Stacy Claflin's Blog, page 6

He can have any woman he wants… except her.

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.

Amazon | Apple | Nook | Kobo | Google

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m sorry for the things I said at Sweet Caroline’s. It wasn’t fair. Or true.”

Relief washed through him. “Really? So, you don’t think I’m all brawn and no brain?”

“I mean it. I was insensitive. The thing is, I’m used to being hard-lined and direct at work. It’s the only way to get things done. But this isn’t politics, and you’re…” Her voice trailed off.

He leaned forward.

“You’re a friend.”

Ouch. Well, it could be worse. She could see him as an ex to leave in the dust, or…

“You’re also a good person. I know that.” She drew in a deep breath. “You’ve always looked out for Evan, for both of us. For anyone you care about.”

Her gaze lingered, as did the silence between them.

Dylan swallowed. Should he tell her he cared about her? Was she waiting for him to say it? Or was it too soon?

Brooke pulled out her phone and scowled at it. “And it isn’t just that. Things at work are really stressing me out.” She looked back up at him, her eyes shining.

His heart leaped into his throat. He wanted to jump up and wrap his arms around her. Instead, he scooted closer and put his hand on top of hers. It was so soft. She smelled so good, too. Like a field of wildflowers.

“I could lose my job, and there isn’t anything I can do about it.” Her voice cracked. “And I didn’t do anything, either. Somebody’s making me look guilty to cover their own tracks.”

“What? Are you serious?”

She tugged on her ponytail and nodded. “DC is a vicious place to work.”

He squeezed her hand and resisted the urge to hold her in his arms. “Is there anything I can do?”

“No.” She blinked and a single tear ran down her cheek.

Dylan couldn’t take it anymore. He wiped the tear away. “Let me secure the rest of the auction items so you can deal with this.”

“You’d do that?”

He nodded.

“Even after the things I said to you?”

“You didn’t mean them, right?”

She shook her head no. “It was the stress talking.”

“Then let me take this burden from you.”

Brooke held his gaze, her mouth gaped just slightly like she was going to say something. Or like she wanted him to kiss her. Did she?

He wanted to feel her sweet lips on his. To stop thinking about the past kisses and experience the real thing again.

She didn’t say anything.

Dylan took that to mean she wanted the same thing. He leaned forward…

Amazon | Apple | Nook | Kobo | Google

Check out my freebies…

The post He can have any woman he wants… except her. first appeared on Stacy Claflin, Author.

May’s FREE Book Fair

Don’t you just love free books? It’s the best way to try new authors… I’ve found tons of new favorite authors by trying free books. I’ve also been told by many readers that they’ve found my books trying one free. It’s a win for everyone!

It’s like trying a sample at the store… but it lasts longer than a piece of chocolate. Hours and hours of enjoyment…

Click the images below to be taken to your new books. There are HUNDREDS of books. You’re sure to find several you’ll like! That’ll keep you busy all month, maybe longer…

**Always check the prices before you download! You never know when a book might get switched back to paid, even without the author knowing!**

There are many genres – from fantasy to thrillers and more – so look around until you find one (or a bunch) that you like:

And these books of mine are always free…

The post May’s FREE Book Fair first appeared on Stacy Claflin, Author.

A little girl kidnapped. A father who’ll risk anything to get her back.

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?

Read FREE today:

Amazon | Apple | Kobo | Nook | Google

A girl who looked just like Ariana from behind walked away with a balding man in a jean jacket. She had the same blueish-green colored jacket. The same ponytail, too.

It was Ariana.

“No!” Alex burst into a run, terror seizing him.

What was Ari doing? Hadn’t anyone taught her to stay away from strangers?

“Ariana! Stop!” he called.

The man led her around a corner up ahead. It may as well have been miles away.

“Stop them!” Alex shouted.

No one noticed his yelling. Or the man walking away with Ariana.

His throat closed. He forced his legs to move faster. Everything moved too slowly, except for that man and Ariana.

Alex’s pulse raced, making it hard to breathe. He rounded the same corner they had, but now they were out of sight.They could have gone anywhere—the arcade, the food court, or even outside.

His stomach twisted in tight knots. Beads of sweat broke out on his forehead.

He ran over to the man selling tickets. “Did you see a little girl about this high,”—he held his hand to his side, just below his chest—“with dark brown hair full of sparkles?”

“Maybe.” He played with his goatee. “Not sure.”

Alex ran to the arcade and glanced around. No little girls.

He ran outside. Thankfully the bright overhead lights made it easy enough to scan the parking lot.

There they were.

At the far end of the parking lot, Ariana held up her phone as if showing him something on the screen.

“Ari!” he screamed, his voice cutting his throat. “Ariana!”

Neither seemed to hear him.

He burst into a run, his heart pounding against his ribcage. Alex had to dart around parked cars, but finally he neared them. He could see Ari’s profile—it was definitely her.

“Ariana!” He was so close, yet so far. He continued running.

She turned.

The man wrapped an arm around her.

“Help!” Ari called, fear in her eyes.

The man covered her mouth, hoisted her up, and ran.

Alex’s blood turned cold. “Stop!”

He didn’t. In fact, he ran around the corner of the building.

Alex caught up just in time to see the man stuff Ariana into a black SUV. The man jumped inside and slammed the door shut.

Pulse drumming in his ears, Alex ran faster. He got closer to the vehicle, and closer still.

He reached for the door.

The SUV squealed away just as his hand grasped air rather than the handle.

 Read Girl in Trouble FREE today:

Amazon | Apple | Kobo | Nook | Google

The post A little girl kidnapped. A father who’ll risk anything to get her back. first appeared on Stacy Claflin, Author.

Even perfect neighborhoods have deadly secrets…

Watch Your Back is a new domestic thriller series by USA Today bestselling author Stacy Claflin. It’s a spinoff from her bestselling Alex Mercer series — but this series can be read on its own. You won’t feel like you’re missing anything by jumping in here!

Even perfect neighborhoods have deadly secrets.

Ariana and Damon moved to the gated neighborhood of Rosy Hills to leave behind their traumatic pasts. Now they have their dream jobs and are part of a tight group of friends. All of that crumbles when their neighbor Rita disappears without a trace.

Now it looks like one of their own could be a killer. Ariana and Damon must figure out who it is, or they risk never finding Rita alive. If they don’t reach her in time, they could all end up dead…

Pre-Order Today:

Amazon | Apple | Kobo | Nook | Google Play | Other

***

Or if you’d prefer to start with the Alex Mercer series, you can start with Girl in Trouble for free:

The post Even perfect neighborhoods have deadly secrets… first appeared on Stacy Claflin, Author.

Hundreds of FREE Books – in multiple genres!

Everyone loves FREE books. (Right? I mean, it would be crazy not to.) It’s the best way to try new authors. It’s like trying a sample at the store!

There are literally HUNDREDS of books below — most are free, and some are on sale. You’re sure to find plenty you’ll love! Find your new favorite author today…

Almost all of these end April 30: click the images NOW for your new books!!

And these books of mine are always free…

The post Hundreds of FREE Books – in multiple genres! first appeared on Stacy Claflin, Author.

Cover Reveal: Deception gets a new cover!

A blind date, a gorgeous vampire, and a deadly assassin. Just a typical Friday night.

Yesterday, my biggest problems were fighting with my sister and getting into my dream college. Today, I’m dealing with destructive new powers and a raging thirst for blood—and both are getting me into serious trouble.

I never believed in the supernatural, but now I can’t escape it. I’ve tried everything to distract myself from the bundle of weird events that is ruining my life, including a blind date with a drop-dead gorgeous guy. Turns out he knows more about my past than I do, including the assassin who has marked me for death.

I thought becoming a blood-sucking child of the night would make me immortal… turns out it just made me a target. With a trained killer after me, I might actually have to trust the know-it-all vampire to help me unlock my powers, before one of us ends up permanently dead.

Amazon | Apple | Kobo | Nook | Google

★★★★★ “Everything to love – Better than Twilight”
★★★★★ “This book was unexpectedly wonderful”
★★★★★ “A great adventuresome escape”
★★★★★ “I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!!”

The post Cover Reveal: Deception gets a new cover! first appeared on Stacy Claflin, Author.

April’s Best Free Reads

This is no joke! It may be April Fools’ Day, but these free and cheap books are the real deal…

Who doesn’t love free books? It’s the best way to try new authors. It’s like trying a sample at the store!

There are HUNDREDS of books below — most are free or on sale. You’re sure to find plenty you’ll love! Find your new favorite author today…

There are many genres to pick from, so look around until you find one (or a ton) that you like:

And these books of mine are always free…

The post April’s Best Free Reads first appeared on Stacy Claflin, Author.

People change, but some feelings last forever…

Rafael Hunter never thought he’d return to Kittle Falls, but life gave him no other choice. Los Angeles chewed him up, spit him out, and sent him back to square one.

Amara Fowler has lived in the small beach town her entire life. She’s overcome her shyness to grow into the woman she always knew she could be, but she never forgot her secret crush. When the alluring Rafael returns, he can’t help but stir in her a whirlwind of old feelings.

They’ve both changed so much. Has life kept them incompatible or has it molded them into a matching set?

Read it today.

Excerpt

Amara turned around and left the candy shop a second time. She turned to head for the main part of town where most of the restaurants were.

She stopped in her tracks.

A gorgeous, dark-haired man stepped out of a shop that had been empty retail space all summer. He wore a deep purple silk shirt that was obviously designer.

Rafael Hunter.

What was he doing in town? She hadn’t seen him in at least a decade. Not even the couple times she’d heard of his brief returns. After graduation, Rafael had pretty much high-tailed it out of town, like at least half the kids in their class—and every other one before and after them.

He pulled a key out of his pants pocket and locked the store.

Could he be in town permanently? Was it possible he owned a store only a few doors down from the candy shop?

Amara stared, feeling like a fool, reminded of the girl she had been in school. Overweight, unappealing, the weight of her thick, nerdy glasses sitting on her nose as they had all those years before. It didn’t matter that she’d lost the weight, that she now wore contacts. Seeing Rafael sent her right back to the painful days she’d rather forget.

She thought about saying hi, but couldn’t bring her feet to move. Rafael had been the hottest boy in their class—just like all five of the Hunter brothers had been in their respective classes. There wasn’t a girl in Kittle Falls who hadn’t crushed on at least one of the five brothers at some point.

Rafael had been Amara’s secret crush. And what made that even more difficult was that they had often been placed together in classes because alphabetically, their last names were so close. There hadn’t been any kids in their class with a last name in between theirs. Amara had been too shy to talk to him, but had always admired his sense of humor and ability to find the good in any situation.

He leaned against the door he’d just locked, staring at his phone. Amara took the opportunity to study him. He was clean-shaven and even better looking than he’d been in school with his broader shoulders and rugged stubble.

Without warning, Rafael lowered his phone and looked her way. She’d been caught staring. Heat crept into her cheeks.

“Rafael!” she called, waving. If she pretended it was no big deal, maybe she could save face.

He arched an eyebrow, not appearing to recognize her.

Amara’s heart sank. After all those times sitting next to her in class, and he didn’t know who she was. She forced a smile and walked over. “I don’t think I’ve seen you since graduation.” Maybe that would help to ring a bell. She smiled wider. “How are you?”

Rafael continued looking at her. It was obvious he hadn’t a clue who she was.

“I heard you have a crazy successful business in LA,” Amara said. “That must be so exciting. I’m running my parents candy shop with Alex.” That had to tell him who she was. Alex had run with the same crowd of kids that Rafael had. “Actually, Alex and I own it now. My parents opened a shop near Disney Land, which is super successful. We almost never see them anymore.” Ugh. Why did her mouth have to run when she was nervous? He didn’t need to know all that.

Rafael’s face finally registered recognition. “Four-Eye—I mean, Amara Fowler?”

Amara grimaced. “Four-Eyed Fowler. You can say it. Everyone did.”

“I apologize.” He stared at her. “You look completely different. I can’t believe—I mean, you look great.”

It took her a moment to recover. Rafael Hunter had just said she looked great? Great? “Well, I got contacts, so the old nickname doesn’t really fit anymore.”

Rafael shook his head. “No, it certainly doesn’t.”

“So, what brings you back to Kittle Falls? Looking into retail space?”

He glanced behind him. “I’ve got that space, and I’m close to ready to open.”

“Oh, like a satellite location?”

“More like starting over.” Neither his face nor his tone indicated whether that was a good or bad thing.

Amara forced another smile. “Well, that sure sounds exciting. Looks like we’re going to be neighbors.” She gestured toward the candy shop. “I don’t want to keep you any longer, but welcome back. If you need anything, just stop in.”

“Thanks. It’s good to see you again, Amara.”

“You, too.” She spun around and walked away, trying to catch her breath. She had so many questions, but thankfully, she hadn’t babbled on anymore than she had at the start of the conversation.

Amara couldn’t think straight and seemed to have lost her appetite.

Amazon | Other Retailers

***

The post People change, but some feelings last forever… first appeared on Stacy Claflin, Author.

Springtime Free Books – Find a new favorite story!

Who doesn’t love free books? It’s the best way to try new authors. It’s like trying a sample at the store!

There are HUNDREDS of books. You’re sure to find several you’ll like! Find your new favorite author today!

There are many genres – from fantasy to thrillers to romance – so look around until you find one (or a ton) that you like!

*Note that some of the books are sales/deals, so always check prices! However most are free...

Click the images below to be taken to your new books:

And these books of mine are always free…

The post Springtime Free Books – Find a new favorite story! first appeared on Stacy Claflin, Author.

One poor decision will haunt her forever…

Macy Mercer only wants a little independence. Eager to prove herself grown up, she goes to a dark, secluded park. She’s supposed to meet the boy of her dreams who she met online. But the cute fifteen year old was a fantasy, his pictures fake. She finds herself face to face with Chester Woodran, a man capable of murder.

Distraught over his own missing daughter, Chester insists that Macy replace his lost girl. He locks Macy up, withholds food, and roughs her up, demanding that she call him dad. Under duress from his constant threats and mind games, her hold on reality starts to slip. Clinging to her memories is the only way of holding onto her true identity, not believing that she is Chester’s daughter. Otherwise she may never see her family again.

Read book 1 for free.

Read the full trilogy: Amazon | Nook | Apple | Kobo | Google

Excerpt

Sitting in his warm truck across from the park, Chester Woodran watched her walk across the open field. An overhead light turned on as she passed under it in the dusk. Her long, dark hair swished back and forth behind her. She wandered around the playground, walking between the climbers and slides until she stopped in front of the swings.

He had spent hours watching her. Studying her. He knew her almost better than she knew herself.

The moment of truth would arrive soon. She’d come a few minutes early, but he wouldn’t deviate from the schedule. He would act exactly on time. He’d laid the groundwork. He wasn’t going to let her change a thing.

Chester pulled out his phone and scrolled through the pictures, stopping at his favorite. It was the girl in the park for sure, although he couldn’t see the details of her face up close yet. He would have to wait a few minutes.

From the phone, her light brown eyes shone at him. Her shy, almost insecure face smiled sweetly.

His heart sped up at the thought of many weeks of work coming together at long last. The waiting was about to end.
Clenching the steering wheel with all his might, he took several deep breaths to calm himself. Every precaution had been taken. Prepared with painstaking care. There was no chance of anything going wrong so long as he stayed with the plan.

The alarm on his digital wristwatch beeped. He turned it off and then leaned back into the seat, adjusting his over-sized glasses.

It was time...

Read book 1 for free.

Read the full trilogy: Amazon | Nook | Apple | Kobo | Google

The post  One poor decision will haunt her forever… first appeared on Stacy Claflin, Author.