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Pathway #2

Cold Horizon

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What will it take to survive the Savage Mountain? Lindsey and Ty are about to find out.

The wind blasted Lindsey, threatening to rip her off the mountain and throw her into the abyss far below. It was blisteringly obvious that K2 wasn’t going to give up her summit without a fight.

Lindsey Coulson likes to scale mountains. With her sister, Alison, she has made a name for herself climbing the tallest and most treacherous peaks in the world. But when Alison dies on a K2 expedition—the second highest mountain on earth—Lindsey stops climbing.

Unable to shed her heartache, it becomes clear she must return to the wilderness and only one place will do—K2, the Savage Mountain. And to get there, she’ll need handsome, enigmatic Tyler Galloway.

Ty Galloway welcomes Lindsey to his small crew with one hitch—to help with funding he wants to write about her for a magazine feature. In climbing circles, Lindsey and her sister had been famous for their mountain exploits, and her comeback story would be compelling.

But he didn’t account for how captivating the woman herself would be. Tackling K2 will test Ty’s limits, but Lindsey Coulson will test his heart.

A women in STEM, sexy slow burn romance on the second highest mountain on earth. Gritty, emotional, and filled with death-defying adventure.

2021 National Excellence in Romance Fiction Winner

“… danger, angst, and drama come to life brilliantly, with characters keenly portrayed and fully developed. A must read for any lover of adventure laced with spicy romance!” ~ FS Brown, InD’tale Magazine, a Crowned Heart review

“Cold Horizon will grab you right out of the gate and keep you turning pages as fast as you can to keep up with the action and adventure and suspense! A spectacular story of determination, courage, and love.” ~ Ann Charles, USA Today Bestselling Author

“What a roller coaster ride! I highly recommend this book.” ~ Dixie Lee Brown, author of the Hearts of Valor series

“If you’re a fan of believable and emotionally gripping romance novels then this is one for you!” ~ bloggers Nen & Jen

Each Pathway novel can be read as a stand-alone, but don’t miss the other books.

Book 1: Deep Blue (Dr. Grace Mann and Alec Galloway)

Book 2: Cold Horizon (Lindsey Coulson and Tyler Galloway)

Book 3: Ancient Winds (Dr. Tristan Magee and Brynn Galloway)

Book 4: A Pathway Short Adventure Collection (more Grace and Alec)
Includes Deep Blue Australia, Deep Blue Réunion Island, and Deep Blue Cocos Island

Book 5: Cold Horizon Telluride (a Lindsey and Tyler short read)

Book 6: Shark Reef (a great white shark short romance featuring Grace’s friend, Dr. Jen Fairfield)

Book 7: Sapphire Waves – A Novella (Dr. Missy Rembert and Dr. Josh McKittrick)
Includes the bonus short Deep Blue Hawai’i

Related novella:
Blue Sage (Dr. Audrey Driggs and Braden Delaney)

*****
Kristy McCaffrey writes romances with compelling heroes and determined heroines mixed with high adventure. Life is a wondrous endeavor and she strives to bring that sense of awe and joy into the tales she weaves. COLD HORIZON is a full-length HFN novel of romance, high-stakes adventure, and medium spice. Grab your parka and a hot chocolate as you enter the world of high-altitude mountain climbing.

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 11, 2023

58 people are currently reading
205 people want to read

About the author

Kristy McCaffrey

71 books518 followers
Kristy 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.

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5 stars
65 (58%)
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37 (33%)
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9 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Ann Charles.
Author 65 books1,273 followers
June 18, 2019
⁠⁠I’ve read Lindsey’s and Ty’s story (Cold Horizon ) twice now. The second time through it was as intense and suspenseful as the first, but I loved it even more because I could focus on visualizing the setting (after checking out images online of K2 and the various landmarks mentioned in the book); and I could enjoy the character development and the buildup to the climb along with Ty and his crew. Cold Horizon gripped me from the start and held me captive page after page. If you are a fan of adventure, action, suspense, and thrills mixed with a blend of spice and dare, you should check out Cold Horizon along with McCaffrey’s other stories in The Pathway Series. FIVE STARS and more for this book!
Profile Image for biblio-sj .
81 reviews44 followers
January 22, 2020
Cold Horizon took me by complete surprise! While I had been expecting an emotionally-packed story from the premise, this book delivered that along with so much more. It had enough drama to keep me entertained and yet still toed the line of realism that kept me completely invested in the story until its end.

Lindsey's internal strength as a character was awe inspiring. The difficult loss of her sister Alison, in combination with scaling a mountain, K2, is not something for the faint of heart. What I truly enjoyed about Cold Horizon was that McCaffrey not only embraced Lindsey's sombre emotional outlook but built upon it with the romantic tension concerning Tyler. This created a believable character development arc for Lindsey's character and highlighted her inner strength in a way that was inspiring to read.

The inclusion of specific terminology and jargon concerning the expedition made this book seem incredibly well researched. I not only enjoyed the story but also learnt a thing or two about the processes involved in an expedition of this kind. I'm also pretty sure I'd never like to go on one personally - it seemed strenuous but to the characters ultimately rewarding.

If you're a fan of believable and emotionally gripping romance novels then this is one for you!
Profile Image for Nila (digitalcreativepages).
2,667 reviews222 followers
August 12, 2019
I may not be able to climb the small molehill, but I sure do enjoy the books which tell me the thrill and exhilaratiion that comes with climbing the unattainable mountain face, especially K2, the highest peak on earth. I am quite familiar with the terms used, so this book became an easy read. Add a thrilling story to it, and it is absolute nirvana.

Lindsey not only lost her sister Allison to K2 but her mojo to climb since the past 2 years. But when she got to know of the American group led by Ty on an expedition to climb K2, nothing could stop her. The story was her journey to the peak, if K2 cooperated

My first book by Kristy McCaffrey, and I felt right at home with this. I have to mention the mountain peak K2. To me, she was a living, breathing entity, totally in her glory with all her moods. Some days she was happy with a bright sun and gentle breeze. And then something would awaken her darkness with biting cold winds and avalanches. Knowing how to estimate her moods and understanding when to climb or retreat was what made the characters in this book seasoned players. I loved every line written in the honor of this peak.

Kristy made the thrill come alive. Her writing allowed me to envision every word of the story. There was an additional mystery of what happened on the day when her sister was lost. Romance was also found on the slopes, which was just a facet of the story. Kristy concentrated more on the realities of a climb and the vagaries of nature. These mountaineers were quite a different lot. They faced injuries along with altitude sickness, but their indomitable spirit could not be dampened. They also knew when to quit.

I would be slightly greedy at this point and say I wanted a bit more mystery and thrill weaved into this action adventure thriller. That would uplift it more, for me.

This book would translate into a vidid movie as the imagery was powerful, the characters strong, the setting authentic, and the climb so very exhilarating. I think I would be watching such a movie with my heart in my throat. Read the story and see the prose come alive with Kristy McCaffrey's words.
Profile Image for TJ.
3,285 reviews281 followers
September 29, 2020
Yikes! This was a surprise treasure! Partly because the subject of mountain climbing didn’t even interest me going in. I only picked up the book because I was checking out a few of the RONE award finalists. Otherwise I doubt I ever would have given it a try. Man, am I glad I did! The author did a spectacular job of plopping the reader right into the middle of the extreme experience of climbing K2, the second highest, but by far the most difficult, mountain in the world.

I not only read on the edge of my seat through the majority of the book but was amazed at how much I learned without even realizing it. And, I turned that last page with a whole new appreciation for the men and women who are crazy enough to climb mountains. They are an amazing breed - one I wouldn’t even dream of wanting to be like.
Profile Image for Shirl.
198 reviews
June 13, 2019
Cold Horizon was a great read. I couldn't stop reading. It is full of adventure, holding your breath moments. I never knew anything about mountain climbing and this story was very informative and exciting to read. I like the relationships between the different climbers and different personalities. Well written.
Profile Image for Katy McCaffrey.
14 reviews1 follower
December 19, 2023
couldn’t put it down (again - written by my mom but the 5 stars are unbiased!!)
Profile Image for Mony.
196 reviews
August 2, 2023
Wonderful story about a group of young Americans climbing the 28,251 feet K2 mountain, and the romance that develops between Lindsey Coulson, an experienced climber, and Tyler Galloway, a well-known climber & the group leader.

This detailed story brings in all the senses, emotions and dangers that climbers faced - providing a rich setting for the deep love & respect that develops between the couple. Tyler is hot, intuitive, steady & caring - giving space for Lindsey to be independent and to deal with her sister's past climbing death. Dual POV.

The story was heavier on the adventure than the romance - but I had expected that as I'd seen this in similar books like Float Plan by Trish Doller and With One Breath by Margaret Watson.

Recommend for "adventure romance" readers.
Profile Image for Margaret Watkins.
3,553 reviews88 followers
February 21, 2020
One hears about mountaineering teams reaching the summit of a peak in the news, but very seldom do we have any idea of what makes a climb possible. The plot of this story is suspenseful, enlightening, adventurous and romantic. It also spells out the reality of the risks taken by climbers to reach the summit, the dangers, the loss of life and the interpersonal relationships. This novel is incredibly well written and left me feeling partly horrified that anyone would subject themselves to such an ordeal and yet amazed at the endurance of the human spirit. Ty is a strong and respectful leader of his team and despite his attraction to Lindsey even before she sought him out in her quest to conquer K2, he proves himself to be a caring and considerate lover. Knowing that the dynamics of the team depend on mutual respect, Lindsey is also careful not to show her feelings too strongly. Unlike other teams that they met along the way, Ty's group stand together, despite their different personalities and they make allowances for one another. Each had a part to play, even the jester of the group who continually lifted the spirits of the team. I closed this book with a feeling of awe and respect for those who have pursued their dreams, and even more so for those who are left behind. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Amy Byers.
198 reviews16 followers
July 4, 2023
The second book in the Pathway Series does not disappoint. Cold Horizon follows Lindsey and Ty while they battle their way up K2, the second tallest mountain in the world.

A wonderful story about love, loss and the power of determination, Cold Horizon was a treat from start to finish. Incredibly detailed and exhilarating, Mccaffrey has clearly done her research.

Lindsey’s emotional and physical journey was incredibly hard hitting and I couldn’t put this one down. Not to mention the romance between Ty and Lindsey, which was very sweet.
48 reviews1 follower
May 25, 2021
Vicarious Adventure

I appreciated the details since I am not a climber, and it made the adventure very realistic. Tells a very interesting and believable story of determination and commitment, love and loss. Enjoyed it and recommend..
Profile Image for Judy Esposito.
969 reviews13 followers
June 25, 2019
Cold Horizon!

I had no idea if I would like a book about mountain climbing, but I knew I loved and enjoyed anything Kristy McCaffrey wrote, so I downloaded it to read. Well let me tell ya, I found it hard to put this book down. I was drawn very quickly into the world of mountain climbing, the hardships of the climb, the excitement of reaching the top, and the sadness when someone didn't make it safely off the mountain. I loved the characters, each one perfect in their parts, and I came to care about each one. Well written as I come to expect from this author, it was a fantastic read. I'm afraid of heights, but she had me climbing that mountain with my heart in my throat, afraid to look down as I followed alongside each climber. Add the romance and the suspense woven throughout the storyline, I was happy that out all the books on my tbr list, I bought this one to travel to another place and adventure. Highly recommended. JudyE
144 reviews
November 3, 2021
Well written and fun quick read. Can't believe the detail about mountain climbing from someone who doesn't climb! It was written so fluidly!
Profile Image for Jane Hunt.
Author 3 books114 followers
September 2, 2019
After reading 'Deep Blue' the first book in the Pathway series, I looked forward to reading book two, 'Cold Horizon', and it is just as adrenaline-fuelled, believable and emotional as the first book. The second book is a standalone read, although characters from the first book are mentioned, this is Lindsey and Tyler's adventure.

Tyler is an adventure writer, surfer and mountain climber, and Lindsey, a dedicated climber too, has to be on his next expedition, to climb the savage mountain K2. Not because she wants to conquer it, but to try and assuage the crippling grief of her sister's death. They always climbed together, this time they didn't and Alison didn't come back.

Beginning with a climbing incident, the book backtracks to the beginning of the climb. The details are well-researched, and make the story interesting. Add in the believable personalities of the various climbers, and it is impossible not to be drawn into their adventure. I've never understood why people endanger themselves to climb mountains, but now I do.

The dynamic between the climbers making up Lindsey and Tyler's team is authentic, and the characters realistic. The camaraderie between the different climbing teams, wars with their rivalry, making this story, an insightful study of human nature, as they take on the elemental forces around them.

The developing romance between Lindsey and Tyler gives the story a romantic edge. The setting is dynamic and forbidding and full of vivid imagery. The writing style engages you from the first page, and takes you on a wild, emotional adventure, to the edge of the abyss and back. Lindsey's emotional and physical journey is difficult, as she faces her guilt and finds inner peace with her sister's fate.

I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jessica.
1,627 reviews54 followers
September 4, 2019
I really enjoyed Deep Blue, so I could not wait to read Cold Horizon! Krist McCaffrey knows how to create atmosphere. Cold Horizon explores mountain climbing, particularly, climbing K2, which is the highest peak on Earth. Whoa. I’m no mountain climber – I’m terrified of heights…so this novel had me holding my breath!

Similarly to Deep Blue, it’s clear Kristy McCaffrey did her research, because this felt super realistic. I love the descriptions and the plot line. The thrill was wonderful and I really enjoyed the mystery as well.

One thing that impresses me about Kristy McCaffrey’s writing is that while the romance is there and it’s important, it doesn’t take away fromt he rest of the novel. Climbing a mountain face such as K2 is likely going to come with some ups and downs and it was nice to see how realistic the plotline was.

I enjoyed Cold Horizon quite a bit and I would definitely recommend it!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Love Books Group. All opinions are my own.*

Find this review and more on my blog: https://www.jessicabelmont.wordpress.com
1 review1 follower
July 5, 2019
As an avid reader—2, sometimes 4 books a week—I love it when a book grabs me, twists me, and holds me to the very end, although when I started Cold Horizon, Kristy McCaffrey’s awesomely researched novel about sumiting K2, arguably the most dangerous peak in the world, I had to step past one fact....I don’t like even the idea of mountain climbing, especially the cold.

But, along with Lindsay’s search to resolve her sister’s death and her drive to reach the top of K2, I was into it for the climb, and especially the inescapable romance between Lindsay and team leader Ty Galloway.

Cold Horizon will introduce you to the essence of mountain climbing, surprise you with its ascents and descents, and leave you literally hanging, as on a mountain cliff, while Lindsay and Ty reach to find each other, and stand on top of the world, in love, together.

Just like an epic mountain, Cold Horizon is more than worth the effort; and like a nearly insurmountable mountain, the book will lift you to new heights.

Profile Image for Christy .
498 reviews
March 31, 2021
A K2 of adventure, heartbreak and more

I find mountain climbing fascinating, however I have never had the desire to do it or to learn the dynamics of it. For this reason I struggled with this book at first and second guessed finishing. A large part, I'll say the first 12 or so chapters gives us more of the workings of a climb and no real meat of the actual story. I know we need to know that to an extent but for a fictional read, for me, it was just overdone. Once this story picked up though, I was engrossed with the characters and their story. From midway on it was a fast read for me, hard to put down. Reading the ending of the story came with a sense of melancholy that it was over. I would think that having overcome something of that magnitude would forever establish a brother/sisterhood with those that you experienced it with. The thought of them going their separate ways made my heart heart. I felt as if I'd been on this adventure with them and in a way I guess I have. That is the sign of a good book.
Profile Image for Dixie Brown.
Author 17 books352 followers
July 23, 2020
This is an amazing book. I'm not usually captivated by outdoor winter-time activities, especially high-risk ones, so I was surprised when this story grabbed ahold of me, placing me at 24,500 ft. in waist deep snow and freezing temperatures, climbing dangerous mountains alongside characters obsessed with exactly that. I was breathless when they couldn't get enough oxygen in the thin air. I pulled for every one of the well-developed, unique, strong characters, especially Lindsay Coulson, who was nothing short of inspirational. To the last page, I was terrified they weren't going to make it. What a roller coaster ride! If you're looking for high adventure and non-stop action with a little romance thrown in, I highly recommend this book.
3,542 reviews14 followers
October 26, 2020
Cold Horizon is a contemporary romance by Kristy McCaffrey. Ms. McCaffrey has delivered a well-written book. The characters in this story are outstanding. Lindsey and her sister always climbed together. After the death of their mentor, Lindsey didn’t want to climb K2, where her sister died. She’s now ready for K2 and asks Tyler if she could join his group. Lindsey and Tyler’s story is loaded with drama, humor, action, suspense and sizzle. I enjoyed this book but I now know way more than I ever wanted to know about professional mountain climbing. Cold Horizon is book 2 of The Pathway Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Rachel Hartmann.
232 reviews17 followers
June 26, 2019
I didn’t think I would love book 2 in the Pathways series as much as the first one because my beloved great white’s aren’t in it but I was wrong! I loved Cold Horizon! The research and details in this book make it 5 stars! I felt like I was in the story. The adventures in the series are so exciting, I cannot wait to see what kind of adventure awaits in book 3!
106 reviews1 follower
May 28, 2020
I loved this book! So well written, even if I didn’t understand all the technical mountain climbing stuff. But the author made the climb come alive for me. The love story was also believable to me. Not too rushed. Not too graphic.
Profile Image for Mary Carlisle.
33 reviews1 follower
October 29, 2021
Missing something

Although I couldn't give enough praises for Book 1, this one was different. It got off to a slow and confusing start and never gained (my) interest for the duration.... and I have done a lot of climbing, high altitude as well as rock and ice. But it was still a good read in.my opinion. So I will give the 3rd book a try and the decision maker.


15 reviews
March 1, 2021
Riveting

Even though I know little about climbing the story was written for those like me to understand. I'd only make one change to let Friske survive. It kept me reading, well done!!
423 reviews2 followers
January 9, 2025
I loved this, in fact I have been looking for a book just like this for well over a decade.
✔️Female athlete
✔️outdoors
✔️outdoor sport
✔️adventure focused
✔️romance
✔️all the above without a mystery/murder/crime theme dominating
41 reviews9 followers
March 20, 2021
Good combination of atmosphere, technical details, and romance. I actually got cold reading about the conditions at high altitude. I could have done without the open-door intimacy, though.
26 reviews
December 1, 2021
Absolutely loved this. Felt really drawn in to the experience on the mountain. The romance element was well balanced with the plot.
1 review
December 4, 2021
Adventure and romance

Love her books. They are interesting, adventurous and full of romance. Good solid storylines that make you feel part of that world.
22 reviews
October 3, 2024
Edge of your seat action. Smart string women doing amazing things in an amazing book. The details of the writing made it very easy to imagine I was there climbing and set a visual scene.
Profile Image for saundrea  robinson.
85 reviews
December 29, 2025
Powerful storyIf you enjoy reading

If you enjoy reading about mountain climbing you will like this story. There is humor excitement mystery and love. It’s great!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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