Monday, October 31, 2016

Release Day ~ The Bluebird ~ @McCaffreyKristy ~ #romance

By Kristy McCaffrey

I'm thrilled to announce THE BLUEBIRD, Wings of the West Book 5, is now available.


FREE in Kindle Unlimited.
Can be read as a standalone.

Molly Rose Simms departs the Arizona Territory, eager for adventure, and travels to Colorado to visit her brother. Robert left two years ago to make his fortune in the booming silver town of Creede, and now Molly Rose hopes to convince him to accompany her to San Francisco, New York City, or even Europe. But Robert is nowhere to be found. All Molly Rose finds is his partner, a mysterious man known as The Jackal.

Jake McKenna has traveled the bustling streets of Istanbul, exotic ports in China, and the deserts of Morocco. His restless desire to explore has been the only constant in his life. When his search for the elusive and mythical Bluebird mining claim lands him a new partner, he must decide how far he’ll go to protect the stunning young woman who’s clearly in over her head. A home and hearth has never been on The Jackal’s agenda, but Molly Rose Simms is about to change his world in every conceivable way.

A sensuous historical western romance set in 1892 Colorado.


Excerpt

“Aren’t you cold?”

Molly jumped at the sound of Jake’s voice, holding the goblet away from her gown so the fluid didn’t spill. “A little.”

He strode toward her, removed his jacket, then placed it onto her shoulders.

Immediately she was engulfed in McKenna’s smell—musky and wild and distinctive. “Thank you.” A wave of longing swept through her, primal and fierce. It was as if she were a coyote who’d just caught the scent of her mate…or a jackal.

He sat beside her although the post holding the railing divided them. His white shirt all but glowed in the dark night that embraced them. He loosened his tie and undid the top button.

Molly watched from the corner of her eye, trying not to stare.

How could she even consider some boy named Carl when she’d already met a man like Jake?

She took another gulp of wine and stared straight ahead. Had Esme spoken the truth? Was Jake courting her?

“Go easy,” Jake said, his voice a caress in the night air.

“Why?”

“Because you’ll regret it tomorrow.”

She considered his advice then stared at the corral. “Did you tell Esme Patterson that you kissed me?”

“No. Is she spreading rumors?”

His voice sounded amused, which emboldened Molly to move forward. Or was it the alcohol? “There seems to be talk that you…and I…that we…”

She glanced at him, and his tenacious gaze caught her attention. She couldn’t look away.

“That we what?” His voice, deep and hypnotic, washed over her like a warm rainstorm.

She shook her head, suddenly bashful. “Never mind.” She was being silly. Jake McKenna wasn’t courting her. She needed to remember his reputation. Swallowing another sip of wine, she forged ahead. “You apparently have the distinction of being a scamp around these parts. I was cautioned to avoid you, by more than one woman, I should add.”

“I’m a what? A scamp? That’s a new one.” Shaking his head, he chuckled. “What do you think, Molly Rose?”

“I don’t think anything. I don’t know you.”

“Don’t you?”

Confused, she reiterated, “No, I don’t. Isn’t that what I just said?” Her muddled thoughts swirled in her head. Damn the wine.

“You don’t have to be afraid of me, you know.”

“I’m not.”

He grinned. “I spent some time in Istanbul, and while I was there, I studied a poet and philosopher named Rumi. He was a great observer of life, of how important the smallest thing can be. What you seek is seeking you.”

She watched him, perplexed.

“Maybe we’ve been searching for each other,” he added.

She laughed, but it was more of a snort. Embarrassed, she straightened, trying to sound indifferent as she asked, “Is this how you sweet-talk women?”

“No. Just you.”

“I think I’ve had too much to drink.”

He reached over and took the goblet from her. His fingers brushed hers, sending a shiver through her, and, for a moment, she thought he might kiss her again. Did she just swoon toward him?

As he downed the remainder of the liquid, she stared at his mouth. “How did you get away from Winston?”

“I’m The Jackal.”

A smile stretched clear across her face before she could rein it in. “You’re full of bluster, just like every other man.”

His expression sobered. “And how many men have you known?”

“Some. A few.” She nodded. “Some. Beatrice Perkins has me all but engaged to her son Carl.”

Jake’s eyes narrowed. He tensed and turned his face from her. She didn’t like it. Had she offended him? She lifted her hand to touch his arm, but when he swung his gaze back to her, she hid the gesture by pretending to swat at a nonexistent fly.

“I want to check out the Chigger. Since you’re my partner, do you want to come?”

She giggled. Heavens, she needed to curb her drinking. “How scandalous. You’d really let me go with you?” Don’t sound so eager, Molly. Act like a woman. She sought to compose herself.

“Yes. You can stay with Ivan and Pearl Krupin. They have a place in the hills.”

“Where will you be?”

“I’ll use the Krupin’s place as a base to go scouting. I’ll see you every night.”

“Can I scout with you? Will you teach me?”

He nodded, his gaze softening. “Yes, I’ll teach you.”

Molly had the oddest feeling that they spoke of more than just prospecting. “Should I tell Robert?” she asked softly.

He hesitated. “Probably. He’ll worry if you don’t.”

“You think he’ll stop me?”

“I think you’re his sister, and he loves you very much. He’ll always have a need to keep you safe and sound.”

She considered the situation. “How long would we be gone?”

“Not more than a few days.”

“Alright. When do we leave?”

“I can get horses and supplies together tonight,” he said. “But I’m not sure how to get you out of this house.”

Archie came to mind. “I think I might have a way. I’ll meet you at the dip in the road beyond the entrance to the ranch.”

“When?”

“Before sunup,” she answered.

He nodded. “Should I ask how?”

“No.”

Jake’s body exuded warmth and Molly swayed. He was a heady combination of rugged male physique—broad shoulders, rolled sleeves revealing muscled forearms, a freshly-shaved chiseled jaw. She had to force herself not to reach out and touch the smooth skin of his cheek.

“You’re not that irresistible.” Had she just uttered the words aloud?

He grinned. “Are you sure about that?”

No. I’m not sure at all. “Why did you kiss me in the tunnel?”

The amusement left his eyes, replaced by a penetrating gaze that awakened an ancient feminine part of herself, always present but never acknowledged. Until now. Until Jake. The Jackal.

“Because I wanted to.”

Copyright © 2016 K. McCaffrey LLC

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I'm pleased to share that all the books in my Wings series are now available in print.


I'm giving away two autographed sets of the series at my Facebook page. Be sure to enter!! If you'd like an autographed set at a reduced price, contact me directly at kristy@kristymccaffrey.com.

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Connect with Kristy

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Nicholas C. Creede

By Kristy McCaffrey

The mining town of Creede—located in southeastern Colorado—was named after Nicholas Creede.

Nicholas Creede

The early life of Creede is cloaked in mystery. His given name was William H. Harvey and according to one story he was born on a farm near Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1841. His father died when he was four and he was forced to support himself at age twelve. Another version states that he was born in 1848 and lived with his family in Iowa until he was eight. In a moment of despair, he changed his name when the girl he loved jilted him for his brother. Another tale asserts he changed his name in 1886 or 1887 while living in Julesberg, Colorado, due to trouble with Indians.

In the 1860’s, Creede enlisted in the famous Pawnee Scouts—Pawnee Indian braves led by white officers—who rode across the plains of Nebraska guarding wagon trains and defending settlers against hostile Cheyenne and Sioux warriors. Creede was quickly made a first lieutenant and fought Indians for seven years in Nebraska and Dakota. He was known as a great ‘war chief’ and became fluent in the Pawnee language. It was during this time that Creede saw the mining activities in the Black Hills and became enamored of the hunt for silver and gold.

During the 1870’s, he left the Pawnee Scouts and began prospecting in Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and California, achieving modest success with several claims. In August 1889, Creede and his partners—E.R. Naylor and G.L. Smith—were prospecting on Campbell Mountain (in the San Juan Mountains in southern Colorado) when they located the Holy Moses claim. The mining boom of the Creede District began in the fall of 1890 when word spread that the Holy Moses had been sold for $70,000 to Denver investors.

Creede, Colorado 1892

Creede later located the Amethyst vein and the subsequent mines included the Bachelor, the Annie Rooney, the Sunnyside, and the Commodore. Creede’s share of the Amethyst mining operation was well over a million dollars. Not long after the discovery, the camp in the area (known as Jimtown) was renamed to Creede.

Creede eventually married but it wasn’t a happy union. While in the midst of divorce proceedings he died of an accidental morphine overdose on July 12, 1897.

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~ Coming October 31 ~

The Bluebird
Wings of the West: Book Five
Now available for pre-order at a special limited release price of 99 cents.

The Bluebird will be FREE in the Kindle Unlimited program.

Molly Rose Simms departs the Arizona Territory, eager for adventure, and travels to Colorado to visit her brother. Robert left two years ago to make his fortune in the booming silver town of Creede, and now Molly Rose hopes to convince him to accompany her to San Francisco, New York City, or even Europe. But Robert is nowhere to be found. All Molly Rose finds is his partner, a mysterious man known as The Jackal.


Jake McKenna has traveled the bustling streets of Istanbul, exotic ports in China, and the deserts of Morocco. His restless desire to explore has been the only constant in his life. When his search for the elusive and mythical Bluebird mining claim lands him a new partner, he must decide how far he’ll go to protect the stunning young woman who’s clearly in over her head. A home and hearth has never been on The Jackal’s agenda, but Molly Rose Simms is about to change his world in every conceivable way.

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~ Special Promotion ~
Download THE BLACKBIRD FREE October 20-24th!!


Haunted by a deadly attack, Tess Carlisle turns to bounty hunter Cale Walker to find her missing padre. But in the land of the Apache, can he free her heart?

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Connect with Kristy

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Twenty Questions for @McCaffreyKristy

Recently on Facebook, a 'Twenty Question' game was going around for authors, so I thought I'd post my contribution here on my blog.

1.) What is your Author name?
      Kristy McCaffrey

2.) What is the first book you ever published?
      The Wren

Original Cover
Updated Cover

3.) What is your publiversary?
2003 (I think it was June, I can’t remember now).

4.) What is your favorite book you've written thus far?
      The Wren (because it was my first).

5.) What book took you the longest to write?
      The Sparrow


Original Cover
Updated Cover

6.) How long did it take you?
      About 6 years, although I stopped writing for a bit.

7.) What kind of music (if any) do you listen to while you write?
      I make playlists on my iPod for each book. I listen to a lot of 70’s music (Chicago, Fleetwood Mac, Boston). I also use soundtracks (favorites are The Quick and the Dead, Bad Girls, Pirates of the Caribbean, Snow White and the Huntsman, and Anchorman 2).

8.) Who is your favorite character from any of your books?
I love all of them but I do have a special fondness for Molly Hart from ‘The Wren’.

9.) What are you currently working on?
I’m writing the first book in a new contemporary adventure romance series I hope to launch next spring. The first book is titled DEEP BLUE and features a marine biologist studying great white sharks in Baja, Mexico and a hunky underwater filmmaker who is making a documentary about her.

10.) Do you have anything you snack on while you write?
      I chew a lot of sugar-free gum.

11.) What is a favorite quote or line from one of your books?
     That’s a difficult question. I’ve recently been pulling one-liners from my books to post on Twitter, so here’s one from ‘The Blackbird’.

His lips tenderly met hers, and with it a león de montaña gentled a frightened blackbird.




12.) Are you a self-published or a traditional published author?
      I’m self-published but I also work with a small publisher on various projects.

13.) What is your writing inspiration?
      I love storytelling, so I’m constantly soaking up narratives by reading and watching movies and television series.

14.) What genre do you write?
Historical western romance, but soon to include contemporary adventure.

15.) Do you have any writing rituals?
      I find it very difficult to write in the morning so I do business matters then. I write in the afternoons. It frequently ruins dinner for my husband LOL.

16.) Do you have a specific place you write?
      I write at my desk.

17.) Do you have any advice for inspiring writers?
      Learn the craft but nurture your intuitive abilities. A good story is always about emotion and less about perfect writing skills.          

18.) What are your writing goals?
      To produce entertaining stories.

19.) What authors inspire you and your writing?
      There are too many to list here. I’m part of a very supportive network of women who write western romances and I’ve learned much from them.

20.) What will be your next release?
      The Bluebird on October 31, 2016.