The Pilot & The Athlete

by Cami Checketts

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A brave pilot with a painful secret. A world champion swimmer in protective custody. Can he resist her charm or will he have to face his past?

Retired Air Force Reconnaissance Lieutenant Pilot Paul Braven has dedicated his life to serving others. He sabotages every relationship, not wanting to share a painful secret from his past. When feisty and cute Shay Cannon is kidnapped by a nefarious crime lord, Paul is the only one who can save her. Shay is irresistible to Paul with her sense of humor and a draw he’s never experienced. Paul keeps reminding himself that she’s like a little sister to him, and not the grown-up, strong, attractive woman that he feels he could spend the rest of his life with. If he lets down his guard and gives his heart to her, it will only open up old wounds and that can never happen.

Shay Cannon, a world class swimmer, is stuck in protective custody because she witnessed a horrific crime. She misses her happy life of training for the Olympics and coaching the high school swim team. Things take a sudden turn for the worse when she finds herself in the hands of dangerous kidnappers. At the last moment, Paul Braven, her hero and longtime crush, comes to rescue her. They flee to Coleville Ranch to keep Shay safe from this new and deeper threat. Shay is ready to take their friendship to the next level, and the way Paul looks at her makes Shay think he is feeling the same connection, but for some reason, he keeps holding back.

Can Paul protect Shay without giving in to his feelings? Can Shay convince him to face the past and give their growing love a chance?

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 Billionaire & The Bodyguard

3 – The Soldier & The Actress

4 – The Pilot & The Athlete

5 – The Sheriff & The Nurse

6 – The Roper & The Author

7 – The Female Warrior & The Charming Gentleman

8 – The Bull Rider & The Wedding Planner

9 – The Contractor & The Entrepreneur

10 – The Doctor & The Caregiver

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.

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Book Details

Genre

Romantic Suspense/Romantic Mystery

Subgenre

Action/Adventure, Celebrity / Rockstar, Christian, Crime Syndicate / Mafia, Destination / Vacation, Faith Journey, Inspirational, Military, Small Town, Sports

Series

Coleville Ranch Romances • Book 4

Audience

Adult

Bell Peppers

🫑🫑

Profanity

1 None

Violence

3 Moderate

Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco

1 None

Publication Date

December 3, 2025

Language Versions

English

Fiction Form

Novel

Sensitive Themes

Gun violence / shootings, Kidnapping or abduction, Murder or attempted murder, Non-consensual touching or coercion (off-page), War or battle scenes

Representation

Religious miracles or divine intervention, Veteran/military service representation

Editorial Reviews

"Cami Checketts does it again! Another great story. The characters are so believable and real. I appreciate a good clean romance without cussing and detailed sex . It was impossible to put book down until I finished it." Edna M.

"Paul and Shay’s love story was amazing. I loved it. Hard to put it down. You will not be disappointed. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. Great job Cami Checketts." Mary R.

"Paul and Shay have such a marvelous story! The reader is captivated from the very beginning when Shay is kidnapped while in FBI witness protection. Paul just happens to be in the right place at the right time to help… but will he help Shay or the kidnappers? Shay is the younger sister of his ex best friend. They had grown up in the same town. Paul had become the town’s hero and Shay had become a world champion swimmer and Olympic hopeful. Paul holds a huge past regret concerning her older brother. If she survives, will a relationship even be possible when he confesses his secret?" Karen B. Avid Reader Reviews

"Extraordinary! A magnificent suspense! It is fast paced, intriguing, and full of abrupt plot twists. The characters are believable and true to their roles. Enjoy!" Mary O.