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The complete Strong family collection is finally here! Yes! I love this family, especially little Austin. I hope you all love them too. Hugs, Cami Buy Now Excerpt:Don’t Miss the Moment The car warmed up quickly, but Kari hadn’t even felt the cold of the Colorado mountains without her coat on, not with Gavin Strong nearby. He heated her clear to the bone. Could she use that in a book, or was it cheesy? Hmm. She had a feeling she would get all kinds of book ideas from this guy. She focused on what Austin was saying and encouraged him with questions. She’d been wanting to do a series about hockey players, and she needed to do some research. This was perfect because Austin’s descriptions were in depth, but she could still understand them and he was definitely engaging to talk to. Usually, her research was all from her close friend Google. Austin’s readily given info and invitation to watch his hockey game was so much more fun than Googling the info and watching YouTube videos. So Gavin was his … brother? Somehow that didn’t fit. They seemed more like father and son to her. Wouldn’t that be a story? The broody hero hides the truth from his only son. When the mother reappears after having been kidnapped by South American drug lords for ten years, their undying love for each other rekindles and … She frowned. No, no, no. She didn’t want the mother reappearing. This man needed a new love: blond, reclusive, a late bloomer who never got noticed, maybe a romance writer. Kari had never actually written about a writer. It was her life and it seemed too boring, but nothing was boring with Gavin Strong around. “Are you okay?” Gavin asked quietly as Austin explained in depth what boarding was. “Yes, sorry. I get distracted sometimes.” She turned to look at Austin, and the little man was grinning as he told her how he’d slammed someone into the wall, but the move brought her closer to Gavin and she couldn’t help but take in his incredible scent. Daring a glance at Gavin, she saw that his eyebrows had a questioning tilt to them. Oh, she liked that. Questioning tilt. She wanted to pull those glasses off and see his eyes, though the glasses made him look even more the tough, secretive hero. He had the dark hair and eyes, plus a strong jaw with the perfect length of facial hair. His lips were firm, but they’d be more than up to the job of making her heroine beg for mercy, or beg for more. Yum. She fanned her face. “Are you hot?” Gavin asked. “You can control the temperature on your side.” He gestured to the panel. Kari couldn’t peel her eyes off of him to look at any thermostat. “No, I’m fine. Thank you.” Tilting to the front of the vehicle, she leaned a little closer to Gavin and inhaled deeper. Then she nailed it. “Tom Ford?” He tilted his head. “Excuse me?” “Tom Ford cologne. I’ve used that very scent in …” She ticked through characters and scents in her head. “Three—no, maybe four of my novels.” She made it sound like an advertisement. “Tom Ford is a sensual fragrance with base notes of citrus and ginger, highlights of amber and leather. For the strong, appealing, yet untouchable man.” Gavin was staring at her instead of the road now. If only she could rip those sunglasses off. “Don’t you need to …?” She pointed at the road. He refocused but said, “No, not really. It pretty much drives itself.” “That’s good.” She winked bravely. “You can stare at the crazy romance novelist all you want.” “So you … write romance?” He said the word romance like it was acid on his tongue. “You don’t like romance?” she shot at him, disappointment seeping in. She suddenly realized she’d been dreaming that this man was a real-life version of the heroes she wrote about every day, but if he didn’t like romance … Game over. “I’m sure romance is fine … for some.” His voice was tight and uncomfortable. Hmm. She was right. Tragic past. Hiding his identity from his own son. Some woman had shattered his heart, and he hadn’t let himself love since. He could still be a hero. She knew just the woman to break through that wall and heal him. If only she had any practical experience to go along with all her book knowledge. “Was your heart tragically broken? Is that why you’re the emotionally closed brooding hero type?” Gavin’s throat bobbed as he swallowed. He stared studiously out the window as they approached the mountain pass that led out of the valley. His hands gripped the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles whitened. Aw, crap, what had she done? She was treating him like she was in an interview. How did it work when you were actually in the story? She knew one of her heroines would never say anything so blatant yet dumb. “I’m sorry. That was all wrong. I need to lure you in first, make you fall for me, and then you’ll tell me your secrets.” She nodded to herself. Yes, that was how it worked in her books. She focused on Gavin, waiting for his response. If she was writing it, he’d lift up those glasses, give her a smoldering look, and tell her how she’d already lured him in. Ooh, yeah, she liked that a lot. All he did was grip the steering wheel tighter, his jaw clenched. He looked handsome, irresistible, and not at all ready to be lured in. Shoot. Keep Reading

Love interrupts their plans. Will they change course or miss out on their chance at happiness? An independent woman focused on protecting her brother; an X-games superstar knocked out of his element. Can he shelter and love her, or will pride wreck their hopes of true love? Buy Now “It was an honor to meet you,” she said, hoping she sounded educated and not like the girl who’d grown up in a trailer home in Idaho. She brushed past him toward the massive cabin. “Wait.” Seth put a hand on her arm, stopping her. Her arm felt so good with him touching it. Why couldn’t she stay in this alternate reality? She looked up into his brilliantly blue eyes. “Are you safe here?” “Yes.” Breeze nodded quickly, knowing any hesitation would make him doubt her answer and maybe rush in and fight her battles for her. A man like Seth wouldn’t allow her to be in danger, but Ridge had brought this trouble on them. Seth didn’t need to get mixed up in it. She also sensed that a confident, impressive athlete like Seth would make any semi-sober and halfway lucid man in that house instinctively want to fight, and she didn’t want Seth to get in a fight for her. His eyes revealed his doubt in her response, but he didn’t press the issue. “I’m afraid I won’t see you again,” he said. She bit at her lip, knowing he wouldn’t, but maybe that was what he meant. He knew he’d never see her again. A pure, clean, and perfect man like this should never associate with the filth she was walking back into. Yet he was in the motocross crowd and from what she’d seen they could be rough, so maybe he knew exactly what she was walking back into. Maybe he was just letting her down gently. “Meet me here tomorrow night?” he asked. Her eyes widened and her stomach took flight. Hope was a beautiful thing but also scary. She had no real hope of living in Seth’s world, yet she was desperate to see him again. He represented the goodness and light that she craved, especially in her current situation. She was indentured to Flint for the time being because of her misguided little brother, but she wasn’t his servant. She could’ve chosen to leave, but she wouldn’t do that to Ridge, so she’d gotten a leave of absence from her waitressing job and been grateful school was on break for the summer. Yet she was almost afraid to meet Seth again. Not only because she worried that if Flint or one of the other men from the house saw him that they might try to hurt him simply because they were idiots, but that she also had no right to be in his life. It wasn’t fair to either of them to pretend she could associate with someone like him. “Please,” his voice was deep and so appealing her knees felt weak and that beautiful hope took flight within her. Keep Reading

Happy dance today, my new Jewel family romance is out! I love Luke and Mar. She is seriously sassy but so in need of the right person to love. Luke is hurting and oh how needs Mar :). I hope you love the book! Hugs and healthy wishes to you, Cami Feisty underdog takes on mysterious billionaire in this fast-paced romance full of secrets, action, and love. Alone, unloved, but never without her pride, can Marietta Valez stay immune to the handsome Luke Jewel or will she fall prey to his blue eyes just like every other woman? Luke Jewel has secrets not even his family knows about. He hides behind his playboy reputation and his myriad of successful businesses. He has no plans to settle down, but then he's never met the likes of Marietta Valez before. Can the fiery brunette take down the billionaire entrepreneur? Find out in latest Jewel Family romance by Cami Checketts. Buy Now Excerpt: Marietta pulled in a quick breath as the two men stopped what looked like an intense conversation and turned to focus on her and Paisley. Luke and his father both grinned widely at the little girl and opened their arms. She ran to Luke first and gave him a tight squeeze around the neck. Mar’s heart squeezed too. He was great with children. “Aunt Rach told me to bring her to you.” She smiled impishly back at Mar. Mar’s eyes widened and her stomach fluttered as Luke gave her a significant look. Mar wasn’t surprised that Rachel was matchmaking. She liked Luke’s feisty younger sister. “Oh, she did?” he asked Paisley. “Yes, sir.” Paisley then leaned out of her uncle’s arms, and her grandfather easily caught her and held her. “Papa,” she said, all innocent sweetness. “Mama said I could put my toes in the ocean, but only if you come with me.” “Well we’d better go put our toes in the ocean, then.” Peter Jewel, internationally acclaimed billionaire, looked like a much younger man as he set his granddaughter on the sand and took her hand. “Excuse us, please.” He nodded to Luke and Marietta, a knowing look in his eyes as he glanced between them. “Of course,” Marietta murmured, but she had no clue what she was going to do when left alone with the intriguing and too-handsome Luke. For a moment, they simply stared at each other. Marietta couldn’t pull her gaze from his blue eyes. He looked interested in her, but there was also a wariness behind his gaze that surprised her. His reputation was that of a playboy, but he didn’t give off that aura. He seemed as driven to be successful as she was and she didn’t imagine he wasted much time on meaningless relationships. When he still didn’t say anything, she murmured cordially, “Good to see you.” Then she turned and tried to stride through the blasted sand with her head and shoulders straight and proud. That was one thing foster care had taught her well: never show weakness. She heard him coming behind her and looked over her shoulder right as Luke wrapped an arm around her waist and lifted her out of the sand. She looked up into his handsome face and asked, “What are you doing?” He grinned. The beauty of it stole the oxygen from her lungs. The skin around his eyes and mouth crinkled, and he looked irresistible but also approachable. Maybe he was only human, not descended directly from Mt. Olympus. Keep Reading

It's here! I love this book so much. It has it all for me: romance, humor, adventure, and danger. The heroine was adorable and the hero so tough and irresistible. I hope you love it too! Hugs, Cami 📷 A brilliant chemist running from her vicious ex; an Air Force security specialist who will protect her at all costs. When he’s hired as her security detail, can she trust him to keep her safe, or will she find herself falling in love with him? Cosette Peterson is flighty, happy, and may have earned the title of "Loony Lovegood" from the Jewel brothers as a teenager. When she witnesses her fiance torturing a man she has to run for the safety of Isaac Jewel's arms. Who knew those arms would be so appealing, better than even her teenage fantasies? Will the man she's had a crush on for over a dozen years be able to protect her, or will he break her heart? Buy Now Excerpt: Isaac walked over to her and leaned in close. “How do I smell?” Cosette shut her eyes and breathed him in. “Delectable,” she said, before she could stop herself. Her eyes flickered open. Isaac was leaning closer to her. He slowly, tantalizingly brushed her hair over her shoulder, his fingers doing a number on her sensitive skin. He bent down and sniffed her neck, then slowly exhaled against her throat. “Delectable,” he murmured. Cosette laughed uneasily to hide the thrill she felt as his warm breath rushed over her skin. “My Imaginative Woman line. A sweet and feminine fragrance gives each woman a sunny outlook, with iris, jasmine, and orange blossom at its heart, juicy pear and blackcurrant at the top, and patchouli at the base. An unashamedly girly perfume for day or evening wear.” Isaac chuckled. “Yes, you should definitely do commercials.” She bowed slightly. “I’m a fan,” he said, leaning closer still. “It mixes perfectly with your body chemistry.” Her stomach whooshed as if she were on a roller coaster. “Th-thank you,” she murmured. Isaac watched her with eyes full of longing. Cosette had never felt so desirable, even with the man she’d thought was going to be her husband. She recognized now that Vance was all wrong, but she still shouldn’t be so taken with Isaac so quickly. She pulled away and strode around him. “Yours is not quite there, though. Let’s try the one I think will be our winner.” Isaac lifted his eyebrows at her, as if challenging her for daring to walk away from him. Wowzers. The powerful military man was irresistible. She ignored the look and gestured to the chair. He slowly walked in her direction, his gaze never leaving hers. What did he want? A kiss? She put a hand to her throat and knew that her limited experience with men had failed to prepare her for the likes of Isaac Jewel. Could anything have prepared her to be alone in a tropical paradise with a man so … manly? She realized now her little perfume game was playing with fire. She shouldn’t have suggested it. She should stop now. Isaac sat. She automatically cleaned off his neck and heard herself saying, “And finally, I think this will be the winner: my Military Man line.” She didn’t tell him that she’d had him in the back of her mind as she created this one. “This cologne is a combination of deep basil, warm spice, and brushed suede. It defines casual elegance and strength while exhilarating the senses with a blast of fresh air for the man who was meant to protect and serve.” She gulped as she finished and Isaac gave her a heated look. Isaac leaned closer in his chair, tilting his chin up so she had full access to his neck. She gulped and put some cologne on her finger. Slowly, she raised her shaky finger to his neck and dragged it across. He swallowed as she did, and for some reason, his neck moving under her fingertip filled her stomach with a flash of heat. Her hand moved to the other side of his neck, and her finger lingered on his pulse, which sped up. Cosette pulled back, and their gazes locked. She couldn’t have moved if a bulldozer was coming at her. “So you think this is the one?” Isaac asked quietly. She thought he was the one. “Um, we’ll have to give it a minute for the alcohol to evaporate and mix with your body chemistry.” He nodded. “Anything I can do to speed the process?” “Warm air helps. I could blow on it.” Her eyes widened as she realized what she’d said. Oh no! “Yes, please.” He gave her a smoldering look that she felt clear through. She should not do it. She should not lean in and blow on his neck. Instead of heeding her brain’s promptings, she leaned in so close she brushed against his chest. Feeling unstable, she braced herself, grabbing on to his far-too-perfect muscular arms. She glanced up at him. He was breathing more quickly, and his blue eyes were concentrated on her. What was she supposed to do? It took half a beat of staring at him before his delicious scent invaded her brain and she sighed. Blow on his neck. That sounded … appetizing. She felt like she was floating as she leaned against his broad chest, clung to his arms, and exhaled on his neck. His body shuddered against her. Was he feeling what she felt? Hot, breathless, full of anticipation? Was there anything wrong with moving just a bit closer and pressing her lips to his neck? She couldn’t think of anything, so she did. Isaac let out a soft groan as her lips connected with the warm skin of his neck. She heard herself groan as well. She wanted to trail her lips up his neck to his face and see what kind of a reaction kissing him full on the mouth would do to the both of them. Inhaling deeply, she said against his neck, “It’s perfect. You’re absolutely irresistible.” “To you?” he asked in a husky whisper. Keep Reading

Today's the day! It's fun and overwhelming to start a new series, all those new friends to get to know ;). This book was especially fun as I used my husband and I's anniversary trip to Puerto Rico and the Caribbean cruise that we went on with Sarah Gay, Jennifer Youngblood, and their husbands as the setting. I was able to use a lot of the activities that we did as well. I'm terrified of heights and am trying hard to conquer that fear. When you read about Jade doing the climbing wall, know that is exactly how it happened for me. It was embarrassing!  Please let me know what you think and thank you for all the incredible support. I'll post in some pictures below of our trip with our wonderful friends. Hugs, Cami 📷 Secrets, love, and danger, this new clean romance by Cami Checketts has it all. Buy Now Excerpt: “Can I hold your hand in instances like snuba?” Joshua asked. Jade pursed her lips and finally nodded. “Can I put my hand on your lower back when we’re walking into dinner. You know, simply being a gentleman like my mother taught me?” Jade imagined them walking into dinner: him in that button-down shirt that brought out the blue in his eyes, her in a fitted dress that made it impossible for him to keep his eyes off of her. He would look at her as if she was his world, like he was right now. Heat filled her, but she focused on friendship. Finally, she wouldn’t be alone. “As a gentleman,” she finally admitted. “I can make those allowances.” “What if you trip and I have to catch you in my arms?” He leaned closer, and her pulse raced. “And I have to pull you against my chest and hold you close, just to make certain you’re all right.” The look in his eyes said he knew exactly what he was doing to her. Jade clutched her throat and gasped out, “Can’t … breathe.” He grinned and leaned even closer. “I’m well-trained in mouth to mouth.” She panted for air and tried to pretend he was teasing, “I’ll bet you are,” she flung at him. He simply grinned. “So what about that circumstance?” “I never trip, so I think we’ll be fine.” He elevated one muscular shoulder and she wished she dare tell him to put his shirt back on so she wouldn’t be so tempted to ogle his perfect body, but that would reveal exactly how drawn she was to him. “Hmm. But what if …” His grin was so tempting, and she wanted so badly to kiss that dimple. “What if we’re on a late-night stroll on the front part of Deck Thirteen and it’s quiet and we’re alone, and what if you can’t stand it anymore and you grab me, wrap your arms tight around my back—” “Stop,” Jade begged, so hot she was sweating. It had to be the tropical sun. But they were in the shade. The humidity, then. “And you simply can’t resist going onto tiptoes and kissing me.” Jade glared at him. “That … will … not … happen.” But she could imagine it happening. Oh, how she could imagine it. And she let her eyes rove over his delectable-looking lips before meeting his gaze again. “Never,” she reiterated in a weak voice that she hated. Joshua’s smile said he knew exactly how affected she was by him, and he was going to capitalize on it. Keep Reading 📷📷📷📷📷

📷 Yes for Austin's story finally being here! I really appreciate all of you who asked me to write it. I was worried about skipping 10-15 years in the future but I just decided to set it as if it were present day and this book was so much fun to write. Austin is so hilarious but he goes through some hard stuff in the book, and Kate is the perfect fit for him to fall hard enough to give up all his other girlfriends ;). I think I've told all of you that I patterned Austin after my youngest son, and stole most of Austin's expressions from Phoenix. The other night Phoenix told us that he'd met "the one" and he was giving up all his other girlfriends. Oh my we laughed! Especially me as I'd recently written that into Austin's story. I'll paste in a picture of my fun little boy, Phoenix. He claims he doesn't know how to smile hence the goofy look ;). I hope you love the book! Hugs, Cami Find Don't Abandon the Superstar on Amazon. 📷 A hockey superstar who’s charmed his way through life; a woman who’s never had anything go right, desperate to free her wrongly accused mother. When their mixed luck crosses paths, life will never be the same. Buy Now Excerpt: Don't Abandon the Superstar Kate didn’t have time to worry about the “hottest guy on campus,” and Austin Strong appeared to have plenty of other women to keep him occupied. Why that made her so upset was beyond her. “Wait!” They heard a loud yell from behind them, followed by the pounding of heavy footsteps. “Wait! My beautiful angel, please wait!” Kate and Jenny spun around to see who the guy was yelling at. When Kate recognized the incredible dark-eyed guy who’d run into the wall, her shoes seemed to freeze to the icy sidewalk. Or maybe that was just a result of vicious winter temps in Amherst, Massachusetts. “Did he just call you his beautiful angel?” Jenny whispered. Kate’s heart lurched. She was pretty sure he had. It probably meant nothing. She imagined that he’d said the same line to hundreds of women. A huge smile covered his face as he raced up to them, stopping just short of plowing Kate over. He didn’t even appear out of breath from his sprint across campus, but that made sense if he was really some hockey superstar. His eyes slowly traveled over her, and Kate felt warm from head to toe. His smile softened to a charming grin, and he gave her a smoldering look that made her feel a little weak. “Oh my,” Jenny muttered. “He’s not even looking at me, but I think I’ve died and gone to heaven.” Austin gave her roommate a brief smile before focusing back on Kate. “I found you,” he murmured, stepping in closer and softly touching her cheek. His touch sent warmth searing through her like a flash of electricity. Kate thought he was incredible, irresistible, but she wasn’t some flighty girl who fell for the superstar. Her life was much too focused to allow for a distraction like Austin Strong. It took an unreal act of self-control, but she stepped back. His hand dropped to his side, and Jenny cursed loudly. “Please,” he said, leaning in but not touching her again. “Please say you felt the connection when our eyes met?” He smiled briefly. “I felt it so strongly, I ran into a wall.” He felt the connection? Irrational happiness bubbled inside of her. She hadn’t felt so giddy since she was eight and thought she was getting a pony for Christmas. Now she recognized that it was an irrational dream, but when she’d gotten a stuffed pony instead, her young heart had broken. That’s all Austin Strong was. He looked like a thoroughbred stallion, but he was really a stuffed pony. Not the real thing. Not that she was looking for any kind of pony or stallion. He leaned in so close, she could smell a heady mix of manly, expensive cologne. His sheer size, presence, charm, and smell was messing with her head. “Please say you felt it,” he repeated. “I felt it,” she heard herself say, all breathless and sappy. She blinked and sucked in a breath. That was nothing she should be admitting to. Even if this perfect specimen thought they had a connection, he’d be moving on to the next hundred girls in line before she could read another case study. A charming smile lit up his face, and the world around them faded away. He reached out both hands to her, and she placed her palms against his. Warmth and happiness radiated through her at the simple touch. If he kissed her, she might explode with joy. Keep Reading

📷 Oh my I have been so stoked for this day! Happy release day to my friends Nick and Mary. I love them! My husband keeps trying to convince me that the characters in my books aren't real people. Crazy man ;).  I hope you love this story as much as I do! Thanks as always for being such amazing supporters of my books. Hugs, Cami 📷 An honorably discharged vet searching for peace. A savvy businesswoman hiding from her psychotic ex. Will he save her, or will she be the one doing the rescuing? Buy Now Excerpt: “What about you?” She tried to steer the conversation off of herself. “Still in the Army … Rangers was it?” Nick cocked an eyebrow and folded his arms across his chest. His short-sleeved shirt advertised some incredible bicep and tricep muscles, but his right sleeve slid up a bit as he folded them, and she glimpsed more angry scarring, similar to what was on his cheek and neck. How far did it go? She hated that Nick had been wounded. He’d always been so friendly and kind to everyone. Nothing could wipe the smile off this guy’s face. The damage obviously went much deeper than his skin and made her hurt for him. “Retired,” he said with a grimace that made her hurt even more. “By choice?” she dared to ask. He shook his head shortly, but then his smile appeared again. “Hey, I’m Gavin’s new marketing director, because Ella is having a baby and so sick she can’t get out of bed.” “Congrats, and sympathies, to Ella.” He chuckled. “For sure. Luckily she married Trey Nelson, and he’s the most patient and happy person I know. He’s taking good care of her.” “That’s sweet. I always liked Trey. I remember my mom saying they got together.” She looked him over again. “But you’re the most patient and happy person I know.” His smile got tighter. “You need to get out more.” Mary laughed. She’d gotten out plenty. “Anyway, I stink at marketing. Poor Gav, he thinks he has to employ me since I’m family and virtually unemployable.” His smile all but disappeared. Mary had always imagined Nick would be career military, but he’d been forced to retire far too young. Now he was floundering, needing to find his spot. That would be tough. “Could you give me some tips?” Nick continued. Her stomach did a little dance. Tips, as in a date? Yes, sign me up, she wanted to scream. Maybe coming home wasn’t the chicken thing to do but a smart move. Finally, she was on Nick Strong’s radar. Who cared about stupid Blake with a man like Nick around? “What kind of tips?” she managed to ask. “Marketing tips.” “Oh, um, sure.” Disappointment filled her. Nick wanted marketing tips. She had plenty and didn’t mind helping him, but … marketing tips? Keep Reading

Merry Christmas! I wanted to thank all of you for the incredible support over the past year with a fun giveaway! Enter below to win. Six winners will be chosen. Grand prize is a $25 gift card (Amazon or PayPal), 5 winners will get their choice of The Tough Warrior or Stone Cold Sparks - audiobook code, audio CD, e-book gift certificate, or print copy. Thanks and many hugs, Cami If the Rafflecopter isn't showing up for you (for some crazy reason it isn't for a few readers). Go to this web address to enter - https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cf62eb8079/?. Thank you!

I hope you're ready for more Strong Family Romance. I absolutely love this family! Especially the little brother, Austin. He reminds me of my 9yo, Phoenix. Phoenix is certain everyone loves him and every teenage girl wants to be his girlfriend. He makes us laugh all the time. Here's a picture of him in Cancun. He fell in love with Pina coladas and the staff were all so cute to make sure he had one in his hand. One day he drank 12! I hope you love little Austin and the entire family. Don't miss the latest story, Don't Ditch a Detective, Cassie Strong's story. Hugs, Cami Find Don't Ditch a Detective on Amazon. A hardened detective searching for light; an idealistic adventurer needing an anchor. Will the sparks that fly between them bring them together or leave burn marks that can't heal? Detective Jed Beckham's life is changed by one encounter with the charitable Cassandra Strong. Her answer, when he tries to convince her he's the right man for her, is a shot of pepper spray to the face. Can they overcome their rocky start and find not only love but continue her life mission of helping children in need? Don't miss any of the Strong Family Romances: Don’t Date Your Brother’s Best Friend Her Loyal Protector Don’t Fall for a Fugitive Her Hockey Superstar Fake Fiance Don't Ditch a Detective Don't Miss the Moment

📷 I'm so stoked for this new one from Jennifer Youngblood! I love her books and with snow on the ground I can finally admit that Christmas is coming and devour Christmas romance. What about you? Are you getting excited for Christmas? Have an amazing Thanksgiving!  Hugs, Cami 📷 Sparks ignite when a strait-laced CEO and a feisty business owner strike an unusual bargain that might be just the thing to kindle a little Christmas bliss. Sofia Reed has worked hard to build her cleaning business and is making great strides. When, Colin O’Brien, a prominent CEO of a mega successful company, accuses her maids of being negligent, Sofia makes a personal visit to the man, hoping to resolve the issue. Bad goes to worse, and Sofia finds herself in an all-out brawl with the strikingly handsome but strait-laced wonder boy she has dubbed Ice Man. An unfortunate mishap sends things spiraling out of control.  Then, Colin makes Sofia an offer she can’t refuse …Buy NowHearing the ringing of the doorbell, Colin took brisk strides toward the door, the hard soles of his dress shoes clicking sharp tones against the wide-planked floor. Judy, the receptionist from the cleaning company, had called a few minutes ago, letting Colin know that the owner of Dust Busters would be stopping by. He could tell from the trepidation in Judy’s voice that he’d upset her. Now that his anger had cooled, Colin felt guilty about going off on the older woman. Still, he was pleased to see that his phone call had gotten the attention of the owner. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. He opened the door, steeling himself up for another confrontation. His jaw went slack as found himself staring into a set of bright green eyes, fringed with thick, dark lashes. His gaze flickered over the woman. Was she the owner? He hadn’t given any thought to how the owner would look, but he hadn’t expected her to be bombshell beautiful. At first glance, he’d thought her tall, but realized she was wearing heeled boots that gave her a good six inches. She was petite and curvy with long curly hair, tipped with blonde highlights. Her smooth, unblemished skin had a radiant glow. His gaze was drawn to her full cinnamon-colored lips. She thrust out her hand. “Hello, Mr. O’Brien. I’m Sofia Reed, the owner of Dust Busters.” Her tone was brusque … a little put out, maybe that she had to take time out of her day to deal with this matter. Well, it had taken time out of his day too. When you hired a cleaning company, especially one highly recommended, the assumption was that they would behave like professionals. He reached for her hand, jolted by the spark that ran through him when their skin touched. Her delicate hand had a surprisingly strong grip. Her eyebrow cocked in a question. It was then that he realized he was still holding her hand. He cleared his throat, releasing her hand. “Thanks for coming,” he said as he stepped back and motioned for her enter. “Of course,” she said automatically, tightening her hold on her purse strap slung over her shoulder. Her voice had the husky edge of a faint Latino accent. He tried to pinpoint her ethnicity. She was part Hispanic. Her light eyes pointed to European heritage, as well. She launched right into the conversation. “I understand you wish to speak to me about some difficulty that you had with your cleaning crew.” “Yes.” She eyed him in a challenge. “Would you mind telling me your version of the story?” He rocked back, his jaw muscles pulling taut. “My version?” He didn’t like the insinuation in her tone. She lifted her chin. “Yes.” His brows darted together. “What did your workers tell you?” “Before we get into that, I’d prefer to hear your take on what happened.” It was startling how quickly the scalding fury resurfaced. First, Beverly. Then, the maids. Now, this woman. Colin was starting to feel like all members of the opposite sex were out to get him. Straightening to his full height, he took abrupt, jerky steps into the kitchen with Sofia following behind him. He stopped beside the island and motioned at the open jam jar and the stacked slices of bread atop a napkin. “I got home from work early and came in here where I discovered them making lunch.” “That’s your story, and you’re sticking to it, huh?” A hard amusement shimmered in the depths of Sofia’s eyes, washing them with a golden hue. Colin flinched. “I beg your pardon.” She gave him a superior look. “No begging necessary.” The gall of this woman was astounding! His voice took on the sharp edge of a knife. “I don’t know what you’re playing at here, but I don’t find it amusing.” She clutched her purse, looking him in the eye. “I was wondering the same thing. What’re you playing at?” The hair on the back of his neck rose. “I’m not the one with the defunct employees.” Her face turned red. “For kicks, let’s say that the events happened exactly as you describe—” “Of course, they happened as I described,” he shot back. Colin didn’t know if he should be impressed or appalled at Sofia Reed’s insolence. “Are you accusing me of lying?” Colin couldn’t remember the last time anyone dared speak to him in such a condescending way. She held up her hands. “I’m not accusing you of anything. I’m only trying to get to the bottom of the situation.” Keep Reading

📷 My family and I have fallen in love with our local university's hockey team. My boys get upset if they miss a game. USU's team is intense and impressive and they don't hesitate to fight. With watching so much hockey I had to write another book with a hockey player in it. I hope you love this new fake fiance book as much as I do. Here's a picture of my husband and I at last night's hockey game. Hugs, Cami 📷 Two hearts pulled apart years ago. Can they reconnect and overcome the misunderstandings, secrets, and heartbreak?Buy Now Faith studiously avoided looking at Jag, but she could sense him approaching, as if they’d never been apart and she was still as attuned to him as ever. Then he was standing by her side, attracting stares from some of the kids who were taking breaks or were out of the water. She heard Tyler, one of the older boys, breathe, “That’s Jag Parros. Holy crap!” “The hockey player?” “Yeah, man.” “Tyler.” Faith’s voice was more of a bark than she’d ever heard it. “Get moving.” “Yeah, Coach.” Tyler cast one more look at Jag, then dove under and started across the pool, doing freestyle. Faith didn’t look at Jag. She didn’t know if she was strong enough to look at him and not throw herself into his arms again. Without a coat on like earlier to block some of the sensation, she’d be in major trouble. He eased in closer to her, and his musky smell mingled with the strong chlorine scent from the pool. She’d been raised in the water and was addicted to Jag’s scent, so she found herself leaning toward him also. He leaned so close his mouth tickled her ear and sent darts of desire through her. “That’s Faith Summers. Holy crap,” he murmured. Faith laughed. She couldn’t help it. She loved him teasing her and loved that he still called her by her maiden name. When Jag’s deep chuckle joined hers, she let herself look at him. He grinned down at her, that easygoing grin that she’d thought was the highest reward any woman could ever hope for in life. He was tough on the ice, but he’d always been funny and soft for her. “You look amazing, Faith,” he said, brushing some hair away from her face and making her jaw tingle from his soft touch. “You look amazing-er,” she admitted. His grin just kept getting bigger. He lowered his voice and said, “We need to talk.” All the tingly good feelings disappeared. She focused back on her team and called out some commands and instructions. The last thing she wanted to do was “talk” with him. He was the one who’d written her that letter dismissing her and their relationship. The letter hadn’t been harsh, just truthful: he was going places and couldn’t tug her along. It had still ripped her apart. She’d loved him with all her seventeen-year-old heart. She’d never recovered. Eight years later, she’d finally let Blaine talk her into getting married. He’d been very kind to her and very patient, but she’d never fallen deeply in love with him like she’d hoped she would. Then, a year later, Blaine had died of a brain tumor. One day he was healthy, and the next day he had intense headaches and was rushed into the emergency room and diagnosed. Three weeks later, he was gone. Tomorrow was the one-year anniversary of his death. He’d written a letter the day he was diagnosed with the brain tumor and asked her to read it at the cemetery on his one-year death day. It had been sitting on her dresser, taunting her, for a year. She was curious but a little leery of what it would say. Did he know she’d never loved him like she did Jag? Anguish and guilt rushed through her. She’d married Blaine knowing she still loved Jag. She’d wasted her life and her marriage, unable to get over the man standing next to her. Now he had the gall to show up after leaving her for almost ten years and want to talk? No way. “I’ve got nothing to say to you,” she muttered. “Go, go, go!” She raised her voice to yell at Nancy. “Great job!” she called as Nancy finished the sprint lap. “Well, I’ve got enough to say for the both of us.” She glanced up at him. It was a mistake. He was so stinking appealing. She wanted to either throw her arms around his neck and kiss him, or shove him into the pool. “I need your help.” His voice was urgent. “There’s this reporter that’s after me.” “The lady in the tight suit?” she asked, arching an eyebrow. So he’d only come after Faith for some help? That stung. Was that lady the kind of women he dated? “Enjoy it.” She forced a fake smile. “No. Honestly. There’s nothing enjoyable about this. I need to stay far away from her, and I need to look good for the media.” He lowered his voice and said, “So I lied and told her you and I were engaged.” “You what?” Faith yelped. The pool fell silent, except for the splashing of those swimming who didn’t hear their coach’s outburst. “Sorry,” Faith said somewhat calmly to her team. “Sorry. You’re all looking great. Keep … swimming.” She turned back to Jag. “Why would you say that?” she hissed through her teeth. He smiled easily. “Because I’ve always wished it was true.” “Excuse me?” Her heart was thumping out of control. Emotions warred within her: anger that he would dare say something like that, and an out-of-place desire since she also had always wished it could be true. She’d wanted him for so long, and now he had the guts to show up and try to use her to look good for the media. Before he had a chance to say more that would either anger her or make her want him, she shook her head. “No way. I’m not pretending to be engaged to you.” “Please, Faith. I need your help, and you owe me.” “I owe you?” Her voice was pitching up again. “How dare you?” He splayed his hands, looking for all the world as if she had misused him. “I’d think after breaking my heart ten years ago, you’d want to make it up to me.” “I broke your heart?” Each word was louder than the last. Faith couldn’t stop herself: she shoved him into the water. Jag yelped in surprise, flailing his arms and trying to grasp for something, but he only reached for air. He hit the water with a loud splash. The members of her team were either staring at her in shock, laughing, or talking rapidly to each other. Nobody was swimming. Jag surfaced, his expression vacillating between shock and amusement. He looked even more incredible with his dark hair dripping water into his face and his clothes now plastered to his muscular body. “Practice is over!” Faith yelled. “See you after the break.” She turned and speed-walked toward the entry. They had a two-week moratorium starting tomorrow. Maybe it would be long enough for the kids to forget how their coach was acting right now. She doubted it. “Faith!” Jag hollered. Faith ignored him and broke into a run, grabbing her purse and coat from the bench and ignoring all the chattering of her team behind her. She figured she’d made her point with Jag. No reason to stand around and discuss it further. She scrambled through the icy parking lot and into her car, started the engine, and peeled out of there. As she glanced at the rearview, she saw Jag sprinting out of the front doors. His clothes were dripping, and she could see he was yelling for her to stop. Faith laughed at the famous, ultra-handsome man standing there soaking wet. Her laughter faded quickly. Maybe she’d won this round, but Jag wasn’t one to quit easily. The only thing he’d ever quit was their relationship. Keep Reading

My little men and I love to read together. We're currently on Harry Potter #4 and daydreaming about a trip to Harry Potter World. It's been a rocky road for my youngest, finding books that interest him but aren't too difficult to understand. I'm always looking for ways to help my four boys become voracious readers (or at least once in a while reach for a book over a device). As those of you who have more than one child know, what worked with one will completely flop with another, so I've tried a lot of different techniques over the past twenty years. Sometimes one of them is effective. Here are a few: · Read Aloud - Start reading aloud when they're infants and don't quit, unless they’re running away from you with fingers in their ears screaming, "Stop the madness." When they're teenagers and no longer want you reading to them, we've tried reading the same novels and discussing them. · Make the library and bookstore special treats. My younger boys love to ride bikes to the library, the older boys prefer choosing an ebook to download to their phone. They all know every holiday they’ll receive a book as a present. · Have books everywhere. The only room in our house that isn't loaded with books is the kitchen and that's only because we try not to ruin our books and because we need to actually talk to our oldest once in a while without his eyes glued to a book. · Be a good example. My husband isn't a reader, but I remind him often to have the boys see him reading the newspaper or his scriptures or pretending to read one of my books (the romance is a bit hard on the tough guy, but he has started listening to my audiobooks in his truck ;). If your children see you finding joy from reading, they will usually want to explore that themselves. · Read age-appropriate books. I think this is one of the mistakes I made with my second son when he was young. My oldest and I were having so much fun with chapter books that I would read my second son's books quickly and then settle down to read for hours with my oldest. My second guy would usually stay with us during story time, but I'm not sure he got much out of it. If you can, try to set aside a time to read to each child on their level. It's also okay to read above their level, but plan on explaining words or situations they don't understand. When we read The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas it took us months, but my son still enjoyed it. We also enjoy reading below their level sometimes. Every one of my boys still laughs at Junie B. Jones, even if they won’t admit it. · Read what they want (most of the time) - I try to let my boys pick out their own books, but I also pick out series I want to read to them. We have to give a new book forty pages. If they hate it, we quit. And sometimes I have to grit my teeth through their books (have you read Captain Underpants?), but that's part of being a mom. · Keep it fun - I always ask the librarian or bookstore employee for humorous kids' books. We also come back to some of our favorite funny series over and over again. The Fudge Series by Judy Blume and Chickens in the Headlights by Matthew Buckley make us laugh no matter how many times we read them. I would love to hear about your favorite children's series, funny or not. Here is a list of a few of our favorite children's series. Please share your favorite series in the comments, and any ideas you have to help children love to read. I need all the help I can get ;). Hugs and thanks, Cami The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabely 39 Clues by various authors Knights of Wonderland by Daniel Coleman Nate the Great by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown Beyonders by Brandon Mull Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan Serpent Tide by K.L. Fogg The Frog Princess by E.D. Baker Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins