A Brand New Christmas Western Novella!!

I'm so pleased to share my first Christmas-themed story as part of the collection A CHRISTMAS COWBOY TO KEEP.

The weather is cold, the atmosphere is festive, and the cowboys are hot. How do you keep a cowboy at Christmas?

Don’t miss this holiday collection of modern-day cowboys and the women they love, featuring the same USA Today, Amazon Bestselling, and Award-Winning authors from “A Cowboy to Keep,” which garnered 55 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 stars.

CHRISTMAS, LIBERTY, AND THE THREE MINUTE MAN by Carra Copelin
Daniel Dylan Layman is determined to show headstrong city girl Liberty Ann Hart that a country life in Mistletoe, Texas, is the perfect Christmas gift.

A CHRISTMAS CAROLE by Andrea Downing
Carrie Matheson and her son are trying to settle into a new life in Wyoming. Tate Schrugge is trying to ditch his Scrooge and play Santa to the young boy. But will there be a Dickens of a romance by Christmas?

THE PEPPERMINT TREE by Kristy McCaffrey
Lawyer Skye Mallory returns home for the holidays due to an unexpected inheritance, and cowboy Joe Carrigan stands in her way.

THE DEVIL’S CHRISTMAS KISS by Devon McKay
When Kristen Kelly receives a Christmas kiss from Cole Lawson, she doesn’t believe it means anything. But Cole sets out to make things right with the woman of his heart.

SLAY BELLS by Hildie McQueen
At a small-town Christmas festival sparks fly between Carmen Dias and Detective Jared Bowden, but a dead body and a pesky ex-girlfriend don’t exactly spell romance.

THE BEST CHRISTMAS by Hebby Roman
All Sofia Rossi wants is to re-connect with her estranged son. But can Gar McCulloch, a handsome cowboy who runs a juvenile rehab ranch, be the answer to her problems?

COUNTING DOWN TO CHRISTMAS by Patti Sherry-Crews
Wedding planner Melody Evans views happily-ever-after endings with a skeptical eye. Veterinarian Leland Jennings IV thinks Christmas is for kids. Can the holiday spirit bring them together?

Only 99 cents at Amazon or FREE in Kindle Unlimited

Skye Mallory has always aspired to leave her family’s ranch, and she takes pride in having achieved her dream of becoming a lawyer. But when an unexpected inheritance draws her home for the Christmas holidays, she’s surprised by a longing to set down roots in the wide-open meadows and woodlands of southwestern Colorado. Only one thing stands in her way—a cowboy who broke her heart nine years ago.

In high school, Joe Carrigan admired Skye for her spirit and intellect, but he knew she was destined for a life beyond ranching. Turning down her romantic overture was the best course of action for them both. But now, he’s returned to their hometown, and it’s inevitable he’ll come face-to-face with his one regret in life—Skye Mallory. This time, however, he won’t be so chivalrous.

Read Chapter One from THE PEPPERMINT TREE here.

Additional Excerpt

“Do you and Mrs. Mallory want to ride with us?” (Joe asked.)

Skye’s dad shook his head. “Nah. You kids head on over. We might want to leave early, and we wouldn’t want to cramp your style.”

“I’ll be careful on the roads,” Joe assured him.

“It stopped snowing two hours ago, and I’m sure the plows are out clearing the way. But if it gets late and the roads seem icy, then stay put. Don’t risk it.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll take care of her.” Joe hesitated. “Is she here? I wasn’t sure if she still wanted to go.”

Mr. Mallory chuckled. “She’s upstairs. Shouldn’t be long now.”

Skye’s mom breezed into the room, wearing a black gown trimmed with red, her graying hair pinned away from her face.

“You look beautiful, Mrs. Mallory,” Joe said.

She giggled and patted his arm. “Thank you. It’s fun to get dressed up. And I love that the event benefits the women’s shelter. You cut quite the figure, Joey.” She added in a low voice, “You and Skye make such a great couple.”

He didn’t know what to say. The attention shifted to the stairs at the sound of heels tapping on wood. Skye entered and halted abruptly.

There was a pregnant pause while everyone froze in their positions.

In high school, Skye had been on the tomboyish side, her frame more athletic than voluptuous, but it was clear that the ensuing years had rounded out those burgeoning curves. She looked stunning in a maroon dress, revealing an ample swell of her breasts. He flicked his eyes back to her face, aware that he’d been staring.

His mouth went dry. It was like he’d never seen a woman before.

“Is there something wrong?” Skye asked.

“Is that your old prom dress?” Mrs. Mallory’s question caused Skye’s face to pinch into a grimace.

“It was all I could find on such short notice.”

Her makeup accentuated her already creamy complexion, and the dark lipstick put Joe in mind of a temptress.

Bewildered, his mind went blank.

“Shall we go?” she prompted.

He cleared his throat, snapping out of his stupor. “Let me start the Bronco,” he said, feeling a little tongue-tied, “so I can get the heat going.” The double innuendo hung in the air as he headed out the door.

Damn. He was in trouble.

Copyright © 2018 K. McCaffrey LLC

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New Release - A Murder of Crows #blogabookscene @prairierosepubs

By Kristy McCaffrey

Blog-A-Book-Scene is a monthly themed blogging endeavor from a group of authors who love to share excerpts from their stories. Find us on Twitter with the hashtag #blogabookscene and #PrairieRosePubs.

October's theme is Autumn and all things spooky. It's my favorite time of year! This excerpt is from my upcoming BRAND NEW release, A Murder of Crows. This is Book 3 in The Crow Series, a collection of spine-chilling stories set during Hallowtide in the Old West. I hope you enjoy Kester and Eliza's supernatural adventure into a place called The Hallow, while trying to deny their growing attraction to one another.

Bounty hunter Kester “Kit” Boggs, along with his brothers, tracks and destroys the vilest of men, both from this world and the next. With a Scottish and Comanche lineage, his connection to the supernatural is tied directly to the crow. For too long, he’s been hunting El Viejo del Saco, a demon known as The Bag Man who feeds on the blood of children. A rumor leads Kit to the Mexican frontier, where he must find a man called Hamish Kerr. But with Hallowtide descending, Kit has lost his ability to hear spirits, and his only hope is a woman whose family is a sworn enemy to the Boggs’ clan.

Eliza McCulloch’s ancestors hail from Scotland, her clan carrying an ancient curse and a warning—a McCulloch may never bind herself to a Boggs. When Eliza learns that Hamish Kerr stole her family’s book of spells, the McCulloch Grimoire, nearly two decades ago, she sets out to reclaim it. Often called witch, she possesses a unique skill to open doorways to the other side. But when she finds herself beholden to a Boggs for protection, her abilities take an unexpected turn.

As Kit and Eliza unearth far more than a stolen book, they must work together if they are to survive. But with the past pushing into their future, can they resist the growing desire between them? Is it possible for a Boggs and a McCulloch to find lasting love? Or will defeating the demon separate them forever?

Available this Thursday (October 11) at Amazon and Kindle Unlimited.

Pre-Order Now!!

Excerpt from A Murder of Crows

“There are more of you?” Eliza asked.

Kester gave a nod. “But I’m currently alone.”

“Would you help me, Mister Crow?”

“Like I said, you can call me Kit. Why are you looking for Kerr?”

“Unfinished business.”

“Why would you get into bed with a Boggs?” He immediately regretted his choice of words, not only from the withering look Eliza cast upon him, but also because bedding her was a desire that had taken residence in his head, and he doubted it would leave anytime soon.

A Boggs is never to touch a McCulloch.

Kit set his jaw. It was definitely Granny in his ear. Hell of a time for her suddenly to confide in him. He bristled at the smug authority in her tone, transporting him back to his boyhood when Granny’s exasperation with him inevitably led to a rant.

“Kester, your stubbornness will lead you into trouble. I’m trying to help you. It’s my duty to teach you. Heed my warning, grandson.”

“I’m not offering you my body, Crow,” Eliza said, an edge to her words.

“What are you offering?”

“You’re a hunter of the night. I’ll pay you to help me track down Hamish Kerr.”

Leaning back in the chair, Kit stretched out his legs and crossed them at the ankle. He almost laughed. This whole thing was going south, and fast. As much as he’d like to help the pretty McCulloch, she had no business going anywhere near Hamish.

“I’m afraid I’ve got my own agenda,” he answered. “You should let this go, and you should leave town as soon as possible.”

Eliza arched an eyebrow. “Let me get this straight. You tell me I’m incapable of handling this myself, but when I ask for your help, you say no.” She shook her head, her look dismissive. “Then I will leave.” She stood.

He immediately came to his feet, blocking her path to the door. “No.”

“You don’t want to bed me, and you don’t want to help me. I think we’re done here.”

How wrong she was on the first count, but he didn’t voice it aloud.

“Get out of my way,” she demanded. “I’ll find Kerr on my own.”

It would seem he wasn’t about to be free of the McCulloch siren after all. And despite the danger, a traitorous part of him was glad for it.

Kit brought his hand to her dark hair and lifted the strands spilling over her shoulder. The awareness between them was palpable. It pleased him that she didn’t pull away.

“Fine.” He watched her, but she wouldn’t meet his eyes. “I’ll help you.”

“A McCulloch cannot bind herself to a Boggs,” she whispered, then raised her gaze, renewed once again with a flash of hard determination. “I offered to pay you, not to pleasure you.”

He didn’t bother to hide his grin, which soon turned into a full-on laugh.

Copyright  2018 K. McCaffrey LLC

Don't miss all the spooky and romantic tales in the series.

Book 1: The Crow and the Coyote (Jack’s story)

Book 2: The Crow and the Bear (Callum’s story)

Book 3: A Murder of Crows (Kit’s story)

Connect with Kristy

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Grimoires and A New Release

By Kristy McCaffrey

A grimoire is a book of magic. It often included instructions on how to create talismans and amulets, how to perform spells, and how to invoke supernatural entities. In many cases, the books themselves were considered imbued with magical powers, not unlike other sacred texts (such as the Bible). The term ‘grimoire’ comes from the French word ‘grammaire,’ which originally referred to books written in Latin. But by the 18^th century, it had begun to be used to describe books of magic.

While grimoires are believed to have originated in Europe—the earliest were written on cuneiform clay tablets in ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq)—they have also been found around the world, from Jamaica to Sumatra.

In the 18^th century, with the rise of the Enlightenment (a movement devoted to science and rationalism), there was also a persistent belief in magic and witchcraft, and many grimoires were produced during this time.

A grimoire plays a role in my upcoming release A MURDER OF CROWS.

A Short Novella

Only 99 cents

Coming October 11, 2018

Amazon and Kindle Unlimited

Available for Pre-Order 

Bounty hunter Kester “Kit” Boggs, along with his brothers, tracks and destroys the vilest of men, both from this world and the next. With a Scottish and Comanche lineage, his connection to the supernatural is tied directly to the crow. For too long, he’s been hunting El Viejo del Saco, a demon known as The Bag Man who feeds on the blood of children. A rumor leads Kit to the Mexican frontier, where he must find a man called Hamish Kerr. But with Hallowtide descending, Kit has lost his ability to hear spirits, and his only hope is a woman whose family is a sworn enemy to the Boggs’ clan.

Eliza McCulloch’s ancestors hail from Scotland, her clan carrying an ancient curse and a warning—a McCulloch may never bind herself to a Boggs. When Eliza learns that Hamish Kerr stole her family’s book of spells, the McCulloch Grimoire, nearly two decades ago, she sets out to reclaim it. Often called witch, she possesses a unique skill to open doorways to the other side. But when she finds herself beholden to a Boggs for protection, her abilities take an unexpected turn.

As Kit and Eliza unearth far more than a stolen book, they must work together if they are to survive. But with the past pushing into their future, can they resist the growing desire between them? Is it possible for a Boggs and a McCulloch to find lasting love? Or will defeating the demon separate them forever?

Don’t miss all the books in The Crow Series

Book 1: The Crow and the Coyote (Jack’s story)

Book 2: The Crow and the Bear (Callum’s story)

Book 3: A Murder of Crows (Kit’s story)

Excerpt from A Murder Of Crows

The door opened, startling Eliza, and Mister Boggs entered. He tossed a pile of clothing at her. “Put this on.”

She quickly sorted through it—a sturdier blouse and skirt, and new undergarments. “Thank you.” It was a kind gesture, considering the tattered state of her current clothing.

His gaze lingered on her, and she felt his interest as clearly as if he had touched her. Kester Boggs did want her.

A flash of warmth bloomed in her face and shot straight to her toes.

Why did she feel a sense of victory? Why did a part of her wonder what would happen if she agreed to the desire in his eyes?

Ambivalence held her rooted in place. She waited for Kester Boggs to be like all men, because surely he was like all men. But her woman’s sense, her witch’s sense, strummed a tune that said he wasn’t.

“I’ll be back in an hour,” he said. He pulled his Colt and held it out to her.

She stared at his hand, stunned. “What are you doing?”

“Do you know how to use it?”

“Yes.” She’d taught herself how to shoot. Her cousins had had little interest in learning about weapons, believing their other skills would keep them safe, but Eliza had always hedged all her bets. It was why she was willing to enter into an agreement with The Crow.

“Take it.”

She grabbed hold of the gun.

“If someone other than me comes in, then shoot.”

Was he seriously giving her his weapon? “But it’s the only gun you have.”

“No.”

“What if I shoot you?”

“Sweetheart, you need to make up your mind. You’re not my prisoner. But if you’re about to go with me into the wilds to find Hamish, then you need to accept that I’m not your enemy.” Amusement glittered in his eyes. “At least, not yet.”

Copyright  2018 K. McCaffrey LLC

Connect with Kristy

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Newsletter