Reviews by Kristy McCaffrey
I thought I'd share some great stories (and one non-fiction) I've finished recently. I've included an Amazon link for each, but many of them are available on other platforms as well.
Concrete Evidence by Rachel Grant
In this steamy romantic suspense, Erica Kesling is an
underwater archaeologist who jeopardized her career when she took on the wrong
job. Now, she’s trying to lay low and prove her innocence. When she’s saddled
with a new intern, she’s annoyed, especially since he’s a complete slacker. But
Lee Scott isn’t really an intern. He’s an undercover security expert looking
for whomever is smuggling artifacts in an international ring reaching all the
way to Iraq. Soon, the sparks start flying between Erica and Lee. Ms. Grant has
crafted an intelligent plot with likeable characters, and if you like your love
scenes on the page, she definitely delivers. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and
look forward to reading the rest in this series.
Find Concrete Evidence at Amazon
******
Rescued By The Ranger by Dixie Lee Scott
A story of danger and smoldering passion that will have you
reading late into the night. Army Ranger Garrett Harding has come to Idaho to
learn about the mother he never knew. As he uncovers secrets that involve his
famous father, he falls for Rachel Maguire, who unbeknownst to him has been in
hiding for years from a stalker. Ms. Brown has written a wonderful love story
with gorgeous Idaho scenery and a dog named Cowboy, the most well-trained mutt
you’ll ever meet. Really enjoyed it!
Find Rescued by the Ranger at Amazon
******
Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal Newport
A must read for how to function in this highly digital world
we live in today. This book doesn’t simply tell you to set down your phone and
take a break from social media, but gives you concrete ways to change your
habits, as well as the underlying science of how this technology is reshaping our
brains, and not always for the better.
Relativity by G.S. Jennsen
This is Book 7 in Ms. Jennsen’s Amaranthe series and brings
back favorite couple Caleb and Alex as they must steal critical intelligence
from an alien species. Jennsen’s complex and layered worldbuilding is aided by
another gripping storyline. This is so much more than space opera. Highly
recommend! And if this series is new to you, start with Book 1, Starshine.
******
His Unexpected Companion by Patti Sherry-Crews
Kit and Olivia are forced to travel to Leadville together in
this well-drawn western romance. Both have secrets they’re hiding from each other,
but it’s the yearning for something more that each instills in the other that
propels them to question their life’s trajectory. Settle back and enjoy this
compelling love story set against the backdrop of historical Leadville. Couldn’t
put it down!
Find His Unexpected Companion at Amazon
******
Shot Through The Heart by Andrea Downing
This old west romance has complex characters and realistic
settings, so you're in for a great read! Shiloh is trying to leave his violent
history behind, but circumstances compel him to one final showdown. He didn’t plan
to fall for Sydney, a woman doctor struggling to establish her practice, and
she is adamantly against his need for vengeance. As they both face their life
choices and the consequences of those actions, they work to find a path toward each
other. A beautifully written journey during the time of strong men and
determined women. A great read!
Find Shot Through The Heart at Amazon
******
Beach Read by Emily Henry
Augustus and January are both writers but with very
different styles. He’s all angst and she’s a romance novelist. They’ll be neighbors
for the summer when they reside in side-by-side beach houses. With likeable and
realistic characters, tight pacing, and painful backstories to overcome, this
story will draw you in. It’s also funny, very romantic, and definitely on the
steamier side. A keeper!
******
The Once and Future Witches by Alix Harrow
This lyrical, layered, and surprisingly edgy novel is one of
those slow-burn stories that will take hold of you by the end. Juniper, Agnes,
and Bella are sisters playing the archetypal roles of maiden, mother, and crone
in a fictionalized version of Salem in the late 1800’s. But Ms. Harrow doesn’t
stick to the script, upending those roles at every turn, and weaving witchcraft
into the tale in a very innovative way. You’ll never look at nursery rhymes the
same again. She even manages to give the villain—Gideon Hill—purpose in his
malevolence. I was enthralled with this story!
Find The Once and Future Witches at Amazon
******
Battlestar Galactica: Armageddon by Richard Hatch and Christopher Golden
I recently re-watched the original Battlestar Galactica TV
show, which I had loved when I was a kid. I was thrilled to find this novel,
which takes up where the series left off. I was surprised how much I enjoyed
this book. It gave much greater depth to all the characters, especially my favorite—Athena.
What a wonderful gift Richard Hatch left for his fans! (He played Apollo on the
show.)
Find Battlestar Galactica: Armageddon at Amazon
