The Recluse & The Fugitive

Coleville Ranch #1

by Cami Checketts

An heiress in danger. The cowboy who won't let her down.

Jacqueline Oliver is a pawn, only used to further her mother's demented ambitions. Her brother Thomas has sworn to protect her but when an irresistible Montana cowboy rescues her, and shows her she's of infinite worth to him and her Savior, she isn't sure who to put her trust in.

Don’t miss USA Today Bestselling and Kindle All-Star Christian Romance Suspense Author Cami Checketts' latest sweet adventure romance series, Coleville Ranch Romances (Witness Protection Romances).

1 – The Recluse & The Fugitive
2 – The Soldier & The Actress
3 – The Guardian & The Billionaire

A family of Montana cowboys sworn to protect those in danger. What will happen when the perfect women for them throw a wrench in their plans?



Fans of Jessie Gussman, Christy Barritt, Sariah Wilson, and Liz Isaacson will love Cami Checketts’ clean romantic suspense with a side of comedy.




A Chance for Charity
Impossible Treasure
Impossible Escape
Impossible Sail
Impossible Climb
Impossible Crusade
Impossible Thrills
Impossible Chase
Impossible Rapids

Christmas in Augustine
The Royal Captain and the Designer
The Wounded Guard and the Royal Stylist
The Impulsive Princess and the Soldier

Sweet Royal Romance Suspense
The General Prince and the Nerd
The Brave Prince and the Teacher
The Doctor Prince and the Outsider
The Ninja Prince and the Investigator
The Charming Prince and the Single Mum
The Crown Prince and the Traitor
The Police Chief and the Musician
The Royal Major and the Executive
The Grieving King and the Emissary

Billionaire Protection Romances
Matchmaking the Singer and the Warrior
Matchmaking the Duchess and the Commander
Matchmaking the Entertainer and the Firefighter
Matchmaking the Model and the Beast
Matchmaking the Spy and the Heiress
Matchmaking the Bodyguard and the Philanthropist
Summit Valley Christmas Romance
His Perfect Match for Christmas
His Ski Resort Overrun for Christmas
His Cabin Invaded for Christmas
His Unexpected Wedding for Christmas

Genres: Contemporary, Romance

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 17, 2024

About the author

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

Reviews

[Julia Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed getting to know the characters. The calm and loving hero matched perfectly to the fiesty, outspoken, and charming jacey.
The story kept me spellbound from beginning to end.
I personally had a little trouble with the intensity of the abuse and horrifying situations from their childhood and ongoing adult life.
This is definitely another winning book by Cami.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

jacey ran up the path and across the mountain. She was free and it was her choice to be here. This was one of the first choices she had ever been able to make. She had been under her mother's thumb as far back as she could remember. Her only friend was her brother Thomas and sometimes her older sister Lizzy. Every other person she came into contact with was decided by her mother. Everything she said or thought was monitored and if it didn't meet her Mother's standards, someone was harshly punished. That someone was usually her brother. Her Mother was a monster, although most people only saw a beautiful, wealthy woman. Her father was a puppet for his wife, although he occasionally tried to shelter his children. Thomas protected Jacey as best he could. Finally, with her help, he was able to escape and join the Navy. Finally, with lots of hard work, he was able to rescue Jacey. Their mother was in jail and Jacey was placed in the Witness Protection program and placed with the Coleville family on their Montana Ranch. Finally, she could run free, at least for a while.
Then, her brother called. Their Mother had escaped from prison. Jacey knew her freedom was going to be quickly curtailed. She turned around and began the run for the ranch. It would take her at least an hour to get there. On her way back, she tripped and fell. She went over the side of the mountain and twisted and turned until she finally came to a rest at the bottom. Cade Miller was feeding his sick herd when he heard a scream. He quickly jumped in his vehicle and headed towards the cry. Cade lived on his land by himself. He had lived alone since his girlfriend had deserted him. Other than church on Sunday and family dinner, he rarely left his land. He found a girl near the lake where she landed. She had a knot on her forehead and was unconscious. She quickly came to; but she now had amnesia. She was railing about a witch coming who would kill all of them. She threw his phone into the lake to put it out of commission. She wants to stay here where she feels safe and noone can find her. How can she managed to stay safe? Will she ever remember her past?

[Sonya Wasden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was pretty intense. Jacqueline (Jacey) Oliver had escaped her mother's brutality, manipulation and sheer wickedness. She was now in witness protection in Montana. She had witnessed her mother's depravity and pure evil first hand and now that her mother was in prison and her brother was safe, she could finally begin to breathe.

While out on a run, she received a call letting her know that her mother had escaped from prison and was coming after her. She fell, hit her head and was rescued by Cade.

Cade didn't want to be around people. He had chosen Montana and his property so he could be a recluse. When he finds a beautiful woman injured on his property, he feels protective of her, especially when he learns her story. The problem is that Jacey can't remember who she is or what her story was. But, as the memories begin to return, she is afraid that her mother will destroy all those she loves just because she can. Especially, now that she has begun to fall for the reclusive cowboy with the beautiful eyes.

There is a happy ending and a suspenseful and scary journey to get there. The book is a good beginning to a new series with some characters you know from other books that this author has written.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacey Oliver has been in hiding for over a year. Her mother is in prison for her atrocities but with her mother's evil empire, she is still in danger. While out for a run in the mountains, she gets a call informing her that her mother has escaped from prison. She trips on a branch and tumbles off the trail, down the side of a mountain. Cade is a rancher in Montana and loves his valley of solitude. He is 20 minutes from the closest neighbor and values his peace and quiet. When he hears a scream and notices a person falling down his mountain, Cade, a former Army ranger, rushes to the rescue. When Jacey gets to the bottom of the mountain, she is bruised, scraped up and has no memory of anything. Cade has no idea when he rushes to help that his life will be changed forever. Great start to a new series with fun characters and the perfect amount of suspense.

[Jennie Pendergast · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Montana Cowboy finds his sweetheart tumbling down his moutain.

Enjoyed being with this author again. Been looking forward to the Cole ville Ranch Series. Cade and Jacey story was exciting from the start. Jacey rolled into Cade life with no memory. He helped get her life back and fell in love with her at the same time. He became her protector and hero and one and only cowboy. She became his sweetheart and the one he couldn't live without. Her mother was an evil person. So glad she had her brother Quaid and also the Coleville boys to help she and Cade out. She had two new mamas too in Mama Millie and Cade mom. Cade and Jacey were ment for each other. Will read more in this series.

[Linda Klager · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rescue in the valley

Jacey was out hiking when she received a very disturbing phone call. She was in danger. She tripped on a root and went tumbling down a cliff. She could not remember who she was.

She was rescued by Cade Miller. He took her to his home and received a call that yes, she was very much in danger. Jacey decided to stay with Cade as she knew he would protect her.

Villains appeared, and Cade needed to use his military skills to keep them safe.

There was a sweet romance included in this story.

[Melody Tregear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different story

I gave this story 4 stars because it is well written and yes, gripping. But it is also very sad and at times difficult to read how cruel people can be. That it is a mother towards her own family, makes it that much harder. There is some devastating cruelty and violence. The ending was good. It is a haunting tale, not easily forgotten but unfortunately, remembered for the horrors described rather than the beauty. Most of the time they pray to heaven, not to the Lord, and Jesus was mentioned once. It was heavy on the horrors and light on any Godly content.

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, please don’t start this book late at night. I did, unfortunately, and (believe it or not) I fell asleep in the middle of the last barn scene. No spoilers here. I absolutely love Jacey and Cade. The interactions between them are irresistible, the sparks just fly. There definitely is a satisfying ending. I can’t wait for more of this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Recluse &The Fugitive

What a great start to a new series! JC and Cade are such a great pair. Cade is the cowboy who was hurt in the past and not looking for a relationship. JC is in hiding at his neighbors ranch when she tumbles into his life. When she appears to have amnesia from the fall, Cade volunteers to watch after her and protect her while she recovers her memory. Will he be able to protect her without losing his heart in the process?

[Kylene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is fantastic

This one is one of my favorites of your series. Don’t get me wrong I throughly enjoy all of your books, but there was just something about this one that will linger in my mind for a while. It was epic from start to finish and never slowed down once in the suspense and romance department. Cade and Jacey’s characters just seem to reach out and touch you in many different ways. I highly recommend this book .

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good read to the start of a new series by Cami Checketts. The Recluse & the Fugitive is Jacey and Cade's story. Although Jacey has amnesia, she knows she's in danger. Cade volunteers to protect her. I enjoyed the growing relationship between them even though Cade has been hurt before in a past relationship and isn't looking for love. I'm looking forward to the second installment in this series.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cade and Jacey

This book is so romantic and so exciting! I wanted to read it in one sitting. I loved reading as Cade and Jacey got to know and love each other. I enjoyed how Cade’s family supported him, even when they had hard feelings for each other. I liked that Quaid was willing to do whatever he could to love and care for Jacey. I read with bated breath as things began to go wrong. If you enjoy romantic suspense, you’ll like this book.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story

This book has it all. The cowboy, the socialite, the monster and all the other supporting cast. Except for my sleep last night, I read it straight through. The story caught my interest and held it to the end. If you haven’t read any books by the author, this is a great place to start. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

[Caitlin Nikolai · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me sucked in from chapter one! It was sweet and suspenseful, but not in a stressful way.

I also love how the amnesia part of the plot was understated - it was there, it was viral to the plot, but it wasn't overbearing.

Both characters have their struggles. They are willing to sacrifice for each other - but what will those sacrifices take from them?

[Catherine Matthews · Rating 1 out of 5]

I feel like this whole book was an insult to my intelligence. I was rolling my eyes at the constant cliches. The writer did a fantastic job of TELLING us instead of SHOWING us. Every problem was just explained in detail immediately so there was no mystery, no suspense, no confusion. There were also spelling errors throughout the book.

*I was given a free copy to review*

[Tamera Westhoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Romantic Suspense

We finally get Jacey’s story! Poor Jacey has the worst “mother” ever and now she has amnesia. Luckily, Cade finds her and keeps her safe! Hurray for another happy ending!

[Judith Seale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book

This is a very exciting and interesting story. I love how a relationship grew between Cade and Jacey. Her life is in danger and Cade volunteered to protect her. I recommend this series to everyone. Enjoyable reading.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start to a new series. Was glad to see Jacqueline (Jacey)and Quaid’s mother get what she deserved! Jacey had an accident while out running and ends up on Cades ranch with amnesia. Cade and Jacey had chemistry but sometimes Jacey was just a bit too much with her appreciation .

[Rebecca White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling and full of Intrigue

I enjoyed the story of Jacey, the youngest daughter of one of the authors evil villains. I enjoyed her automatic reactions even with the amnesia. I loved Cade's honor.

[Norma Gorrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Recluse and The Fugitive

This is the story of a young woman who was trying to get away from her controlling mother who loved to use her,her father and sister to do what she wanted whether it was right or wrong. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill

[Will Decker · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I really enjoyed the story and the realness of the characters, some of the heroine's memories are a tad out there. The plot flows, the dialogue is enticing, and the editing is clean. If you like strong heroes and beautiful women that fall for them, this is your romance.

[Candy gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cade and Jacey

Oh my, I would be so angry if I had a mom like Jacey. Jacey’s mom was the meanest etc etc. My heart broke for her and Cade. Cade is a hero in my book. Enjoy. You definitely do not want to miss this book.

[Allen Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good love story

Very good story line and you are rooting for the main characters to prevail. A bit redundant with the number of times the characters doubt themselves as being in a relationship.

[Debby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another nice story, not as much reference to Bible verses in this one as the last book of this series I read. But, still a nice faith filled story that represents excellent morals. Enjoy that aspect. There is also a bit of suspense and conflict with the ‘evil’ character.

[Sarah Freilinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't know

I liked this book. I liked the characters, though I think Jacey overdid it with her praise. The setting was spectacular, described exactly how I like it.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful storyline and read.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

A intense and interesting book! The plot and characters have me absolutely HOOKED.

[Sheila Wilken · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like the concept of the story. Even with amnesia Jacey knew Cade was the man for her. Awe!! The mother's death happened way to soon. Mom should have been more cunning, therefore a more cat and mouse story for her. Killing her on their first encounter. Just rushed the ending for me.

[Mace]

DNF

[Mary Riggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Recluse and the Fugitive

Cade and Jacey’s love story was absolutely beautiful. I loved this story. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.