Cami Checketts's Blog, page 19

Cozumel Escape: Destination Billionaire Romance

Cozumel Escape is now available on Amazon! I had so much fun writing this book. Brooks may be the most interesting character I've ever written. I hope you enjoy it like I did.



Cozumel Escape --the sequel to  Caribbean Rescue --is now available!! If you enjoyed the island romance between former Olympian, Zack, and the pirate's daughter, Madeline, then you'll love this book where Zack's good friend, Brooks, takes center stage. A long time bachelor and playboy, Brooks meets his match in this island romance.

Brooks Hoffman, billionaire, loves women, expensive toys and fighting—in that order. A week romancing a beautiful woman on his private island is a great way to pass the time. When Sydnee Lee Swenson isn’t impressed with his money, or charmed by his…well, charm, Brooks takes it as a personal challenge to change her mind.

Sydnee Lee moved to Cozumel to volunteer at the local orphanage. She’s fallen in love with the children and doesn’t need a good-looking, over-confident, guy complicating things. Sending Brooks on his way, with just the right amount of sass, was the only option. But when Brooks puts his own life on the line for her and some of the orphaned children, she may have to take another look at the guy behind the muscles and money.



Find Cozumel Escape on Amazon and Goodreads.

Title help and recruiting trip pics

Denver and I had a great time in Alabama and North Carolina. Sadly, he is much too excited about going to college across the nation from his momma. I was a little surprised that he despises big cities. He was so funny in downtown Charlotte, where there are several security guards on every block and it is very clean. He kept saying, "Are you having a good time, Momma, good, good. We can leave whenever you want." I was shocked because though I love my country home, I have the best time traveling to big cities--the people, the food, the ability to walk everywhere, the new sites to see. What about you? Big city fan or are you like my country boy?

Here are a few pics of us on the trip. I'm horrible at remembering to take pictures, so I was glad we had this many. Denver played amazing. He's 6'3" and there was a guy he played against who was 6'7". I've never seen my boy look small! He was sad I didn't take any pics when he was defending him. He also defended against one of the top attacks in the country, I guess the kid scored 9 goals against England. I had no clue until the game was over. We should've been asking for autographs!

​

I need advice on the title for my Last Play book (guest authoring for Taylor Hart's NFL series). My guy is a wide receiver and the girl is his personal trainer. The ideas so far: Training for Love -- Best Catch -- Pass Interference -- Romance in Training.

Would love any votes or other suggestions. 

Hugs and thanks,

Cami

The Fall of Lord Drayson by Rachael Anderson

When Colin Cavendish, the new earl of Drayson, informs Lucy Beresford that she and her mother need to vacate the house they've called home for the past two years, Lucy is fit to be tied. They have no money, no relations they can turn to for help, and nowhere to go. How dare the earl break the promise his father had made to the Beresfords without so much as a twinge of conscience?


Fate plays her hand when Lucy discovers the earl unconscious and injured in the middle of the road. When he awakens with no recollection of who he is, Lucy seizes the opportunity to teach the earl a much-needed lesson in humility and tells him that he is nothing more than a mere servant. Her servant, in fact. 

And thus begins the charming tale of a pompous lord and an impetuous young woman, caught together in a web so tangled that it begs the question: Will they ever get out?



Find The Fall of Lord Drayson

Amazon * Goodreads




My Review:

I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet romance. Each of the characters were unique, interesting, and added something fun to the story. I loved Lucy most of all. Very cute story.

Christmas books already!

I can't believe we're already releasing Christmas books, but I love everything about the season so I don't mind getting started early. You may have read these two Christmas books before. Christmas Makeover was originally published in Christmas Kisses: An Echo Ridge Romance, but is now for sale on its own. Also, if you sign up for my newsletter on the form below you can receive a free copy of Full Court Devotion, which was originally published in Christmas in Snow Valley. I found out that my old newsletter carrier was not confirming sign ups, so if you have signed up before but aren't getting newsletters from me every couple of weeks, please sign up again. 

Thanks for all the support!







Find Christmas Makeover:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Inkterra * Kobo * 24Symbols * Goodreads



Chelsea Jamison has been infatuated with Drew Stirling longer than she's loved playing basketball, high-top sneakers, and the Knicks. Unfortunately, all Drew sees is the kid who kicked his trash in the high school free throw contest and not the girl whose heart breaks into a fast dribble when he's near. 
Drew makes an unexpected visit home to Echo Ridge and their friendship picks up where they left off as they scheme to make a teenaged boy's Christmas dreams come true. When Chelsea realizes she's fallen for her best friend, she wonders if there is any hope of a relationship with Drew or if she's stuck in buddy-status for life.







New release and as always some great advice from my fabulous friend, Connie Sokol.




With the holidays coming, I’m feeling the excitement begin! Before life
gets a go-go, curl up with some cocoa, your favorite blanket, and cozy into
this sweet story of two lives wanting to make more together. And if you want
get a jump on holiday prep, enjoy “3 Steps to Simplify & Savor Your Season.”
It’s free with my newsletter sign-up at www.conniesokol.com. Romance and
organization, you’re totally going to rock this season!

Thanks for reading,

Connie











Soda Fountain Christmas by bestselling
author Connie E. Sokol

Available on Amazon and www.conniesokol.com



Keira Kenworth has one focus this holiday
season: save her father's old-time department store from bankruptcy. She is not
focused on Tayton Wells, the tall, dark, and genius marketing guru from
downtown New York, hired to make it happen. He is as doubtful that her
nostalgic connect-the-town ideas will succeed as she is about his numbers-first
plan. However, it's not just their different approaches that cause sparks to
fly. Working together on a fast deadline to save the store before Christmas,
the unspoken connection between them grows. But will the tough decisions they
face drive them back to their separate worlds, or will they lead to the
beginning of love? 









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The Adventurous One by Jeanette Lewis

Taylor Medlin may have taken the billionaire bride pact when she was a teenager at Camp Wallakee, but she wasn’t thinking about that when she married the man of her dreams several years later. And she certainly wasn’t thinking about the pact when she signed the divorce papers after only eighteen months.

Once burned, twice shy, Taylor has sworn off romance until a family emergency pulls her home to Sioux Falls and into the arms of old friend, Lane Carter. But Lane has his own demons and he and Taylor must decide whether the past will bring them together, or tear them apart.



I loved this fun, romantic, and touching story. Lane deals so well with his amputations and prosthetics, but he still has to deal with them. I hope you love the book as much as I do.



Buy or read more here.

The Masquerading Groom by Taylor Hart

I am absolutely in love with Taylor Hart's books. The Masquerading Groom is just as fun, romantic, and touching as the others. When I read the description about her recovering from surgery I kind of thought, Oh, gross, I've been there and there's nothing romantic about it! Well, with Sterling Pennington involved it is romantic, but it is also so real and I love that. Sterling's always worn a mask and to see it stripped away and him helping Sayla through such a hard time. That's real romance. Loved it!




When Sterling Pennington, movie star/billionaire extraordinaire, gets stuck with a paid date at a masquerade party...he's not happy. Too bad his agent doesn't want the press to think he's lonely after the pretend break up with his latest co-star. The arrangement makes him feel like a loser, until he sees the woman in the sequined dress. 

Sayla Jones made it clear she would only take this date if the egocentric movie star knew he got three hours before she turned into a pumpkin. That's all. She never imagined she might actually connect with him, or that he would kiss her. Good thing she slapped him for good measure. 

Sterling never expected to see Sayla again, and he really wasn't expecting to find her at the hospital. The next thing he knows, he's taking her home and spending the next four days cooking, listening to Neil Diamond on a record player, and putting braids in her hair. His feelings intensify when he finds himself admitting out loud, she even looks cute while drooling in her sleep. What's happening to him? 
When Sayla confesses she believes they are too different to make it work, Sterling is faced with a choice--fight for her or live alone in the world of masks forever. 
Purchase HERE!
 




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My crazy Half Ironman

For my 42nd birthday I decided I wanted to do a half Ironman. The problem: I'm pretty pathetic at swimming and biking. I had no desire to participate in an organized event. So I made up my own.

I started with the 13.1 mile run at 5 a.m. on Friday morning. It was just me and the moon out there. It was a beautiful run and I made it back to my house feeling great. I ate a little bit, took a bath, changed my clothes, and headed out on the bike. I did 30 miles at the gym on a spin bike and 26 miles on my beach cruiser. Yes, I realize I'm crazy not to use a road bike, but I was grinning the entire ride. It was a gorgeous seventy degrees and all I could think about was how pretty Cache Valley is and how blessed I am to be healthy. I made it home and was starving. I ate a little bit, did some writing work while my food processed then jumped in the pool. The 1.2 mile swim was relaxing.

I felt great the entire time and would do the event again tomorrow (if I had the time and my family didn't shoot me).

I realize the true triathletes and Iron man participants would laugh at my event and that's fine. I did it in the wrong order and I took breaks in between, but it honestly was a fun and relaxing day and one of the best birthday presents I've ever given myself.

What events do you like to participate in - run, bike, swim, a combo, or something completely different?

A free book from Rachelle J. Christensen

Happy Tuesday! One of my favorite authors, Rachelle J. Christensen has released a new romantic suspense novella and is giving away the first book in the series.

[image error]When Mandy’s car is stolen with her two young daughters inside, the police think it’s a car-jacking gone wrong, but she can’t forget the determined look in the man’s eyes as he drove away. Mandy and her husband, Nick, are on the verge of divorce and the kidnapping is a wake-up call. All of their differences and problems can’t stand in the way of a parent’s love. In order to find their children, they’ll have to forgive each other and learn to work together. But they don’t have years or even months to make this happen . . . according to the kidnapper, time is running out.

Find Double Take on Amazon

Rachelle's Facebook Page


Rachelle's Website




Reviews:

“For a novella, this had so much story and so much action, it was a fast read with my heart on my sleeve.”

--Vicki Goodwin, Reviewer

“Good, quick read. The author always does a great job with character development and suspense for such short stories.”

--Plantain Hill, Reviewer




The first novella in the Silver Cascade Suspense series, Silver Cascade Secrets, is available as a free eBook when you sign up for Rachelle's VIP news. If you're interested,grab the free book here: http://eepurl.com/bQUAtX

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Pumpkin Zucchini Bread

I am absolutely in love with zucchini, but my four boys are begging for something else for dinner. My garden is going crazy producing and since no one else will take my zucchini (I tried putting it in front seats of cars at the grocery store and set off a few alarms) I've resorted to hiding it in everything from pancakes to cookies. Our favorite - zucchini pumpkin bread. I stole the recipe from Taste of Home, but of course I adapted it (I can't follow a recipe to save my life).

Ingredients

3 eggs, lightly beaten

2 cups sugar

1 cup canned pumpkin

1 cup butter, melted

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1 cup shredded zucchini

12 ounce bag semi-sweet chocolate chips (it's a lot of chocolate, but we had to negate the health benefits of zucchini and pumpkin somehow)

Directions

In a bowl, combine eggs and sugar. Add pumpkin, butter and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients; gradually add to pumpkin mixture and mix well. Stir in zucchini and nuts. Pour into two greased and floured 9-in. x 5-in. loaf pans. Bake at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until breads test done. Cool in pans 10 minutes. Remove to a wire rack. Yield: 2 loaves.

Originally published as Pumpkin Zucchini Bread in Bountiful Harvest Cookbook 1994, p25



I also had to share about my darling friends' new book release. I love Jennifer and Sandra's suspense books and this romance was every bit as good! The heroine is such a sweetheart and is willing to sacrifice herself for her family. The hero is... dreamy. Loved him! Also, the setting - Hawaii - surf lessons, walks on the beach. Can we go there, please?












Click here to get your copy of Everything to Lose









Book Summary

When her father dies suddenly, Samantha Fairchild gets engaged to an uptight, controlling billionaire in order to save the family from financial ruin. Samantha accompanies her fiancé to Hawaii while he’s conducting a business deal. A chance encounter with a free-spirited surfer with dreamy eyes and a quick smile throws her into a tailspin.
Caught between forbidden love and loyalty, Samantha has everything to lose. Will she choose money and security, or will her heart win out in the end?  
































































The Protective One:

Betrayed by an FBI agent while in protective custody, MacKenzie Gunthrie escapes a crime lord and is left hiding from the authorities and her enemies. She finds solace in the peaceful mountain town of Crested Butte, Colorado. With help from a longtime girl's camp friend and a new identity, she's starting to feel safe. The only problem is the overconfident and much too good-looking Isaac Turnbow. Protecting identity has become second nature, but Isaac poses a threat to her heart.

Isaac Turnbow has an undeniable need to convince MacKenzie he’s someone she can trust and kiss, but when well-armed men arrive to disturb their budding relationship, he must prove to her and himself that he can protect her.



Find The Protective One - Amazon * Goodreads

If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can read The Protective One for free.

To celebrate the release, The Feisty One, will be on sale for only $.99 until September 10th. 

Thank you for all the support!

The Protective One: A Billionaire Bride Pact Romance

I'm thrilled to release the sixth Billionaire Bride Pact Romance, The Protective One. I had a great time researching this book in the beautiful valley of Crested Butte, Colorado with my mom, dad, and little sister. We also loved doing the cover.



The picture is my oldest son and his adorable prom date. They were such a fun and sweet couple. I had to include a picture of their faces for you too. I know I'm prejudiced, but aren't they adorable? We took picture after picture of their shoes and they patiently posed, even when we'd say, "Hold her closer." Great mom and aunt trying to get the teenagers to snuggle up!







Blurb for The Protective One:

Betrayed by an FBI agent while in protective custody, MacKenzie Gunthrie escapes a crime lord and is left hiding from the authorities and her enemies. She finds solace in the peaceful mountain town of Crested Butte, Colorado. With help from a longtime girl's camp friend and a new identity, she's starting to feel safe. The only problem is the overconfident and much too good-looking Isaac Turnbow. Protecting identity has become second nature, but Isaac poses a threat to her heart.

Isaac Turnbow has an undeniable need to convince MacKenzie he’s someone she can trust and kiss, but when well-armed men arrive to disturb their budding relationship, he must prove to her and himself that he can protect her.



Find The Protective One - Amazon * Goodreads



To celebrate the release, The Feisty One, will be on sale for only $.99 until September 10th. 

Thank you for all the support!









Excerpt from The Protective One:

The only way MacKenzie would be safe to go home again was when she heard that Solomon Squire had been booked into a maximum security prison where he belonged. She sighed, hoping that day would come soon, but forcing herself to acknowledge it might never come.

“You keep pulling that face and it’ll stick that way.” The slow drawl of Haley’s older brother, Isaac, from the open doorway made her stomach smolder, and that ticked her off almost as much as the insult, but at least she didn’t jump in fear at a man’s voice.

“Maybe I like my face this way.” She stood to face him and wished his looks were as off-putting as his sarcastic personality. But no, his face was perfect—olive skin, manly lines, and those green eyes that drew her in. Of course he had to have dark hair with just the right amount of curl and beefy muscles in all the right places.

Isaac reached up and touched the skin next to her mouth. She tingled and tried to back away, but ran into the shelf. His hand dropped to his side.

“You look stressed.”

“Thanks. Such a compliment.”

“I’m sorry.” He shoved a hand through his curls. “Haley would kick me in the pants if she knew you were unhappy. Take a break. I’ll watch the shop for a while.”

MacKenzie’s eyebrows rose. “When did you decide to play nice?”

Isaac scowled. “You still mad at me because I called you one of the gold diggers?”

“Oh, big surprise that I would take offense to that.” They’d met for the second time in over ten years when Haley had brought MacKenzie into the store to train her. The only downside of this escape plan was she’d been so excited to see Isaac again. He was her first—not to mention most amazing—kiss at the very mature age of fourteen. He hadn’t remembered her or the kiss and that alone had about taken her under. His first line to her was, “Oh, another one of Haley’s gold digger friends looking for a billionaire.” What a jerk. A heartbreaking, much-too-good-looking jerk.

“Hey, I’m sorry, all right?” He glanced at the display over her shoulder. “Don’t get all offended.”

“Don’t get all offended?” MacKenzie pushed around him, but unfortunately brushed against his muscular arm. She felt the connection all the way down to her toes and it frustrated her even more.








If you haven't had a chance to read Caribbean Rescue it's a fun, romantic escape to the Caribbean. I'm dying now to rent a private island someday. We have to dream big, right?



The book is available for only $2.99 or a free borrow if you have Amazon prime or Amazon lending library.



Amazon * Goodreads



Also, Kisses Between the Lines is a great clean romance anthology with some of my favorite authors. It's also available in Paperback and Audio. If you like to listen to books on audio this is hours of entertainment.



Amazon * Goodreads