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Wings of the West #4
The Blackbird
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?
“With dastardly villains, plenty of action, a strong heroine, surprising twists and turns, and a sexy cowboy, all underlined by a sensual love story, this historical western romance has something for everyone.” ~ InD’tale Magazine
Bounty hunter Cale Walker arrives in Tucson to search for J. Howard “Hank” Carlisle at the request of his daughter, Tess. Hank mentored Cale before a falling out divided them and a mountain lion attack left Cale nearly dead. Rescued by a band of Nednai Apache, his wounds were considered a powerful omen and he was taught the ways of a di-yin, or a medicine man. To locate Hank, Cale must enter the Dragoon Mountains, straddling two worlds that no longer fit. But he has an even bigger problem—finding a way into the heart of a young woman determined to live life as a bystander.
For two years, Tess Carlisle has tried to heal the mental and physical wounds of a deadly assault by one of her papá’s men. Continuing the traditions of her Mexican heritage, she has honed her skills as a cuentista, a storyteller and a Keeper of the Old Ways. But with no contact from her father since the attack, she fears the worst. Tess knows that to reenter Hank Carlisle’s world is a dangerous endeavor, and her only hope is Cale Walker, a man unlike any she has ever known. Determined to make a journey that could lead straight into the path of her attacker, she hardens her resolve along with her heart. But Cale makes her yearn for something she vowed she never would—love.
A sensuous historical western romance set in 1877 Arizona Territory.
2015 Laramie Award ~ Best in Western Romantic Fiction
“A steamy, intelligent historical fiction set in the Arizona desert where the harsh environment matches the characters who populate it. Can two wounded souls find each other and flourish? Find out in Kristy McCaffrey’s hard to put down, fourth book in the Wings of the West series, The Blackbird.” ~ Chanticleer Book Reviews
Each novel can be read as a standalone, but don’t miss all the books in the series
The Wren: Book 1
The Dove: Book 2
The Sparrow: Book 3
The Blackbird: Book 4
The Bluebird: Book 5
The Songbird: Book 6 (Novella)
Echo of the Plains: Book 7 (Short Story)
The Starling: Book 8
The Canary: Book 9
The Nighthawk: Book 10
The Swan: Book 11
The Falcon: Book 12 (Pre-Order Now)
“With dastardly villains, plenty of action, a strong heroine, surprising twists and turns, and a sexy cowboy, all underlined by a sensual love story, this historical western romance has something for everyone.” ~ InD’tale Magazine
Bounty hunter Cale Walker arrives in Tucson to search for J. Howard “Hank” Carlisle at the request of his daughter, Tess. Hank mentored Cale before a falling out divided them and a mountain lion attack left Cale nearly dead. Rescued by a band of Nednai Apache, his wounds were considered a powerful omen and he was taught the ways of a di-yin, or a medicine man. To locate Hank, Cale must enter the Dragoon Mountains, straddling two worlds that no longer fit. But he has an even bigger problem—finding a way into the heart of a young woman determined to live life as a bystander.
For two years, Tess Carlisle has tried to heal the mental and physical wounds of a deadly assault by one of her papá’s men. Continuing the traditions of her Mexican heritage, she has honed her skills as a cuentista, a storyteller and a Keeper of the Old Ways. But with no contact from her father since the attack, she fears the worst. Tess knows that to reenter Hank Carlisle’s world is a dangerous endeavor, and her only hope is Cale Walker, a man unlike any she has ever known. Determined to make a journey that could lead straight into the path of her attacker, she hardens her resolve along with her heart. But Cale makes her yearn for something she vowed she never would—love.
A sensuous historical western romance set in 1877 Arizona Territory.
2015 Laramie Award ~ Best in Western Romantic Fiction
“A steamy, intelligent historical fiction set in the Arizona desert where the harsh environment matches the characters who populate it. Can two wounded souls find each other and flourish? Find out in Kristy McCaffrey’s hard to put down, fourth book in the Wings of the West series, The Blackbird.” ~ Chanticleer Book Reviews
Each novel can be read as a standalone, but don’t miss all the books in the series
The Wren: Book 1
The Dove: Book 2
The Sparrow: Book 3
The Blackbird: Book 4
The Bluebird: Book 5
The Songbird: Book 6 (Novella)
Echo of the Plains: Book 7 (Short Story)
The Starling: Book 8
The Canary: Book 9
The Nighthawk: Book 10
The Swan: Book 11
The Falcon: Book 12 (Pre-Order Now)
316 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2015
87 people are currently reading
436 people want to read
About the author
Kristy McCaffrey
71 books518 followersKristy McCaffrey writes historical western romances brimming with grit and emotion, as well as romantic contemporary adventures. Her work is filled with smoldering romance, compelling heroes, determined heroines, and her trademark mysticism.
Although she holds a bachelor's and master's degree in mechanical engineering, she shifted to being a stay-at-home mom and part-time writer until her four children were grown. Now she runs her writing business full-time while enjoying the perks of being the boss, which mostly entails playing with her grandchildren whenever the opportunity arises.
Her first novel, The Wren, was a CAPA winner for Best New Author Traditional, a Texas Gold finalist, and a HOLT Medallion finalist for Best First Book. The Sparrow was a 2012 Winter Rose Winner. The Blackbird won the 2015 Laramie award for Best in Western Romance. Her contemporary adventure, Cold Horizon, was a 2021 National Excellence in Romance Fiction winner, and Ancient Winds was a 2022 HOLT Medallion finalist.
An Arizona native, Kristy resides in the desert north of Phoenix with her husband and rescue mutt - an American Bulldog named Jeb. Sign up for her newsletter at http://kmccaffrey.com/subscribe/ to receive her latest book news as well as subscriber-only content.
Kristy is a member of Novelists Inc.
Although she holds a bachelor's and master's degree in mechanical engineering, she shifted to being a stay-at-home mom and part-time writer until her four children were grown. Now she runs her writing business full-time while enjoying the perks of being the boss, which mostly entails playing with her grandchildren whenever the opportunity arises.
Her first novel, The Wren, was a CAPA winner for Best New Author Traditional, a Texas Gold finalist, and a HOLT Medallion finalist for Best First Book. The Sparrow was a 2012 Winter Rose Winner. The Blackbird won the 2015 Laramie award for Best in Western Romance. Her contemporary adventure, Cold Horizon, was a 2021 National Excellence in Romance Fiction winner, and Ancient Winds was a 2022 HOLT Medallion finalist.
An Arizona native, Kristy resides in the desert north of Phoenix with her husband and rescue mutt - an American Bulldog named Jeb. Sign up for her newsletter at http://kmccaffrey.com/subscribe/ to receive her latest book news as well as subscriber-only content.
Kristy is a member of Novelists Inc.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 12, 2017
I won this book from the author and was not required to give a favorable review. All thoughts are my own. This is the 4th book in the series and give you a different character in this series, this one is about Cale and him helping the daughter of a man he used to work with before his cougar attack. This brings him from TX to AZ and to a different outlook on the area. He understands the military work in the area, but he also understands what the Apache have been going through also since they helped him heal after his injury. Now is the time for him to help Tess deal with finding her father and also getting over what happened to her at the hands of the men that worked with him. This is a wonderful writing from both sides of the story. I love how each of the characters inter twine in all 4 of the books in this series. I am starting Book 5. I want to see what happens now.
May 22, 2015
Kristy,
I loved the book. It was as great as the first three. Are you really going to have another by December?
You are really keeping busy.
Keep it up.
Evelyn
I loved the book. It was as great as the first three. Are you really going to have another by December?
You are really keeping busy.
Keep it up.
Evelyn
March 18, 2018
Well-written, enjoyable book
The Blackbird takes into the lives of people of different cultures and backgrounds during a difficult time period in our country. Apache, whites and Mexicans all fighting one another in a changing world. Set amidst this is the love story between a young woman who has be raped, threatened and left for dead. Meeting a man who guides her on her journey to find the father who deserted her, she finds healing and love. Very special story worth reading.
The Blackbird takes into the lives of people of different cultures and backgrounds during a difficult time period in our country. Apache, whites and Mexicans all fighting one another in a changing world. Set amidst this is the love story between a young woman who has be raped, threatened and left for dead. Meeting a man who guides her on her journey to find the father who deserted her, she finds healing and love. Very special story worth reading.
January 18, 2021
Couldn't really get into this story. I find when there is too many characters I tend to get lost in the storyline. Also a few bit of the story is made up of the female character telling a story to others. She is a storyteller. She had once been traumatized and her father then abandoned her so she hires a Bounty hunter to try and find him. To find her father they need to enter Apache territory. HEA ending.
September 6, 2018
Lovely!!!!
What a great series this is !!! I fell in love at the first book and this fourth was just as endearing. Great characters , lots of action, lots of emotions and lots of love. Well written and very enjoyable.
What a great series this is !!! I fell in love at the first book and this fourth was just as endearing. Great characters , lots of action, lots of emotions and lots of love. Well written and very enjoyable.
September 7, 2018
Enjoyable
I enjoyed the story line and the characters. I got pulled out of it by word choice and author intrusion had to put it down repeatedly, but actually cared enough for the characters to want to read to the end.
I enjoyed the story line and the characters. I got pulled out of it by word choice and author intrusion had to put it down repeatedly, but actually cared enough for the characters to want to read to the end.
September 9, 2021
Tess & Cale
Tess has an injured leg, received when she was raped by one of her fathers outlaw friends. She meets Cale who has agreed to take her west to find her pa. She fins herself drawn to Cale, some what against her will.
Characterization and plotting are excellent.
Tess has an injured leg, received when she was raped by one of her fathers outlaw friends. She meets Cale who has agreed to take her west to find her pa. She fins herself drawn to Cale, some what against her will.
Characterization and plotting are excellent.
May 14, 2017
Blackbird
I enjoyed this story. Cal and Tess travel to f ok nd her father. They survive many obstacles during their adventure. Well written story.
I enjoyed this story. Cal and Tess travel to f ok nd her father. They survive many obstacles during their adventure. Well written story.
July 14, 2017
Quite liked the story. Feel like it dealt reasonably and respectfully with the main character's issues from her history. 4 star
November 5, 2018
Engaging
What an engaging book, as with all her books, it will draw you in and keep you captivated until the end, love her books.
What an engaging book, as with all her books, it will draw you in and keep you captivated until the end, love her books.
October 10, 2021
Love this series
I find this whole series of book out standing …it has been a joy in reading this author imagination..I am ready to read the “the blue bird the next in the series
I find this whole series of book out standing …it has been a joy in reading this author imagination..I am ready to read the “the blue bird the next in the series
July 14, 2023
“do not fear death, for it does not fear you. we are not weak because we are women. instead, we are strong.”
February 23, 2017
For the love of a Blackbird
Great story based on the history of the Southwest. Superb characters, realistic conflicts, evenhanded portrayal of all factions makes this an engaging read. The love that develops between the Blackbird and the Lion is the ribbon that ties it all together.
Great story based on the history of the Southwest. Superb characters, realistic conflicts, evenhanded portrayal of all factions makes this an engaging read. The love that develops between the Blackbird and the Lion is the ribbon that ties it all together.
November 26, 2016
A thrilling adventure wrought with gripping suspense and tentative love. After being requested to find his old partner Hank, by her daughter Tess, Cale journeys to Tucson. He encounters Tess, who is physically and emotionally scarred after an encounter with another one of her father's partners. Determined to leave her behind while he finds her father, she is also determined to have a hand in the adventure herself. He grudgingly lets her come along for the journey and attempts to teach her how to heal, both physically and emotionally. With quite a colorful cast of characters that they encounter, the action is nonstop and the thrills are plentiful as buried secrets are uncovered and they try to evade danger coming at them from several different angles. Amidst the danger and thrills, they must also battle their growing feelings for each other as Tess begins to heal in more ways than one. With beautiful descriptions, and gripping adventure, I was completely ensnared by this stunning tale!
October 15, 2016
Although it's true I haven't read many Western romance novels in my time, I certainly haven't read one like this. The author has created a unique, spiritual tale of romance and adventure. It's a well paced story that captures you by the setting and strong hearted characters. Tess, a family oriented beauty, hires a bounty hunter to help find her father. She fears where this journey may take her for reasons you'll have to learn by reading this story yourself. Ha. However, I will say this is a charming, engaging work of fiction that deeply explores the realm of hurt/comfort. (One of my favorite sub-genres for romance.) I recommend this read for fans of heavy Western Romance. It's outside the box and although this isn't my favorite genre in the world, I can honestly say this was a great read.
My book club's reviewer blog: (accepting submissions) http://www.goodbookswithtea.blogspot.com
My book club's reviewer blog: (accepting submissions) http://www.goodbookswithtea.blogspot.com
July 22, 2015
This fourth book in the Wings of the West series stands alone and is a refreshing story, which takes place in the Arizona Territory in the late 1800s.
Read full review in the 2015 July/August issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2015 July/August issue of InD'tale Magazine.
November 8, 2016
Wonderfully written story
I gave this a five star because of how wonderfully it was written . The emotions you feel ,the adventures and excitement and thrill the story takes. Keeps you wondering what's up next
I gave this a five star because of how wonderfully it was written . The emotions you feel ,the adventures and excitement and thrill the story takes. Keeps you wondering what's up next
October 25, 2016
Tess
I loved reading this book.I was right there with Tess and Cale. There is a beautiful ending. I encourage readers to read this book.
I loved reading this book.I was right there with Tess and Cale. There is a beautiful ending. I encourage readers to read this book.
April 1, 2017
The Blackbird Book 4!
I have read this whole series now and have loved each book and this one is no exception. Each one well written, with strong characters you come to care about. Looking forward to any others this author cares to add to this series. Sexual content. JudyE
I have read this whole series now and have loved each book and this one is no exception. Each one well written, with strong characters you come to care about. Looking forward to any others this author cares to add to this series. Sexual content. JudyE
April 24, 2017
The Blackbird
Another good story full of romance and adventure. Hard hearted men with evil intentions. Indians fighting to preserve their way of life. Makes for good reading.
Another good story full of romance and adventure. Hard hearted men with evil intentions. Indians fighting to preserve their way of life. Makes for good reading.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews