It’s hot in the South! July and August are NOT the best months for an outdoor lifestyle when you’re dealing with high temperatures and humidity. With the children staying at our friends’ house for a few weeks, I decided to leave the boat and take some time away to myself. No children. No husband. Just me, myself, and I. It’s a dream come true!

And if you’re like my mother (thinking I’m silly for not taking this time without children to romance my husband), I spent last week alone with my man. For the record, I may write romance, but my main characters are loners and aren’t exactly very romantic. Love and romance are two separate things.

What am I going to do with all this time alone? Well, let the writing begin! It’s time to dive into Unexpected Legends, and it’s an intense one. I can’t wait to share the final book with my readers.

I did take a video of the inside of the boat and plan to upload it soon. I just have to clean up my hard drive a bit before I can work on pictures and videos. My Mac is cluttered, and I need to free up some space.

I’ve heard back from some of you about Unexpected Beginning. So happy to hear the feedback. If you get a chance, please leave a review on Amazon. It helps a lot. Hope you’re enjoying your summer. Stay safe and take care in the heat!

Once I get a date from the formatter, Unexpected Beginning will be ready for preorder on Amazon. Sorry for the delay. I expected my readers to finish much earlier, but it just didn’t work out that way. I hate to put a book out there that hasn’t been read by an editor and a group of people, and I’ve been waiting for feedback.

I have exciting news about this summer! We bought a sailboat, and I’ve been busy finding family to stay at our home while we sail from Florida to Mississippi. Having just moved from Atlanta, this is our first spring in our home, and we’ve been doing some major outside renovations, which include edible landscaping. All those new trees and plants will need watering while we’re away, so I’ve opened my home to friends and family to use as a vacation spot 🙂

I plan to buy a nicer camera and hope to do some vlogging on my You Tube channel so that you can keep up with our wild adventure (which will most likely turn into a few book ideas). I bought a solar oven, too. I’ll definitely have lots of book material by the end of summer!

Stay tuned for the preorder information. I know you’re ready for it!

The Protective Warrior by Cami Checketts

A daughter escaping, a Navy SEAL sent to protect her, and the beautiful island that might prove more dangerous than her father.

Ally, daughter of the Duke of Gunthry, has spent her life terrified of her father and dreams of the day when she can escape his tyrannical rule.

When her mum helps her escape to the beautiful island of Kauai, Ally thinks she’s found paradise and maybe more with the handsome River who keeps crossing her path.

But there are unexpected enemies lurking in the shadows. And no matter how tough River seems, no one can withstand the army her father will send when he discovers her location.

River Duncan is part of an elite security task force of ex-Navy SEALS. Little does he know his first assignment might prove irresistible to resist and protect. When he finds himself falling for the fun-loving Ally he plans to resign his position so they can join forces in their common goal of fighting human trafficking. River has never underestimated the enemy before, but is he fully prepared to protect and love Alexandria Gunthry?

Will River’s protection and Ally’s love be enough to conquer a lifetime of fear and responsibilities? Or will they be forced to give up on their dreams in the face of her sadistic and powerful father?

Praise for The Protective Warrior

I’ve read pretty much every Cami Checketts book, and I think this is my favorite of all time ever!

I absolutely love the way Cami Checketts is able to sweep me away to an exotic location, completely immersing me in the story. She always adds an element of suspense that keeps me on my toes and I was almost looking over my shoulder while hiking the lush trails of Kauai this afternoon.

It doesn’t get any better than this! An excellent read from start to finish! I love this book! Outstanding! One of my all-time favorites!

The Protective Warrior is the perfect balance of sweet romance and on-your-toes suspense. I loved it!

Excerpt

“This seat taken?” a nicely timbered voice asked.
Ally glanced up and took her time looking over him before she answered.
He arched an eyebrow and smiled. “Did I pass muster?”
“How do you do?”
He cocked his head to the side. “I’m good. You?”
Ally laughed. “I’m glad you’re good, but ‘how do you do’ is more like ‘hello.’”
“Hello.” He smiled, and ooh, he was cute. “So I do pass muster?” He moved to sit down.
Ally held out a hand. “Not so quick, chump.” His dark hair was short, military or missionary short, but it was nice—clean and thick and would probably feel good beneath her fingertips. His face was lean and proportioned with a firm jaw, a straight nose, and smooth, tanned skin. She liked the crinkles next to his eyes and mouth as he smiled at her, awaiting her perusal. He’d had some experiences in life, good and bad, if those crinkles told her anything. He was a big guy—broad and at least six-three with lots of lovely muscles peeking out from underneath his T-shirt and board shorts. It was his eyes that finally convinced her to accept his request. Their deep brown sparkled at her, though she could tell he could be very serious.
He tapped the edge of his tray. “How about now?”
“Okay, no harm in sharing a table.” She winked at him and picked a bite of rib off the bone, savoring the tang of the barbecue sauce and the heartiness of the meat. No, she never took men home, only selectively dated those who passed her intuition test. She trusted her intuition completely and she could have fun with this hot, tough-looking guy.
He smiled and dug into his brisket. “Mm. This place is good.”
“One of my favorites.”
“Have you been on the island long?”
She wished. “A few days.”
“Oh. You act like a local.” He ate a bite of beans and took a drink of water before asking, “Which part of England are you from?”
“London. Kensington, to be exact. You?”
“Long Island originally. I like your accent a lot.”
“I’ve been in the States for over six years, so it’s faded.”
“Don’t let it fade.”

Author Cami Checketts

Cami Checketts is married and the proud mother of four future WWF champions. Sometimes between being a human horse, cleaning up magic potions, and reading Bernstein Bears, she gets the chance to write fiction.

Cami graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Exercise Science. She and her family live in the beautiful Cache Valley of Northern Utah. During the two months of the year it isn’t snowing, she enjoys swimming, biking, running, and water-skiing.

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To celebrate the release of The Protective One we are giving away an adorable Nani Swimsuit of your choice ($80 value). Enter to win below.

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The Marriage Pact by Wendi Sotis

A Regency Romance

The heir to an earldom has little control over his own fate, but Mr. James Aldridge promised himself one freedom. To marry for affection instead of wealth or connections. Anger flares when he learns his father has struck a deal: in one year, he will be leg-shackled to Miss Celia Colton, the dazzling beauty who had previously caught his eye. Now certain she was simply performing her role in a scheme to catch him as her husband, resentment prompts James to refuse to squander his last months of independence in the company of such a mistress of manipulation. But why can he not wrench his gaze from her at every encounter?

Completely unaware of the pact that has matched her with James, Miss Celia Colton is at a loss to explain why the man she secretly loves has suddenly become cold and critical. Abandoned by James, who had promised to guide her through her debut Season, she fears she will have to navigate the ton with only her grasping mother and distracted cousin as companions. Surrounded by gentlemen merely interested in her dowry, young ladies who view her as unwelcome competition, and, worse yet, James’s icy stares and disdainful manners, her primary concern is to discover the reason for his altered behaviour. How can she make things right between them? Will a love-match be forever out of her reach?

Praise for The Marriage Pact

This novel had quite a few twists & turns to it that I didn’t quite expect. I won’t give away any spoilers, but I will say I truly enjoyed this book – I felt thoroughly engaged throughout the whole of it & being a regency style novel as well as being a clean read, I can highly recommend it.

Excerpt:

For the moment, the pair of matrons were silently observing Celia interact with a newly introduced gentleman, a Mr. Montgomery. As she rose from yet another curtsy, her gaze deviated from its mark and locked onto a sight that caused her heart to cease beating.
James stood directly across the ballroom, speaking to a lady. Even from this distance, his handsome visage nearly took her breath away. She strained to discern a trace of the deep timbre of his voice from the din of the crowd, but she could not make it out. It had been too long since her heart had soared with the rumbling of his laughter — far, far too long since his smile had warmed her soul.
She willed James to approach. Alas, he did not. The urge to call out to him almost overcame her sense of propriety before the recollection of the change in their situation crashed down on her all at once. Her elation burst, leaving an ache in its place.
She sighed and glanced at Mr. Montgomery, who looked away from her neckline only long enough to sign her dance card.
If she could put up with this man’s ogling her through a set, then surely, she could endure pairing up with James and withstand his angry glares.
Mr. Montgomery returned the card to her hand, and she saw there were still two sets open. As was expected of her, she thanked the gentleman and curtsied once again. Mr. Montgomery bowed and retreated.
Her mother immediately took hold of one of her hands. “Celia! Lord Eagleton has come, after all, and he moves in this direction. Remember everything I have told you, dear — simply everything. You must attract his attention immediately, before Miss Buchannan does so.” She craned her neck to peer around a group of ladies who had moved between them and James. “Oh, that disagreeable Mr. Kenilworth has delayed Lord Eagleton’s approach. I had the disadvantage of making his acquaintance last summer, while I stayed at Penelope’s estate. Mr. Kenilworth is a distant relation to the baron, and although he may be the younger son of an earl, I do not like that man. Especially not now.” She held out her hand to Celia. “Give me your dance card, dear.”
Celia held onto her card tightly, already suspecting what her mother had in mind. She widened her eyes. “Why?”
“If Mr. Kenilworth delays Lord Eagleton much longer, he will not be able to reserve a set with you. I shall do so for him.”
“But mother …” Celia sputtered out, “Perhaps Lord Eagleton does not wish to request a dance.”
“Nonsense.” Mrs. Colton laughed as she waved the idea away. “Of course he does. He would wish to reserve a set of honour.” She plucked the card and pencil out of Celia’s hand. “You are unengaged for the last set. I shall fill in his name.”
“Mother, please do not —” It was too late. As her mother returned her card, Celia stared at the name now written next to the final set. Viscount Eagleton. Good Lord, what was she to do?

Author Wendi Sotis
Wendi Sotis lives on Long Island, NY, with her husband and triplets. While searching for Pride and Prejudice from Darcy’s point of view, she became thoroughly enamored with Jane Austen Fan Fiction or JAFF. In early 2010, she dreamed an idea for a story and hasn’t stopped writing since: Promises, Dreams and Expectations; All Hallows Eve;The Keys for Love; Safekeeping (with just a dash of Austen); The Gypsy Blessing; Foundation of Love (The Gypsy Blessing 2); and A Lesson Hard Learned. A Very Austen Christmas, released in 2017, is an anthology of short stories and novellas including Wendi’s story No Better Gift.

The Marriage Pact, and some of her works-in-progress, have branched away to Regency Romance (the Loving an Aldridge series) and Contemporary Romantic Mysteries (the Implicated series).

Wendi will also continue bringing Darcy and Lizzy together again and again in an unusual manner.

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$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway

Ends 3/25/18

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Along with writing, I sell loose leaf tea and do a lot of talking/teaching on the subject. Although loose leaf tea isn’t complicated, many people don’t know how to get started, yet you really only need two items to begin drinking loose leaf tea.

First, you need an electric kettle. But not just any electric kettle,  you need to make sure it’s equipped with temperature controls. That’s because teas vary in temperature settings. I drink a lot of Japanese tea, which usually steeps at 160 degrees. Most greens are 170. Then you have oolongs at 190, while black and herbals usually steep at 200-212 degrees.

I bought my kettle at Target years ago for $30, and it’s lasted a long time. I even travel with it, as I have to have tea wherever I go. (Update–My Target kettle died, and I replaced it with a $40 one from Target. I couldn’t go a day without one.) However, my friend bought a kettle while we were on vacation last year, and she spent $60 at Walmart. I don’t recommend that. You’ll find some Amazon links at the bottom of this post with some I found. You can read the reviews and decide for yourself. Since I travel with mine, I don’t buy glass ones.

Along with your kettle, you need a steeper. I have these on stock and sell them locally, but they have them on Amazon as well for less than $20. You just put a spoonful of leaves in the steeper, pour hot water over them from your kettle, and wait the amount of time. Then you release the tea into your mug, run some cold water over the used tea leaves in your steeper, and place it in the fridge for the next steep. You can get more than one steep from most tea leaves, and I usually drink the same leaves throughout the day, along with a matcha or chai break.

Once you have these two items, you’re ready for your tea leaves, but I suggest you use distilled or filtered water in your kettle. I filter my water at home, and I travel with a jug of distilled water with my kettle. If you have any questions, comment below, and I’ll get back to you.

Along with writing, I’m known for my love of dark chocolate, hot tea, and healthy food. I’ve been grinding my own flour for over fifteen years, and before becoming an author, I had a blog on healthy eating and enjoyed sharing my lifestyle with others. However, living in the Deep South, I often get teased about my food choices–especially when I visit my family in small towns.

A few years ago I stumbled upon a video about child slavery and chocolate. That video led me to do more research and watch other videos, and in that moment, my life changed. I swore I would no longer support or buy non fair-trade chocolate, and I’ve lived by that rule ever since.

Although I don’t push my lifestyle on others, it gets noticed when I’m out shopping or eating with friends and family. If I don’t see the fair-trade mark or something written about ethically sourced, I won’t even consider it. It’s just not an option for me. It’s that important.

Unfortunately, slavery has always been around, and I believe it always will be. It’s not just in the chocolate industry, either. It’s a problem with food, clothing, electronics, and so much more. It’s everywhere!

I can’t stop slavery, but I don’t have to support it. I can also help to make others aware so that we can come together to fight it. If enough people demand ethical treatment by supporting fair-trade companies, things could slowly change in the right direction. In fact, it already is. There are people already fighting for that cause. We just need to support it.

There are SO many videos and articles on slavery in the chocolate industry, and this post took longer than I expected since I found myself searching for a specific video. I know most people don’t have hours to go through everything on the topic, so I wanted to give you a short video. I also wanted you to look into the eyes of actual survivors. It’s only a few minutes long, so please watch it.

When I think of the chocolate industry, I think of the children stolen from their families, driven nearly three hundred miles to a village where they don’t speak the same language, thrown into a shed with other children, and beaten if they don’t work from sunrise to sunset–never getting paid. That is the dark truth about the sweets we so often buy our own children. It’s not right, and it must stop.

As for the cost of fair-trade chocolate, and even finding it in small towns, it’s not that expensive or hard to find. My favorite choice is cheaper than most other brands, and I’ve found it in all the small towns I’ve visited. CVS even carries it in some small towns. Before I moved from Atlanta, I often found it BOGO at Krogers. It’s always on stock at my house. (Or my husband rushes out to get more–feed the beast!) The Endangered Species brand carries a large variety, and 10% of their profits goes to charity.

There’s also BarkThins. You can now find them at most gas stations. Although the almond and pretzel varieties are the ones you’ll most likely find, they actually have a lot of choices. I became addicted to their chocolate covered pumpkin seeds from Costco and had to limit buying it, because I would lose control of my daily portions. I just couldn’t stop with them.