Cami Checketts's Blog, page 23
February 18, 2016
Mail Order Bride Collection
Six Award-Winning Authors have contributed new stories to A Timeless Romance Anthology: Mail Order Bride Collection. Six historical romance novellas set in the Old West. WRITTEN IN HER HEART, a charming novella by Stacy Henrie, Georgeanna is getting desperate. She can’t fund her favorite orphanage unless she marries and secures the rest of her inheritance left by her father. But her father’s financial planner, Clay, can't understand why she's not content with her current situation. Georgie determines to send out a notice as a mail order bride to attract suitors who won’t know her financial situation. Little does she know, Clay takes up the pen and sends her letters of his own under an assumed name. After years of working for Georgie’s father, Clay realizes he isn’t ready to watch her marry another, not when his heart is already claimed by her.
In Kristin Holt’s delightful novella WANTED: MIDWIFE BRIDE Dr. Naomi Thornton thinks she has it all: a beautiful house, a loving husband, and a fulfilling career. But when everything she holds dear is ripped away, Naomi has no choice but to start over. What will she find in the wild and untamed Wyoming Territory? Dr. Joe Chandler has waited years for a wife with the knowledge, skills, and tender heart he yearns for in a medical colleague and lifetime companion. When a midwife arrives with more expertise and secrets than he counted on, Joe quickly discovers there’s more to love and marriage than a simple mail order contract.
In THE SOUND OF HOME, a captivating novella by Annette Lyon, Marilyn is given the choice of either marrying the despicable Victor or being charged with a murder she didn’t commit. Refusing to believe that either is her fate, she finds a third option: she answers a mail order bride advertisement and boards a train to Wyoming to wed a man named Harry. Moments after her arrival, she learns that Harry isn’t who he seemed to be, and the advertisement turns out to be a giant mistake. Harry’s brother Thomas agrees to let her stay until she can figure out what to do next—after all, she simply cannot return to New York—but Marilyn quickly finds herself developing feelings for Thomas.
In Sarah M. Eden’s endearing novella FOR BETTER OR WORSE Gerald Smith, on the advice of his well-meaning neighbors, has decided it’s time to change his lonely existence. Mary Hill, on the advice of her empty pocketbook and non-existent roof over her head, has decided it’s time to secure herself a future. A mail-order marriage, they both realize, is no guarantee of happiness, but it is a risk they are willing to take. However, coming face to face on the train platform, the hapless couple discovers an unexpected truth: marriage to a perfect stranger is sometimes far preferable to the prospect of a lifetime with someone you used to know.
Heather B. Moore’s sweet novella THE INCONVENIENT BRIDE sees Carmela traveling from Boston to Colorado, eager to meet the man she’s been corresponding with and will soon marry. Her brother’s new marriage leaves little room for Carmela in her old life. Upon arrival in Leadville, she faces a rude awakening, and the only one who can understand her predicament is her fiance’s brother, Samuel. But Samuel can’t possibly help her out of an awkward situation, can he? It would be better for all if she returns immediately to Boston and pretends she never traveled to Colorado in the first place.
THE PRICE OF SILVER, an engaging novella by Siân Ann Bessey, Katie leaves New York for Idaho to marry Jake, a man she’s written to a couple of times. But when she steps off the train, his brother Caleb is there to greet her. Jake has gone to take a mining job he couldn’t pass up. Caleb takes Katie back to the family ranch to wait for Jake’s return. The more Caleb gets to know Katie, the more he envies his brother, but he can’t let his heart overrule his head unless Jake changes his mind about his intended bride.
Find it on Amazon * Goodreads * Barnes & Noble
My Review:
I really liked this collection. My favorite story was The Inconvenient Bride by Heather Moore. Samuel was a solid but swoon-worthy hero and Carmela was someone I could relate too. All the novellas were interesting and well-written. Fun collection and another great addition to the Timeless Romance Anthologies.
February 16, 2016
The Spider and the Sparrow
May 1915. After tragedy strikes during the Second Battle of Artois, Frenchman Julian Olivier will do anything to get out of the trenches. So when British Intelligence recruits him to spy behind enemy lines, he jumps at the opportunity. Just before he begins, however, he has a chance encounter with a young French woman who leaves his heart marked for the remainder of the war—even if he doesn’t know her name.Warren Flynn is a Canadian airborne hero, and dogfights with the Germans are all in a day’s work. Second only to his love of flying is his fascination with Claire Donovan, the daughter of an American munitions manufacturer living in Paris. Warren flies Julian into Germany and soon receives orders to post the Allies’ newest operative—an attractive peasant woman named Evette—in Claire’s home.
As a dangerous ring of spies and saboteurs threatens to turn the war against the Allies, Julian discovers goodness in his enemies’ hearts. But even if he survives, will he ever be reunited with the woman whose memory he can’t erase? Will Warren survive the war, and will Evette unearth the infiltrator in her own territory before it’s too late?
Find it on Deseret Book (best price) * Amazon * Goodreads * Barnes & Noble
My Review:
How to convey how much I love this book? Hmm. First of all, I couldn't stop reading, even though I had dozens of obligations I needed to keep and cute boys begging for my attention. I'd sneak into the bathroom and read, my boys worried I was sick. Second of all, it's just so good! Action, romance, heart-wrenching stories of the war, family drama, characters that you can't help but love.
I would highly recommend this book and anything A.L. Sowards writes.
February 10, 2016
Spring in Snow Valley
Spring in Snow Valley
is now available for pre-order. It was so fun continuing the story of the Wilson family. I hope you enjoy the books.
Spring is in the air and so is romance in the small town of Snow Valley, Montana.
Buy it on Amazon
Operation Kiss the Girl, Cindy Roland Anderson
Ivy Baker is doomed to marry a man she only pretends to be in love with to save the family ranch. Since she isn't marrying for love, Ivy secretly creates a kissing wish list composed of scenes from romance books. She hopes to experience at least one kiss from her list before she becomes officially engaged and seals her fate. When she travels to Snow Valley to help her aunt recover from surgery, Ivy finds herself falling for Kellen Thomas, an irresistible cowboy she should avoid. By chance Kellen finds Ivy's list, and decides to make it his mission to fulfill her every kiss wish, turning her world upside down and making Ivy want to choose her heart over duty.
Love Coming Late, Jeanette Lewis
Cynthia Eddington never thought she'd return to Snow Valley after a string of bad luck forced the sale of her beloved farm there. But here she is, about to start a new life with her children, Jackson and Anoria. Cynthia plans to focus on her career and her family; she's not looking for romance and she's definitely not looking for sexy cowboy, Colby Schroder.
Running From the Cowboy, Cami Checketts
Missy Horman escaped an abusive marriage and returned to Snow Valley to help her father deal with her emotionally disturbed mother. Volunteering to teach a youth Sunday school class seems like a good way to get out of her comfort zone--until she ends up kissing Porter Wilson in front of a bunch of teenagers. Embarrassed, and secretly thrilled, by the kiss, she writes Porter off as a playboy. But, Missy wasn't the only one affected and Porter wants to show her that a true cowboy knows how to treat a lady and, if Missy can learn to trust, she might just let him.
The Bet, Taylor Hart
When Destiny Morningstar gets blackmailed into spending her spring break in Snow Valley, the last thing she's looking for is a date, especially not with Adam and Chase Moon--two attractive and athletic brothers. But soon she finds herself tangled up in a dating spree that includes a flag football game, swinging around the barn dance, and hiking to Snow Valley's romantic hot springs with the town's most eligible bachelors. At every turn she's within kissing distance of one of the delectable Moon men. When she discovers she's been part of some bet fueled by sibling rivalry and overactive egos she has to make a decision--forgive them both or miss out on the best thing that's ever happened to her.
Sealed with a Kiss, Kimberley Montpetit
Jessica Mason and Pastor James are struggling to make their long-distance relationship work between Snow Valley and New Orleans where Jessica dances with the local ballet company. When April Murphy, a war widow with a child, shows up in Snow Valley, James reluctantly begins to wonder if he and Jessica are really meant to be. April would make the perfect pastor's wife and he'd have an instant family and the stability he craves. But he can't get the spitfire Jessica out of his mind and when she returns to Snow Valley to accept an inheritance, her male ballet partner in tow, the love triangle takes on a new edge. Can Jessica and James figure out their relationship while living in two different states--or do they allow their hearts to move on and forget the passion they once shared?
Romancing a Husband, Lucy McConnell
Staying in love is a lot harder than falling in love--at least for Natalie Lawson. Her husband is down on his luck and some days he's just plain down while Natalie is moving forward, gaining promotions and starting new adventures. In some ways, they've grown apart and Natalie can't help but wonder if her path through life will always include Eli. When a tragedy teaches then a lesson neither will soon forget, Natalie has to choose between relying on herself or learn how to romance her husband one more time.
Spring is in the air and so is romance in the small town of Snow Valley, Montana.
Buy it on Amazon
Operation Kiss the Girl, Cindy Roland Anderson
Ivy Baker is doomed to marry a man she only pretends to be in love with to save the family ranch. Since she isn't marrying for love, Ivy secretly creates a kissing wish list composed of scenes from romance books. She hopes to experience at least one kiss from her list before she becomes officially engaged and seals her fate. When she travels to Snow Valley to help her aunt recover from surgery, Ivy finds herself falling for Kellen Thomas, an irresistible cowboy she should avoid. By chance Kellen finds Ivy's list, and decides to make it his mission to fulfill her every kiss wish, turning her world upside down and making Ivy want to choose her heart over duty.
Love Coming Late, Jeanette Lewis
Cynthia Eddington never thought she'd return to Snow Valley after a string of bad luck forced the sale of her beloved farm there. But here she is, about to start a new life with her children, Jackson and Anoria. Cynthia plans to focus on her career and her family; she's not looking for romance and she's definitely not looking for sexy cowboy, Colby Schroder.
Running From the Cowboy, Cami Checketts
Missy Horman escaped an abusive marriage and returned to Snow Valley to help her father deal with her emotionally disturbed mother. Volunteering to teach a youth Sunday school class seems like a good way to get out of her comfort zone--until she ends up kissing Porter Wilson in front of a bunch of teenagers. Embarrassed, and secretly thrilled, by the kiss, she writes Porter off as a playboy. But, Missy wasn't the only one affected and Porter wants to show her that a true cowboy knows how to treat a lady and, if Missy can learn to trust, she might just let him.
The Bet, Taylor Hart
When Destiny Morningstar gets blackmailed into spending her spring break in Snow Valley, the last thing she's looking for is a date, especially not with Adam and Chase Moon--two attractive and athletic brothers. But soon she finds herself tangled up in a dating spree that includes a flag football game, swinging around the barn dance, and hiking to Snow Valley's romantic hot springs with the town's most eligible bachelors. At every turn she's within kissing distance of one of the delectable Moon men. When she discovers she's been part of some bet fueled by sibling rivalry and overactive egos she has to make a decision--forgive them both or miss out on the best thing that's ever happened to her.
Sealed with a Kiss, Kimberley Montpetit
Jessica Mason and Pastor James are struggling to make their long-distance relationship work between Snow Valley and New Orleans where Jessica dances with the local ballet company. When April Murphy, a war widow with a child, shows up in Snow Valley, James reluctantly begins to wonder if he and Jessica are really meant to be. April would make the perfect pastor's wife and he'd have an instant family and the stability he craves. But he can't get the spitfire Jessica out of his mind and when she returns to Snow Valley to accept an inheritance, her male ballet partner in tow, the love triangle takes on a new edge. Can Jessica and James figure out their relationship while living in two different states--or do they allow their hearts to move on and forget the passion they once shared?
Romancing a Husband, Lucy McConnell
Staying in love is a lot harder than falling in love--at least for Natalie Lawson. Her husband is down on his luck and some days he's just plain down while Natalie is moving forward, gaining promotions and starting new adventures. In some ways, they've grown apart and Natalie can't help but wonder if her path through life will always include Eli. When a tragedy teaches then a lesson neither will soon forget, Natalie has to choose between relying on herself or learn how to romance her husband one more time.
February 9, 2016
The Feisty One
The third book in The Billionaire Bride Pact is almost done! Official release date is March 1st. So excited! If you read The Resilient One, hopefully you fell in love with Alyssa's hilarious friend, Maryn. This is her story. Let me know what you think of the cover and blurb.
Hugs,
Cami
The Feisty One
Maryn
Howe isn’t intimidated by billionaire recluse, Tucker Shaffer, or his enormous
log cabin in Island Park, Idaho. Maryn needs this interview to build her career
and she’ll get it at any cost, even if the last four reporters were physically
removed from his presence.
Tucker Shaffer, doesn’t mind the having the reputation of
being an ornery hermit and has no desire to change his
image, no matter how his PR people whine. Until he meets Maryn Howe and finds that her insightful questions and
blond petiteness take him completely off guard.
When Maryn discovers the secret Tucker Shaffer has spent
the last four years torturing himself with—she suddenly sees him in a new light
and she flees—right into danger and into Tucker’s arms.
But the danger has just begun and now Maryn has to make a
choice—trust in Tucker or lose it all.
Hugs,
Cami
The Feisty One
Maryn
Howe isn’t intimidated by billionaire recluse, Tucker Shaffer, or his enormous
log cabin in Island Park, Idaho. Maryn needs this interview to build her career
and she’ll get it at any cost, even if the last four reporters were physically
removed from his presence.
Tucker Shaffer, doesn’t mind the having the reputation of
being an ornery hermit and has no desire to change his
image, no matter how his PR people whine. Until he meets Maryn Howe and finds that her insightful questions and
blond petiteness take him completely off guard.
When Maryn discovers the secret Tucker Shaffer has spent
the last four years torturing himself with—she suddenly sees him in a new light
and she flees—right into danger and into Tucker’s arms.
But the danger has just begun and now Maryn has to make a
choice—trust in Tucker or lose it all.
February 2, 2016
Winter Blahs
How are you all surviving winter so far? Our little valley gets inversions and bitter cold so I struggle not getting depressed or just sitting around drinking hot cocoa all day! Luckily this year I have a really busy writing schedule (seven books due before June - yikes) and lots going on with the boys and lacrosse so it's kept me too crazy to consume as much hot cocoa as usual.
What do you do to keep busy and positive through the yucky days of winter?
What do you do to keep busy and positive through the yucky days of winter?
January 26, 2016
My Fair Gentleman by Nancy Campbell Allen
My Fair Gentleman by Nancy Campbell Allen
A regency twist on My Fair Lady!
Jack Eliot dreams of being the captain of his own ship. But then his grandfather, the Earl of Stansworth, names Jack as his heir — with a caveat. Jack must impress the aristocracy, or else his mother and sister will remain in poverty. Can a rough-and-tumble captain be transformed into a gentleman of society?
Ivy Carlisle is willing to try. Employed as his tutor, she begins teaching Jack the ways of high society, but she quickly discovers that this dashing sailor is brash and bold, opinionated and passionate. If she's not careful, Jack might end up teaching her a thing or two about romance.
Sparks fly when the sailor meets society, and Jack soon learns that his challenge isn't surviving the ton, but surviving the conspiracies against him — as well as keeping himself from falling madly in love with his new tutor.
My Review:
Nancy Campbell Allen has been a favorite writer of mine since teenage years and she has just gotten better with time. I loved every character from Jack and Ivy to her grandmother and his sister and mother. This is such a delightful story and I would highly recommend it.
Win a print copy of the book below.
Deseret Book * Amazon * Goodreads
a Rafflecopter giveaway
January 20, 2016
Julia's Banana Bread - Recipe from Kahakuloa, Maui
My husband and I were blessed to go Maui for our twenty-year wedding anniversary last year. We loved it and I was thrilled when I could use the beautiful island as the setting for my first Billionaire Bride Pact Book, The Resilient One.
The food on the island was expensive but divine. I especially loved the papaya, pineapple, fresh fish, and Julia's Banana Bread from the little village of Kahakuloa. I had to include the bread and fun village in the book and I wanted to make sure to share the recipe with all of you. I found it on Bon Appetit. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. I especially love how simple the recipe is.
Ingredients
Oil or butter for greasing the pan
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup mashed *ripe bananas (about 2 large)
3/4 cup vegetable oil (I use either coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°. Coat a 9x5x3” loaf pan with oil or butter.
Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
Whisk eggs, sugar, bananas, and oil in a large bowl until smooth. Add dry ingredients to banana mixture and stir just until combined. Scrape batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
Bake until a tester inserted into the center of bread comes out clean, 60–70 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack; let bread cool in pan for 15 minutes.
Run a knife around inside of pan to release the bread. Turn out onto rack and let cool completely before slicing.
*For more intense ripe banana flavor I set my two peeled bananas in a glass bowl and microwave for 1-2 minutes. Whisk the liquid that has accumulated with the banana pulp and use. This will help ripen a "less ripe" banana and intensify the banana flavors.
The Resilient One by Cami Checketts
Alyssa Armsworth, a world-renowned photographer, has no intentions of honoring the Billionaire Bride Pact she made as a teenager to avoid getting her bra hung from the camp flagpole. Marriage is the last thing on her to-do list and when her father forces his wealthy friends on her, she runs to Maui.
She plans to lay low, take some great pictures, and eat fresh fish--until Beckham Taylor arrives. Stuck in the same hotel and spending days on the white sand with the handsome ex-NHL star wouldn't be all that bad except Alyssa's done something in the past that Beckham could never forgive. Before she can confess, her misdeeds are thrust onto the front cover of a well-known magazine. Alyssa must overcome her fears or live without Beckham.
Available now for only $2.99 - Amazon or free for Prime and KOLL members.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The food on the island was expensive but divine. I especially loved the papaya, pineapple, fresh fish, and Julia's Banana Bread from the little village of Kahakuloa. I had to include the bread and fun village in the book and I wanted to make sure to share the recipe with all of you. I found it on Bon Appetit. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. I especially love how simple the recipe is.
IngredientsOil or butter for greasing the pan
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup mashed *ripe bananas (about 2 large)
3/4 cup vegetable oil (I use either coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°. Coat a 9x5x3” loaf pan with oil or butter.
Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
Whisk eggs, sugar, bananas, and oil in a large bowl until smooth. Add dry ingredients to banana mixture and stir just until combined. Scrape batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
Bake until a tester inserted into the center of bread comes out clean, 60–70 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack; let bread cool in pan for 15 minutes.
Run a knife around inside of pan to release the bread. Turn out onto rack and let cool completely before slicing.
*For more intense ripe banana flavor I set my two peeled bananas in a glass bowl and microwave for 1-2 minutes. Whisk the liquid that has accumulated with the banana pulp and use. This will help ripen a "less ripe" banana and intensify the banana flavors.
The Resilient One by Cami Checketts
Alyssa Armsworth, a world-renowned photographer, has no intentions of honoring the Billionaire Bride Pact she made as a teenager to avoid getting her bra hung from the camp flagpole. Marriage is the last thing on her to-do list and when her father forces his wealthy friends on her, she runs to Maui.
She plans to lay low, take some great pictures, and eat fresh fish--until Beckham Taylor arrives. Stuck in the same hotel and spending days on the white sand with the handsome ex-NHL star wouldn't be all that bad except Alyssa's done something in the past that Beckham could never forgive. Before she can confess, her misdeeds are thrust onto the front cover of a well-known magazine. Alyssa must overcome her fears or live without Beckham.
Available now for only $2.99 - Amazon or free for Prime and KOLL members.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
January 19, 2016
Billionaire Bride Pact
Release day party for the Billionaire Bride Pact books!
Don't forget to enter below to win $25 Cash. Thanks for stopping by!
The Resilient One by Cami Checketts
Alyssa Armsworth, a world-renowned photographer, has no intentions of honoring the Billionaire Bride Pact she made as a teenager to avoid getting her bra hung from the camp flagpole. Marriage is the last thing on her to-do list and when her father forces his wealthy friends on her, she runs to Maui.
She plans to lay low, take some great pictures, and eat fresh fish--until Beckham Taylor arrives. Stuck in the same hotel and spending days on the white sand with the handsome ex-NHL star wouldn't be all that bad except Alyssa's done something in the past that Beckham could never forgive. Before she can confess, her misdeeds are thrust onto the front cover of a well-known magazine. Alyssa must overcome her fears or live without Beckham.
Available now for only $2.99 - Amazon or free for Prime and KOLL members.
The Passionate One by Jeanette Lewis
As the creator of the Billionaire Bride Pact, Erin Parker is determined to see it through. And now that wealthy, gorgeous Brennan Avery has been cast as her costar in a play destined for Broadway, things couldn’t be better. But Erin’s best friend, Matt Walters, isn’t ready to give up on her. He has a plan to escape the friend zone and prove to Erin that there are more important things than money and fame.
Available now for only $2.99 or free for Prime members - Amazon
Excerpt from The Resilient One
“I promise you, Alyssa, this is the guy for…” Maryn’s voice trailed off. “He’s a super-nice guy. Don’t shut yourself off before you even talk to him. Be nice to him and get that date offer.”
Alyssa turned and Beckham Taylor stood at the bottom of the stairs on the other side of the courtyard, watching her like she was a cat who might leap and scratch his eyes out any minute. She sighed. This was going to be harder than Maryn could understand. She forced some gaiety into her voice. “Sounds great. I’ll talk to you later.”
“He’s right there? Oooh,” Maryn squealed. “This is going to be sweet. Ta-ta.”
Alyssa restrained from rolling her eyes and dropped her phone into her purse. She took a deep breath and tried to release the tension in her shoulders. He was still watching her. Go on the offensive and introduce herself? Tell him how amazing he was rescuing the little girl this morning? Or head for the food and hope he came to her? She glanced at his slightly-mussed dark hair and the hopeful expression in his impossibly blue eyes. His jaw line was firm, just like she liked, and from his build she could tell he’d probably been a fabulous hockey player. She darted toward the food. What a wimp.
Piling her plate with papaya, boiled eggs, and a bagel, she grabbed some POG juice and sat at one of the tables. Of course today would be the day the breakfast wasn’t busy. Only her and some famous, hot, rich man. Where was Jerry? Where was the cute elderly couple, Simon and Kendra, who always told her about their Maui adventures every morning? Maryn was exaggerating, this bed and breakfast wasn’t a dump, but still why would a super wealthy dude stay at one of the least expensive places on the west side of the island?
Beckham helped himself to food while she started eating. She tried not to watch him out of the corner of her eye. It was impossible not to look when he marched straight up to her table. “Is this seat taken?”
“All the other tables are full?”
His welcoming smile faded. He looked like she’d just busted his Lego creation.
“I’m just teasing. Please.” She gestured toward the seat. He settled his food on the bamboo table. As his juice tipped precariously to the side, they both reached out to steady it. His hand came around hers. The warmth of his rough fingers sent tremors up her arm. Their eyes met and neither of them moved. Awkwardness settled in quickly. “If you’ll let go, I can put your juice in a safer spot.”
He nodded but didn’t move his hand. “What if I don’t want to let go?”
She moved her hand quickly and he barely caught the juice before it spilt. Studying her plate, Alyssa forced herself to peel a boiled egg and hoped he couldn’t see how he was making her shake. Maryn was so dead.
“I apologize again about this morning. Did I hurt you?” His eyes lowered to her legs and she knew he’d noticed her limp.
“No. You did a great job of protecting me with your body.” Her face flamed red and she took a quick drink of her juice.
A slow grin appeared on Beck’s face. “I’m glad you’re okay.”
She nodded her acknowledgment, her stomach fluttering like it was full of fireflies. Oh, my, he looked good when he smiled like that. They ate in silence for several minutes. Alyssa didn’t know what to say to break the awkwardness that settled in again.
“So, um, I hear you’re a Maui veteran.” He forked a bite of eggs, sneaking a glance at her then focusing on his food.
“Where did you hear that from?” Alyssa realized there was too much bite in her voice. She couldn’t be herself around handsome, wealthy men. Maryn was going to have to find someone else to quote for her article and just deal with disappointment, Alyssa couldn’t handle this.
Beckham’s eyes widened and she was caught off guard studying the brightness of the blue. Caribbean blue, sky blue, or maybe almost aqua blue? She couldn’t quite decide and she couldn’t tear her gaze away from his. What she wouldn’t give to photograph him, for her private collection this time.
“Jerry,” he said.
“Oh.” She spread cream cheese on her bagel, wondering if the air was really crackling around them or if she was going nuts. He had this draw that was so exciting she wanted to either snuggle up next to him or hide in her room.
Beckham set his fork down and cleared his throat. “I don’t have anything planned the next couple of days. Would you be interested in… showing me around?”
Alyssa hated that she wondered if this would qualify as him asking her on a date. She wanted to meet his eyes and get lost in the blue again, but she just couldn’t do it. What if he was like Hugh? She couldn’t be alone with a man and risk being vulnerable. If she couldn’t escape from a wiry guy like Hugh how could she protect herself from someone built like Beckham? She could still feel Hugh’s manicured fingers trailing down her neck and then ripping her shirt off. Nausea rose in her throat.
She set her bagel down and mumbled, “Excuse me. I’m not feeling very well.” She pushed away from the table and Beckham hurried around to pull her chair out. He wrapped one hand around her elbow and the warmth of that touch made her already shaky legs turn to pudding. Her eyes were drawn to his.
“Thanks,” she murmured before withdrawing from his touch and those eyes and fleeing up the stairs.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Don't forget to enter below to win $25 Cash. Thanks for stopping by!
The Resilient One by Cami Checketts
Alyssa Armsworth, a world-renowned photographer, has no intentions of honoring the Billionaire Bride Pact she made as a teenager to avoid getting her bra hung from the camp flagpole. Marriage is the last thing on her to-do list and when her father forces his wealthy friends on her, she runs to Maui.
She plans to lay low, take some great pictures, and eat fresh fish--until Beckham Taylor arrives. Stuck in the same hotel and spending days on the white sand with the handsome ex-NHL star wouldn't be all that bad except Alyssa's done something in the past that Beckham could never forgive. Before she can confess, her misdeeds are thrust onto the front cover of a well-known magazine. Alyssa must overcome her fears or live without Beckham.
Available now for only $2.99 - Amazon or free for Prime and KOLL members.
The Passionate One by Jeanette Lewis
As the creator of the Billionaire Bride Pact, Erin Parker is determined to see it through. And now that wealthy, gorgeous Brennan Avery has been cast as her costar in a play destined for Broadway, things couldn’t be better. But Erin’s best friend, Matt Walters, isn’t ready to give up on her. He has a plan to escape the friend zone and prove to Erin that there are more important things than money and fame.
Available now for only $2.99 or free for Prime members - Amazon
Excerpt from The Resilient One
“I promise you, Alyssa, this is the guy for…” Maryn’s voice trailed off. “He’s a super-nice guy. Don’t shut yourself off before you even talk to him. Be nice to him and get that date offer.”
Alyssa turned and Beckham Taylor stood at the bottom of the stairs on the other side of the courtyard, watching her like she was a cat who might leap and scratch his eyes out any minute. She sighed. This was going to be harder than Maryn could understand. She forced some gaiety into her voice. “Sounds great. I’ll talk to you later.”
“He’s right there? Oooh,” Maryn squealed. “This is going to be sweet. Ta-ta.”
Alyssa restrained from rolling her eyes and dropped her phone into her purse. She took a deep breath and tried to release the tension in her shoulders. He was still watching her. Go on the offensive and introduce herself? Tell him how amazing he was rescuing the little girl this morning? Or head for the food and hope he came to her? She glanced at his slightly-mussed dark hair and the hopeful expression in his impossibly blue eyes. His jaw line was firm, just like she liked, and from his build she could tell he’d probably been a fabulous hockey player. She darted toward the food. What a wimp.
Piling her plate with papaya, boiled eggs, and a bagel, she grabbed some POG juice and sat at one of the tables. Of course today would be the day the breakfast wasn’t busy. Only her and some famous, hot, rich man. Where was Jerry? Where was the cute elderly couple, Simon and Kendra, who always told her about their Maui adventures every morning? Maryn was exaggerating, this bed and breakfast wasn’t a dump, but still why would a super wealthy dude stay at one of the least expensive places on the west side of the island?
Beckham helped himself to food while she started eating. She tried not to watch him out of the corner of her eye. It was impossible not to look when he marched straight up to her table. “Is this seat taken?”
“All the other tables are full?”
His welcoming smile faded. He looked like she’d just busted his Lego creation.
“I’m just teasing. Please.” She gestured toward the seat. He settled his food on the bamboo table. As his juice tipped precariously to the side, they both reached out to steady it. His hand came around hers. The warmth of his rough fingers sent tremors up her arm. Their eyes met and neither of them moved. Awkwardness settled in quickly. “If you’ll let go, I can put your juice in a safer spot.”
He nodded but didn’t move his hand. “What if I don’t want to let go?”
She moved her hand quickly and he barely caught the juice before it spilt. Studying her plate, Alyssa forced herself to peel a boiled egg and hoped he couldn’t see how he was making her shake. Maryn was so dead.
“I apologize again about this morning. Did I hurt you?” His eyes lowered to her legs and she knew he’d noticed her limp.
“No. You did a great job of protecting me with your body.” Her face flamed red and she took a quick drink of her juice.
A slow grin appeared on Beck’s face. “I’m glad you’re okay.”
She nodded her acknowledgment, her stomach fluttering like it was full of fireflies. Oh, my, he looked good when he smiled like that. They ate in silence for several minutes. Alyssa didn’t know what to say to break the awkwardness that settled in again.
“So, um, I hear you’re a Maui veteran.” He forked a bite of eggs, sneaking a glance at her then focusing on his food.
“Where did you hear that from?” Alyssa realized there was too much bite in her voice. She couldn’t be herself around handsome, wealthy men. Maryn was going to have to find someone else to quote for her article and just deal with disappointment, Alyssa couldn’t handle this.
Beckham’s eyes widened and she was caught off guard studying the brightness of the blue. Caribbean blue, sky blue, or maybe almost aqua blue? She couldn’t quite decide and she couldn’t tear her gaze away from his. What she wouldn’t give to photograph him, for her private collection this time.
“Jerry,” he said.
“Oh.” She spread cream cheese on her bagel, wondering if the air was really crackling around them or if she was going nuts. He had this draw that was so exciting she wanted to either snuggle up next to him or hide in her room.
Beckham set his fork down and cleared his throat. “I don’t have anything planned the next couple of days. Would you be interested in… showing me around?”
Alyssa hated that she wondered if this would qualify as him asking her on a date. She wanted to meet his eyes and get lost in the blue again, but she just couldn’t do it. What if he was like Hugh? She couldn’t be alone with a man and risk being vulnerable. If she couldn’t escape from a wiry guy like Hugh how could she protect herself from someone built like Beckham? She could still feel Hugh’s manicured fingers trailing down her neck and then ripping her shirt off. Nausea rose in her throat.
She set her bagel down and mumbled, “Excuse me. I’m not feeling very well.” She pushed away from the table and Beckham hurried around to pull her chair out. He wrapped one hand around her elbow and the warmth of that touch made her already shaky legs turn to pudding. Her eyes were drawn to his.
“Thanks,” she murmured before withdrawing from his touch and those eyes and fleeing up the stairs.
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January 18, 2016
Sick Day
I got a horrible head cold Saturday night and spent Sunday in bed re-reading Shadows in the Curtain, Redeem This, Dead Running, and Dying to Run. I know that's pathetic to re-read books I wrote, but it made the day so much fun!
Do you re-read books or once you've finished a story it's a good memory but not something you'd go back to?
Do you re-read books or once you've finished a story it's a good memory but not something you'd go back to?
January 11, 2016
Billionaire Bride Pact Romances
I'm thrilled to announce the release of my first Billionaire Bride Pact book, The Resilient One. I'm writing this series with my amazing friend, Jeanette Lewis, who came up with the idea of twelve friends making a pact at summer camp to marry only billionaires or they'd have to sing the humiliating Camp Wallakee song at their wedding without telling anyone why. Jeanette's book, The Passionate One, is also available now.
The Resilient One by Cami Checketts
Alyssa Armsworth, a world-renowned photographer, has no intentions of honoring the Billionaire Bride Pact she made as a teenager to avoid getting her bra hung from the camp flagpole. Marriage is the last thing on her to-do list and when her father forces his wealthy friends on her, she runs to Maui.
She plans to lay low, take some great pictures, and eat fresh fish--until Beckham Taylor arrives. Stuck in the same hotel and spending days on the white sand with the handsome ex-NHL star wouldn't be all that bad except Alyssa's done something in the past that Beckham could never forgive. Before she can confess, her misdeeds are thrust onto the front cover of a well-known magazine. Alyssa must overcome her fears or live without Beckham.
Available now for only $2.99 - Amazon or free for Prime and KOLL members.
The Passionate One by Jeanette Lewis
As the creator of the Billionaire Bride Pact, Erin Parker is determined to see it through. And now that wealthy, gorgeous Brennan Avery has been cast as her costar in a play destined for Broadway, things couldn’t be better. But Erin’s best friend, Matt Walters, isn’t ready to give up on her. He has a plan to escape the friend zone and prove to Erin that there are more important things than money and fame.
Available now for only $2.99 or free for Prime members - Amazon
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The Resilient One by Cami Checketts
Alyssa Armsworth, a world-renowned photographer, has no intentions of honoring the Billionaire Bride Pact she made as a teenager to avoid getting her bra hung from the camp flagpole. Marriage is the last thing on her to-do list and when her father forces his wealthy friends on her, she runs to Maui.
She plans to lay low, take some great pictures, and eat fresh fish--until Beckham Taylor arrives. Stuck in the same hotel and spending days on the white sand with the handsome ex-NHL star wouldn't be all that bad except Alyssa's done something in the past that Beckham could never forgive. Before she can confess, her misdeeds are thrust onto the front cover of a well-known magazine. Alyssa must overcome her fears or live without Beckham.
Available now for only $2.99 - Amazon or free for Prime and KOLL members.
The Passionate One by Jeanette Lewis
As the creator of the Billionaire Bride Pact, Erin Parker is determined to see it through. And now that wealthy, gorgeous Brennan Avery has been cast as her costar in a play destined for Broadway, things couldn’t be better. But Erin’s best friend, Matt Walters, isn’t ready to give up on her. He has a plan to escape the friend zone and prove to Erin that there are more important things than money and fame.
Available now for only $2.99 or free for Prime members - Amazon
a Rafflecopter giveaway
