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Enjoy this bestselling sweet romance by Cami Checketts. Single mom, Haley Turnbow, escapes to the tropical Isla del Sol for an ideal vacation with her five-year old. She's planning on lazy beach days, great food, and a happy kid. She doesn't plan on the resident hotel ghost stalking her and the island's fine-looking owner drawing her in with his confident, fun personality. Cal Johnson is king of his own island, happy and busy. Thoughts of a family are on the horizon, but always seem out of grasp until a beautiful mom and her wild little boy flip his world upside down. He falls in love with both of them. Realizing they're going to leave at the end of their vacation, he does everything in his power to capture Haley's heart. Haley and Cal may be able to enjoy a vacation romance, but can what they feel translate into the real world? Only a giant leap of trust will give the answer. Introduction by Lucy McConnell. Find all of Cami's Billionaire Bride Pact 1. The Resilient One 2. The Feisty One 3. The Independent One 4. The Protective One 5. The Faithful One 6. The Daring One

182 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 26, 2016

295 people are currently reading
258 people want to read

About the author

Cami Checketts

298 books1,132 followers
Cami Checketts is a USA Today Bestselling author of over a hundred clean romance novels. Her journey began on an Idaho dairy farm daydreaming book ideas on her bike or tractor and landing herself in the hospital numerous times for head wounds. She settled down after college (retired the bike at least) to raise four crazy boys and write down all those fabulous ideas. Cami's life is busy but she thoroughly enjoys rarely living in reality.

Cami loves the Savior, her husband, her boys, her daughter-in-law, her grandson, traveling, chocolate, and exercise.

Get a free book when you sign up for Cami's VAP (Very Awesome People) list - www.camichecketts.com

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5 stars
321 (45%)
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245 (34%)
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119 (16%)
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16 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
Profile Image for Cyndi.
2,452 reviews123 followers
July 1, 2018
Umm...yeah. So that happened. We have soo many tropes. We have a single mom with a mischievous little boy who keeps stealing the show. Then we have the handsome billionaire who takes one look at our gorgeous single mom and falls insta love. (Cause that happens). But, hark! Our struggling single mom is too proud to accept anything from the billionaire, including his heart.
Umm...right. Ok. My advice? Just don’t sign the prenup.
Profile Image for Mindy Lou's Book Review.
3,012 reviews800 followers
December 21, 2018
I borrowed the audible on KU and LOVED the narrator. I think she did a fantastic job and will seek out more books she has done.

As for the book itself. I loved the hero, I did not love the heroine. This could have been a great Cinderella type trope but she basically ruined it. Way too defensive and stubborn. Also, the 5 year old boy was also a bit much. It was cute in the beginning but then just tipped overboard.

If the heroine was more open to the hero, I really think I would have enjoyed this book. It IS called the Independent One, so the warning is in the title. I will try others in the series to see if the heroines are better.
Profile Image for Katie (hiding in the pages).
3,523 reviews332 followers
May 3, 2016
This Billionaire Bride Pact series has me feeling like I'm sitting in front of a big bowl of deliciousness. As hard as I try, I just can't stop myself from gorging on it. I devour these books and honestly love each and every one of them!

Haley, a strong and capable woman, wins a vacation to the lush and tropical privately owned island of Isla del Sol and takes a much needed break with her adorable and precocious son, Taz. A great first-meet brings Cal, a kind and persistent man, into her life and as much as she wants to let him in, she has baggage and just can't. The personality of Taz, added with the way he's treated by both Cal and his mother, is a complete joy.

As soon as I read the first page, I told my husband I wasn't going to be able to read this one because of the setting. Okay, so I'm kidding, but I love the beach and this setting is ideal and perfect! I'm craving beach time now. I loved the descriptions almost as much as I loved the characters. I was so happy to see some of the previous books characters make a brief appearance.

Cami Checketts always does a fantastic job of weaving a suspenseful angle into her books and I loved the way this one played out. Combine that with a swoony, toe-tingling romance, and I found myself in love--with the book, the writing, the characters, the romance, Cal, and really, the whole package. I'm eagerly awaiting my next binge on this series, so bring it on!

Content: mild romance (kissing); mild violence (talk of rape/assaults, an attack). Clean!

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Kathy Jo.
778 reviews144 followers
May 1, 2016
4.5 Stars

Haley is a single mother to an adorable little boy named Taz. He is full of energy and is constantly keeping her on her toes. When they escape to the tropical Isla del Sol for a much needed vacation, she never imagines the adventures that are in store for them. From hiking, to playing on the beach, to whale watching, to catching the eye of the gorgeous Cal, she is enjoying herself way too much to even think about worrying over the resident ghost who seems to be stalking her.

When Cal first lays eyes on Haley and Taz, he is immediately intrigued. He has never met anyone like Haley before. He is used to women finding out he has money and instantly fawning over him. But when Haley seems to turn up her nose at the first mention of money, he knows he needs to tread carefully around her. The more time he spends with them, the more he is envisioning them becoming a family. But the longer he keeps his wealth a secret from her, the more he endangers his chances of building a forever with Haley and Taz.

Will Haley learn to trust again? Will she learn that it's okay to lean on others for help? Or will secrets and past hurts destroy whatever future they may have together?

I just have to say that I absolutely loved little Taz! He had me chuckling left and right! That adorable little guy stole the show for me! He had the sweetest relationship with his mama and Cal. Love! <3

The Independent One is such a fun addition to this series! I loved it! I was getting frustrated when real life was getting into my reading time. I had to go an entire day without reading and was NOT happy about it! Lol. I do wish we would've been able to see Brad get what he deserved. Even if it was just getting the crap beat out of him! Haha.

And can we talk about this cover?! GORGEOUS! I am loving all of them! I can't wait to see what's next for this series! :)

And of course I can't forget my casting! What do you think?

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Profile Image for Kathy.
2,741 reviews5,975 followers
May 13, 2016
Another great book. These Billionaire Bride Pact novellas are all quick reads but I have very much enjoyed them. Skip the movie or TV show and read this instead. Fun setting and endearing characters.

Content: Clean (just kissing - there is talk of rape but no details)
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Profile Image for Aimee .
3,072 reviews298 followers
May 12, 2016
Is having the cutest shoes on your book cover a "thing" now? I've been reading so many books with the cutest shoes on them. I love the shoes on this cover. How cute are they? I wish I were young enough to wear them. :)

I'm always so happy to read books by Cami and I happen to really love this whole series which includes different authors writing about a group of girls who made a pact at a summer camp one year. They can all stand alone and be read independently but when you read in order, sometimes you get to revisit old friends in later books and they mean more to you.

This book had the perfect island setting with sandy beaches and sunshine but it was the characters who stole my heart. I loved Haley, Taz and Cal. I loved them separately and I loved them together. That little Taz was so endearing. Cami captured four year old antics perfectly. And Cal? He is the man.

This book had an excellent flow to it. There was a bit of suspense which was a fun addition. I was invested in it and I loved the happily ever after ending. If you are looking to feel good with a romantic escape and a few smiles, this is your book. It was over way too fast for me!

Content: Clean

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Tamera Westhoff.
1,101 reviews7 followers
May 11, 2016
Another great billionaire matchup

Haley and her son, Taz are doing pretty well together, and then comes Cal... Haley had a rough go of things being drugged and raped, so she had Taz. She wasn't able to convict the guy that did it, so he keeps bugging her! All the "porn star" talk was blech,but understandable. Cal is amazing and very rich. He did not have it easy convincing Haley to give him a real chance. Taz had no problem! Lots of bad stuff keeps happening to Haley and Cal comes to the rescue. I would love an epilogue!
Profile Image for Alisa.
793 reviews44 followers
February 5, 2017
We met (Cal) Johnson in The Feisty One and I fell in love with him then so I started reading this book as soon as I finished The Feisty One. Cal owns the island and resort Isla del Sol. He dates a lot but has never found anyone as great as Maryn (his best friend Tucker's wife). Until Haley Turnbow shows up as a guest in his hotel with her adorable (and I mean really adorable) 5-year-old son, Taz. It was cute to see how Cal interacted with Taz. Another fun story in the Billionaire Bride Pact Romance story!

Content: Clean (talk of rape)
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Profile Image for Kristen.
1,711 reviews47 followers
September 23, 2017
Sometimes it's hard to read these billionaire romances cuz I would like to be one! hahaha,no but seriously, it would be fun to throw money around a little.

But back to the book. It was a great one, as all of these Billionaire Bride Pact Romances' have been that I've read. Fun and flirty and hot guys with endless amounts of money.

Moral Note: Date rape, attempted rape, stalkers, not a ton of detail but a couple of intense scenes. No language, some kisses and innuendos.
90 reviews4 followers
October 18, 2017
We’d all like to win a vacation on a private island then fall in love with the owner of said island. That’s exactly what Haley got to do.
Enjoyable. However too much happened in too little time. And the bad guys were absolutely over the top. With that said, I’m still glad I read it and will look for the other books in the series.
1,097 reviews2 followers
October 25, 2017
My strong woman is very strong and her son is a handful. I enjoyed reading about her son and the reason he has a certain nickname. I loved this book.
Profile Image for Cathy.
1,968 reviews70 followers
May 5, 2016
I am loving these Billionaire Bride Pact Romances! Each of them is cute, clean, romantic and fun! I was really excited when I was able to beta read this one before it came out last month!

Let me tell you about some of my favorite things about it! I loved Haley, she's a single mother trying to do her very best for her adorable son. She's won a trip to the fantastic Isla del Sol and she's determined to enjoy every bit of it. Within the first few minutes she's at the hotel, she meets the handsome owner, Cal Johnson, but she has no idea that he's the owner and that leads to some fun misunderstanding scenes.

I loved Taz, Haley's son. I have to tell you that I laughed out loud at so many of the things that he said. I love the way this book shows how much Haley's world revolves around him by how much he's featured in the book. So cute, he makes some of the scenes in the book that much better. I especially liked the way that Johnson and Taz were together. So cute!

Johnson is such a gentleman! He's a great character. I loved the way that he interacts with Haley, Taz, and all of his employees.

I also loved the setting on the Isla del Sol. I loved feeling of the book, as though I was on a great vacation myself that I didn't want to end.

This is a great book, I enjoyed every minute I was reading it!

I was sent an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Barbara.
141 reviews
May 11, 2016
The Billionaire Bride Pact series is a fun, romantic collection of stories about a group of women who met at summer camp as girls. They made a pact that they would each marry a billionaire when they grew up. This newest addition to the series, The Independent One, is my favorite so far. It has a good mix of romance, suspense, fun, and seriousness. I only have two criticisms: first, the chances that all of these ladies would ever meet, let alone marry, a billionaire are so slim that it makes the premise of the whole series a bit hard to swallow; second, in this particular book, one person having so many stalkers/attackers within such a short period of time is unrealistic. That being said, I really did enjoy the book. It was hard to put down. You just have to roll with it and not worry about the specifics.
I received a review copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Julia Lance.
382 reviews7 followers
July 13, 2016
This book was awesome! I couldn't put it down and read it in a day! I LOVE this series. Every book in the Billionaire Bride Pact series is amazing! Haley has had a rough adult life trying to be a single Mom and all she wants is to be able to take care of herself and her son. She wins a free vacation and the last thing she needs on the trip is to find a man or to deal with a ghost but both end up happening. We have seen bits and pieces of Cal Johnson in some of the other books so it was fun to see them both get a story together. Cami pulls you into her stories and you connect with the characters like you have known them forever this one is no different. She has an amazing talent for writing and I love all her books! As always, awesome job Cami! I loved it!
Profile Image for Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review.
2,367 reviews31 followers
July 13, 2022
Yay! Another Cami book! I always look forward to her new releases. I know that whenever I download a Cami Checketts book I'm going to get lost in it for a few hours, forgetting anything else around me exists.
In this latest story of the billionaire bride series, we learn more about Cal Johnson, the buff ex-military/ex-sniper, and Haley and her adorable son, Taz. Filled with romance and a little action and suspense, this latest addition to the billionaire brides pact collection is a fun escape from reality for a few hours. As with all of Cami's books, this is a clean romance.
Profile Image for Jeanette Dummer.
164 reviews6 followers
May 6, 2016
I have loved this series! I liked this story but I do feel it wasn't well named. I wouldn't call Haley independent by any stretch of the imagination. She was far too willing to have a stranger swoop in and save the day. Not that I'm complaining, cause Cal was awesome but seriously. If she was independent she would have kicked him to the curb right off the bat.
I felt the ghost story could have been a little more developed but I suppose that's not what the story was about.
Overall, a good, fun read.
2,392 reviews17 followers
April 30, 2016
I read this book in one day and fell in love with the main characters. I especially loved the little boy. He was cute, funny and made me laugh out loud. A great clean romance with some mystery thrown in. I would definitely recommend this book.
Profile Image for Tina "IRead2Escape".
1,475 reviews85 followers
May 17, 2019
4 stinking cute 5 year old boy stars.

Haley had every reason to want to crawl into a hole and just give up on life. During a night out with her childhood crush she was drugged and raped ending up in a pregnancy. We meet Haley 5 years after the fact as she is raising her little guy and doing it well. Understandably she is cautious around men and very protective of her son. Especially considering his "dad" still lives in their town and holds over her head that he can go for custody anytime he chooses. Of course since he's rich he was never held accountable for her rape in the first place.

Cal was way too sweet and perfect. He met Haley while she was on vacation with her little guy. Cal pretty much fell in love with the both of them on first sight. He never once made her feel like she had to choose between him and her son or feel like her son was cramping their style. Knowing her independent streak and sensing her discomfort with money he didn't admit how truly wealthy he was which caused a bit of strain for a short while but nothing they couldn't move past.

I really am enjoying these books of the Billionaire Bride Pact series.
Profile Image for Christina.
800 reviews34 followers
October 26, 2016
A quick fun read

I can't help but read another book by this author. I really enjoy her books. That being said, this book wasn't my favorite in this series. I liked the storyline overall- a bit of suspenseful moments interwoven in the romance- but I definitely got frustrated by some things. The protagonist has a five-year-old little boy that while adorable, is quite a handful. Coming from a parent of a five year old, as well as a kindergarten teacher of five year olds, I really felt frustrated at times by the way the author portrayed him and had him interact with other characters. There were particular instances where the boy would hug strangers and tell them he loved them, and I'm sorry but I don't think that's cute at all- to me that screams of insecure attachment and lack of stranger danger. This was one example of my frustrations with his portrayal in the story. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed the book, but I think there's careful line between making a child appear "cute", and making a child act his age and not seem to have huge underlying issues.
Profile Image for Courtney.
4,298 reviews
September 29, 2017
I have to say, first and foremost, that I absolutely LOVE Ms. Checketts novels! They are wonderful and beautiful, and it is not every day that you find a truly Christian romance novelist! I am so lucky to have stumbled upon her work, and I am looking forward to reading more and more of her stories!

"The Independent One" is actually the forth novel in this wonderful series; however, it is the first one that I ended up reading. It was excellent, just the right amount of romance with a twist of action to keep you on your toes. On an island outside of California, we find Cal Johnson's beautiful hotel where the lovely Haley Turnbow and her son has won the trip of a life time- or at least Haley was hoping it would be. With the elusive 'ghost' that is haunting the young woman, Cal feels it is his responsibility to gain her trust and possibly even her love.

If you have not dived into the "A Billionaire Bride Pact Romance," please let me be the first to beg you to pick each one of them up and read them at your earliest convenience!
Profile Image for the_sharks_are_circling.
237 reviews1 follower
October 7, 2022
Cal and Hailee really suit each other. The main star of the book is Taz because he just honestly melted my heart. I think I love his so much so much too!

I really resonated with Hailee and her desire to provide for her son and be able to be all he needs yet Cal comes along and makes her rethink that and proves he is worth the shot at her trust. Of course love never runs smoothly but the ghost storyline is a little strange at first with the stalking and notes storyline and then you add Brad the man who raped her and is biologically the father of Taz but what are the chances that Hailee and Cal share independent friends yet didn't know each other? Overall I enjoyed this book the most out of the series
660 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2022
I read a ton of books and I will admit that the heroine of this story was the most annoyingly immature, selfish, and stubborn I have ever read. I get that a lot of aspects of stories can be completely fantasized but what I found the most unbelievable was that a guy could fall instantly in love with someone so self centered. Especially one who falsely claims her actions are to protect her son. I get that she’s been traumatized in the past but she had no problems taking all his gifts but when he showed any affection she just called him a liar and thought horrible things about him. I think I’ll give this author a pass in the future.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
696 reviews
August 31, 2017
A fun, fast paced read!!! Didn't want to put it down!!! I am getting rather attached to the characters in this series. Each book stands alone, but you little peaks I to the lives and of characters from past books. The beach setting is gorgeous and fun. Haley's son Tas is hysterical. Cal is dreamy... All the elements of a great story. I kinda lost track of how many different people tried to harm Haley. That part seemed a bit over the top. Still, a fun read that makes me want to go read Isaac's story next!
667 reviews
August 28, 2021
Haley, Taz and Cal

Haley has won a week vacation on a island! However, she is still very cautious with her money as she has just paid off some medical bills for Taz. So when he falls down the stairs they are going up, she about has a heart attack. Thankfully he isn't hurt seriously, but, resort manager (owner) Cal is there and witnesses the accident and insists on making sure he is okay! What happens next will not only surprise but horrify your sensibilities. Cami Checketts has done a remarkable job of writing about issues that affect a lot of people.
Profile Image for Tanya Thrasher.
103 reviews
February 21, 2022
Awesome Amazing 5 Stars

I thoroughly loved this book! Although, as in all of Cami's stories there's much to ingest! A stalking ghost, a dimpled faced blued eyed billionaire & the idiot hometown prick...oh yeah, then add in a 5 year old with no filter...this story is hilarious as it is intriguing! Cami's stories always keep me on the edge of my seat! Check out "The Independent One", you won't be disappointed! Just be ready to download ALL Cami Checkett's books...she hooks you in & then just keeps them coming! (Lol). Kudos to you Cami! Awesome Amazing!
Profile Image for Meg.
1,226 reviews13 followers
October 14, 2022
Cute short book, part of the series. I like the main characters especially Cal who was an all around good guy. Some reviews have been hard on Haley but she had a real trauma in the past and it was totally understandable she is scarred. She never got counseling or justice and most people didn't believe her.
I enjoyed that this was quick read and not a full book. Sometimes you just need something to fill a few hours. Only con is I did find the kid kind of annoying toward the end as he got too cute to be tolerated.
2,873 reviews11 followers
December 31, 2022
A delightful quick love story. Haley Turnbow and her son, Taz, escape to the tropical Isla del Sol, owned by Cal Johnson, for a prize vacation. The resident hotel ghost is stalking her. Worse, yet, is her judgmental nature against all wealthy men. But Cal regularly steps in to protect her, even though she adamantly refuses to be protected. There is a delightful ending.

Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Funny. Happily Ever After. Romantic. Tear-jerker. Twisted. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Witty. Wonderful characters.
Profile Image for Susan Carroll.
362 reviews4 followers
June 5, 2019
Vacation in Paradise

Haley is on her own, with a five year old ball of energy, nicknamed Taz. Proud of her independence and small business, she manages her money carefully. But a free vacation to an exotic island is turning her world upside down, and her heart inside out! The attentions of the owner of the resort to Haley and her son, are the stuff dreams are made of. Does she dare dream those dreams, and trust him with her son and her heart?
1,282 reviews
January 21, 2020
I would have given a higher rating if Haley held out to date Cal when he was in Colorado instead of jumping into a proposal. She was so extremely hesitant about him and rightly so when she has a young boy & just met this guy. Then instead of taking their time & really getting to know each other since they'd be living & working in the same city, they get engaged - blah. She's not all that independent.
Profile Image for fiona.
65 reviews
April 25, 2020
Fun read

Fun read with entertaining characters. I loved the play between Cal and Taz. It was very such an energetic relationship you could visualize the 5 year olds enthusiasm for life!! I wasn't really a fan of the Ghost storyline as it didn't really feel believable but it was still a fun bit of escapism.
I have been enjoying reading this author and would happily recommend the series.
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