Training Grounds

by Christy Barritt

412 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2026

About the author

Christy Barritt is an author, freelance writer and speaker who lives in Virginia. She’s married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious—but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado. She’s only won one contest in her life—and her prize was kissing a pig (okay, okay… actually she did win the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery also). Her current claim to fame is showing off her mother, who looks just like former First Lady Barbara Bush
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.

Reviews

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This contemporary suspense story will grab you from the first chapter and hold on until the heart-stopping conclusion!! Rowan King is a famous Hollywood actress who has returned to Refuge Cove. Her family welcomes her with open arms even if they don't know the reason for her visit. Rowan is running and hoping that no one will find her here. When trouble does find her, her family and the one she left behind, Wes, step in to protect her. But can she risk their lives or will she finally end this nightmare by doing the right but hard thing? If you like suspense, mystery, complex characters, a touch of romance - and did I mention dogs - this book is for you. It is part of a series but it is a stand alone read. I received an advance copy from the author but all opinions are my own.

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I an BETA copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Rowan King returns home after watching her boss cover up a murder. When she arrives home she encounters her former boyfriend, Wes Bennett who is now a security specialist and hired by her brother to improve security at Refuge Cove. When trouble follows her, Wes tries to protect her. This is a thrilling addition to this series. It is a stirring book about trust, relationship and family.

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fast-paced contemporary suspense read! The action starts right away and doesn't let go. Rowen King, a Hollywood actress, returns home but doesn't tell her family why she returned. However, danger follows her, to the point where her family and Wes, her ex and a security specialist, step in to protect Rowen. Training Grounds will keep your attention from start to finish with its well-crafted storyline and engaging plot.

[Kim English · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even people who wanted to fly liked having a safe place to come back to.-Rowan King
Book #5 in the refuge cove series does NOT disappoint. It is action packed on every page, leaving you wondering what is going to happen and hoping for the best. I could not put it down!

[Deborah K DeLaVina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very intriguing

Training Grounds another in the Refuge above series does not disappoint! The storyline unfolds in a very intriguing way. I started reading it & literally couldn’t put it down. The suspense is so intense that it makes you think, what’s next.

[Sheri Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great installment in an excellent series. I'm going to be very sad when this series ends.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

I liked the fast pace action with mystery and romance sprinkled in. Strong female characters make this a book to read.