Thank you, Tule Readers, for your unwavering support and for joining me for the release of Sworn to Defend, the third book in the Sworn Navy SEALS series. This book features Hannah Day, a flight medic and single mom, and Hunter “Branch” Green, the Navy SEAL enthralled by the petite but tough redhead and her engaging son Collin. When Hunter has a near-death experience on a mission, he decides he’s done dancing around Hannah and will do whatever it takes to make them a family.
One of the most endearing characters in this book is Hannah’s son, Collin, who has autism, something that is very close to my heart for many reasons. If you’ve read the first two books, you’re already familiar with him. The teenager adores all things pizza, his best friend Jacob, and his mother. He forms a special bond with the SEAL team, particularly Hunter, with whom he instantly connects. Whether it’s the sensory room Hunter created for Jacob, Collin, and their friends at a Halloween party in Sworn to Honor or their shared love of making pizza, Collin is eager to see his mom find her happily ever after and welcome Hunter into their family.
In honor of Collin and Hunter’s love of crafting pizza in the kitchen, I’m excited to share Kitchen Treaty’s recipe for White Pizza with Spinach & Roasted Garlic. So good! This blog has so many wonderful, versatile recipes for vegetarians coexisting with carnivores.
I hope you enjoy this recipe and an excerpt from Sworn to Defend!
“How’s Collin doing?”
Hearing her son’s name made her smile until she remembered how his eyes filled when she told him about Hunter. She glanced down at her hands, trying to compose herself before meeting his gaze. “I told him you’d been hurt. That the doctors were doing their very best to help you get better. He was devastated when he heard.” She released a shuddery breath and unzipped the pack around her waist. When her friend Brynn told her about the accident, she hadn’t been able to suck in a breath. Realizing she’d have to tell Collin the man he idolized was hurt was even worse. She fumbled with the folded piece of paper and presented it to Hunter. “He’s been drawing pictures for you.”
Hunter’s fingertips brushed against hers as they exchanged the drawing, sending a current flickering over her skin. He took the paper and began unfolding it. Hands so huge shouldn’t be able to open something with such delicacy or care. How many times had she marveled over their differences in size? She was shorter than most at an inch over five feet. She had strong arms and muscled calves honed by the demands of her job and not a gym. She’d always been stocky but Hunter stood about a foot taller than her, making her feel almost delicate.
“Please tell him as soon as I’m out of the hospital, I’m framing this for my wall.” A myriad of emotions played over his face, but the one that shone brighter than the rest was love. Collin had formed an instant bond with Hunter, and until today, seeing with her own eyes he was going to be okay, she was terrified that link would be severed. “His memory is nothing short of amazing,” Hunter said, shaking his head in disbelief. He angled the drawing toward her, and she leaned in to get a better look. They were making pizzas together. An activity they’d shared on several occasions. “Remembered all my favorite toppings and colors.” His voice was closer now, even though his tone had dropped. Her breathing spiked. She wanted to do nothing more than lift her chin and find his lips hovering over hers. Instead, she kept talking.
“I’m not surprised. He remembers everything about you.”
“Well, seems like I’ve got a few lives left. I’ll be in the kitchen making pizza with him in no time.” His low chuckle brought the pent-up fear and anxiety of the last weeks rushing to the surface.
“You’re not a freaking cat, Hunter. You’re a man who can bleed and die. A man we’ve gotten to know over the past six months. One that means a great deal to my son.” And to me.
Xoxo-Charlee
Contemporary Romance Author Charlee James was introduced to a life-long love of reading listening to her parents recite nightly stories to her and her older sister. Inspired by the incredible imaginations of authors like Bill Peet, Charlee could often be found crafting her own tales. As a teenager, she got her hands on a romance novel and was instantly hooked by the genre.
After graduating from Johnson & Wales University, her early career as a wedding planner gave her first-hand experience with couples who had gone the distance for love. Always fascinated by family dynamics, Charlee began writing heartwarming novels with happily-ever-afters.
Happy Release Day, Charlee! This sounds like an awesome story. Looking forward to reading it.