve?
Blown Into Romance by Shanna Hatfield
Free spirit Brooke Roberts blows into Romance like an autumn storm, unprepared to fall for the handsome rancher who gives her a reason to stay.
Wired for Romance by Franky A. Brown
Electrician Josh Chadwick can rewire his new client’s house, but he can’t do a thing about the electricity sparking between them.
Restoring Romance by Tamie Dearen
She’s a big city chef who likes cats. He’s a small town mayor who restores antiques. But even with feline allergies at play, true love is nothing to sneeze at.
Finding Dori by J.J. DiBenedetto
She’s a loud, pushy New Yorker who drives him crazy. He almost ran her over with his truck. Of course they’re perfect for each other…
Katie’s Chance for Romance by Jessica L. Elliott
Five years ago she pushed him out of her life, but she couldn’t force him from her heart.
Chasing Romance by Liwen Y. Ho
When pop sensation Chase Lockhart wants more than a room at Izzy Sutton’s Bed and Breakfast, she must decide whether it’s worth opening up her heart to him, especially when he’s eleven years her junior.
Enter to Win!
All entries are optional.
The more you complete, the greater your chances of winning!
![[image error]](https://i0.wp.com/stacyclaflin.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/RenegadeValkyrie-Final-1.jpg){kind=link}