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Boot Camp
Gina Musa’s tender, thoughtful debut is about finding your strength in the most unlikely of places
Whitney Carmichael has always been the odd one out in her family of athletes. And when her best friend bops her with a tennis ball, it’s the last straw. She’s going to tackle her fears about working out–and she does it by attending a five-week summer boot camp. From the first mile-long run to the dreaded rope hang, Whitney isn’t sure she’ll survive. And toss in the fact that Willow, someone who made her life miserable on an almost daily basis while they were at school, shows up–Whitney isn’t sure how she’ll succeed.
But any journey worth taking starts with a single step. Soon, Whitney’s feeling more confident, winning some competitions, and learning more about herself with the help of her sweet, sympathetic, and more than a little hot trainer, Axel. Her feelings soon dip into something deeper, but campers can’t date their trainers, and her struggles with Willow continue, which leaves Whitney wondering if she just shouldn’t quit while she’s ahead.
Giving up isn’t in her DNA, and the lessons she learns, about herself, about love, about friendship, change the course of her life forever.
Whitney Carmichael has always been the odd one out in her family of athletes. And when her best friend bops her with a tennis ball, it’s the last straw. She’s going to tackle her fears about working out–and she does it by attending a five-week summer boot camp. From the first mile-long run to the dreaded rope hang, Whitney isn’t sure she’ll survive. And toss in the fact that Willow, someone who made her life miserable on an almost daily basis while they were at school, shows up–Whitney isn’t sure how she’ll succeed.
But any journey worth taking starts with a single step. Soon, Whitney’s feeling more confident, winning some competitions, and learning more about herself with the help of her sweet, sympathetic, and more than a little hot trainer, Axel. Her feelings soon dip into something deeper, but campers can’t date their trainers, and her struggles with Willow continue, which leaves Whitney wondering if she just shouldn’t quit while she’s ahead.
Giving up isn’t in her DNA, and the lessons she learns, about herself, about love, about friendship, change the course of her life forever.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
June 10, 2024
This book felt like a warm hug. I wanted to say this book is for everyone who didn't love high school and the cliches that come with it, but honestly, it's for everyone. It's a cutesy little romance with subtle deeper meanings about loving yourself and not letting other people's opinions dictate your life. Loved it.
And it's coming out as a movie ;)
And it's coming out as a movie ;)
September 22, 2023
I know it's not out yet but I'm giving it 5 stars purely because of nostalgia. This book was in my wattpad library when I was in hs and I've reread it a thousand times I think. And all of my friends know how much I loved it because to this day I use it as an example of good writing and entertaining story on wattpad, and I was constantly complaining about it not being published when so many worse books were. I'm really looking forward to reading it as a published book, and if can get my hands on a physical copy I will definitely be getting that too. I'm so excited I found this out and the date is on my calendar.
November 21, 2023
I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ARC provided by Wattpad Books.
Whitney Carmichael has always been the odd one out in her family of athletes. And when her best friend bops her with a tennis ball, it is the last straw. She is going to tackle her fears about working out–and she does it by attending a five-week summer boot camp. From the first mile-long run to the dreaded rope hang, Whitney was not sure she will survive. And toss in the fact that Willow, someone who made her life miserable on an almost daily basis while they were at school, shows up–Whitney is not sure how she will succeed.
But any journey worth taking starts with a single step. Soon, Whitney’s feeling more confident, winning some competitions, and learning more about herself with the help of her sweet, sympathetic, and more than a little hot trainer, Axel. Her feelings soon dip into something deeper, but campers can not date their trainers, and her struggles with Willow continue, which leaves Whitney wondering if she just should not quit while she is ahead. Giving up is not in her DNA, and the lessons she learns, about herself, about love, about friendship, change the course of her life forever.
Boot Camp is about finding your strength in the most unlikely of places. This was a sweet story about body positivity and accepting yourself. I really enjoyed the camp environment, which I have rarely seen in books. Whitney was such a breath of fresh air. She was just relatable, funny, and real. I loved seeing her personal growth, and the way she learned to enjoy fitness for herself, not only did she become physically stronger, but mentally stronger too. However, the romance was just okay. I liked how Whitney could just be herself around Axel. The overall message of needing to take measures to improve yourself should ultimately be done for your own self and not because of anyone else, is such an important message. Definitely everyone should learn from that. Although, it was nothing really special, of a book, it was still really cute and enjoyable.
Whitney Carmichael has always been the odd one out in her family of athletes. And when her best friend bops her with a tennis ball, it is the last straw. She is going to tackle her fears about working out–and she does it by attending a five-week summer boot camp. From the first mile-long run to the dreaded rope hang, Whitney was not sure she will survive. And toss in the fact that Willow, someone who made her life miserable on an almost daily basis while they were at school, shows up–Whitney is not sure how she will succeed.
But any journey worth taking starts with a single step. Soon, Whitney’s feeling more confident, winning some competitions, and learning more about herself with the help of her sweet, sympathetic, and more than a little hot trainer, Axel. Her feelings soon dip into something deeper, but campers can not date their trainers, and her struggles with Willow continue, which leaves Whitney wondering if she just should not quit while she is ahead. Giving up is not in her DNA, and the lessons she learns, about herself, about love, about friendship, change the course of her life forever.
Boot Camp is about finding your strength in the most unlikely of places. This was a sweet story about body positivity and accepting yourself. I really enjoyed the camp environment, which I have rarely seen in books. Whitney was such a breath of fresh air. She was just relatable, funny, and real. I loved seeing her personal growth, and the way she learned to enjoy fitness for herself, not only did she become physically stronger, but mentally stronger too. However, the romance was just okay. I liked how Whitney could just be herself around Axel. The overall message of needing to take measures to improve yourself should ultimately be done for your own self and not because of anyone else, is such an important message. Definitely everyone should learn from that. Although, it was nothing really special, of a book, it was still really cute and enjoyable.
November 25, 2023
Cute coming of age story about finding your own space in the world and learning things aren’t always what they seem. I loved the focus on fitness and how skewed our perceptions can be based on what we think other people see. There was also a nice lesson on finding your mental strength along with the physical.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
March 23, 2024
Well it was a quick but lovely wattpad read ✨❤
April 21, 2026
great message
November 4, 2016
I rarely write reviews, since I'm often lazy and bail out on them. But I really loved this book, so I thought I'd write a short little something. Before this book was published, I had it in my Wattpad "library" for the longest time and didn't get a chance to read it before it was published. I definitely regret that, because once I did read it (the published version) it was amazing. "Boot Camp" is such an amazing book about love, friendship, family, and growing up. I loved the characters, the plot, the writing, and just everything about this book.
November 27, 2023
Well wasn't this book just the sweetest YA romance, think mean girls.. meets a summer camp!
Whitney has always felt the odd one out in her super athletic family, never quite fitting in and feeling like she's almost in her sisters shadow.
Following a 5k race that ends in a disaster for her, the opportunity that Whitney's been waiting for drops into her lap in the form of Camp Campbell, little does she know that her arch nemesis Willow is also going to be there.. but maybe there's more to her than quite meets the eye.
Whitney's never had much luck with men, but all that changes in the form of her chiseled and charming trainer Axel, maybe all of Whitney's luck is about to change...
I honestly thought this book was adorable, I sometimes worry with YA romance that it can be written in a cringey style but I didn't get that at all from Boot Camp, I was rooting for Whitney from the start and loved Willows character development.
If you're looking for an easy read and a fluffy romance, this is the book for you!
Whitney has always felt the odd one out in her super athletic family, never quite fitting in and feeling like she's almost in her sisters shadow.
Following a 5k race that ends in a disaster for her, the opportunity that Whitney's been waiting for drops into her lap in the form of Camp Campbell, little does she know that her arch nemesis Willow is also going to be there.. but maybe there's more to her than quite meets the eye.
Whitney's never had much luck with men, but all that changes in the form of her chiseled and charming trainer Axel, maybe all of Whitney's luck is about to change...
I honestly thought this book was adorable, I sometimes worry with YA romance that it can be written in a cringey style but I didn't get that at all from Boot Camp, I was rooting for Whitney from the start and loved Willows character development.
If you're looking for an easy read and a fluffy romance, this is the book for you!
September 10, 2023
First off, this is set in Connecticut so YAY for small state rep! The author really brought those muggy summers on the coast to life.
This book follows Whitney, an 18 year old who has just graduated from high school. After being bullied one too many times by the school’s resident Mean Girl Willow and also tired of being the odd woman out in her family of fitness fanatics, Whitney decides to attend a fitness summer camp.
This was a sweet story about body positivity and accepting yourself. I really enjoyed the camp environment (this would be the perfect summery read), even though a lot of the exercises they were doing sounded awful (burpees!).
The romance was fine. He was fairly generic, but I liked that Whitney always felt that she could be herself around him which is so important.
Overall this was a very sweet contemporary read. 3.5 stars, rounded down.
This book follows Whitney, an 18 year old who has just graduated from high school. After being bullied one too many times by the school’s resident Mean Girl Willow and also tired of being the odd woman out in her family of fitness fanatics, Whitney decides to attend a fitness summer camp.
This was a sweet story about body positivity and accepting yourself. I really enjoyed the camp environment (this would be the perfect summery read), even though a lot of the exercises they were doing sounded awful (burpees!).
The romance was fine. He was fairly generic, but I liked that Whitney always felt that she could be herself around him which is so important.
Overall this was a very sweet contemporary read. 3.5 stars, rounded down.
September 8, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Well somebody needed to tell me about that twist at the end?? Okay. 👀
So, I watched the movie adaptation first and fell in love with it so I had to check out the original story itself. I can say that I liked the movie better as it had more that I liked about the characters and the plot. In the book, I wasn’t expecting a lot of petty school girl drama and a twist as to why Axel was acting so strange towards the end. It didn’t bother me a lot but I’m kind of glad that they went with another route for the movie.
Overall, I’m just in love with the cute romance. Check it out because of that please. 🥲
Well somebody needed to tell me about that twist at the end?? Okay. 👀
So, I watched the movie adaptation first and fell in love with it so I had to check out the original story itself. I can say that I liked the movie better as it had more that I liked about the characters and the plot. In the book, I wasn’t expecting a lot of petty school girl drama and a twist as to why Axel was acting so strange towards the end. It didn’t bother me a lot but I’m kind of glad that they went with another route for the movie.
Overall, I’m just in love with the cute romance. Check it out because of that please. 🥲
April 9, 2023
I wanted to give it 3.5 stars, but apparently that isn't possible. It starts a bit slow, you know where it's going, which makes it a bit boring. But it gets better, plot twists happen and it gets a bit of a faster pace. I liked it.
October 7, 2023
I absolutely devoured this book. The writing was wonderful.
I loved the story and the empowerment behind it.
It touched on so many tough topics that teens go through and really showed the reader how life can change if you put in the work.
I was inspired.
Enemies to Friends.
Friends to Lovers.
High school/college.
Sprinkle of romance but more focused on personal growth.
The FMC was *chef's kiss.
I loved the story and the empowerment behind it.
It touched on so many tough topics that teens go through and really showed the reader how life can change if you put in the work.
I was inspired.
Enemies to Friends.
Friends to Lovers.
High school/college.
Sprinkle of romance but more focused on personal growth.
The FMC was *chef's kiss.
March 2, 2025
Great book! Watched the movie on Amazon so of course had to see if it was a book and it was! It was almost the same! Glad I enjoyed the book as much as the movie! The romance and the high drama was good! Loved it!
October 20, 2023
I was lucky enough to receive this book as an ARC.
I read this book when it was first written on Wattpad and when it was self published by the author. I was so excited to receive the ARC!
Boot Camp is a heartwarming and inspiring coming-of-age story that beautifully explores themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and the transformative power of determination.
Whitney Carmichael is not your typical athlete. When her best friend inadvertently inspires her to confront her fears surrounding physical fitness, she embarks on a journey that takes her to a five-week summer boot camp. From the first grueling mile-long run to the dreaded rope hang, Whitney's doubts and struggles are relatable to anyone who's ever felt like the "odd one out."
Adding to Whitney's challenges, Willow, a person who made her life difficult during their school days, joins the boot camp. The story beautifully captures the essence of personal growth and resilience as Whitney confronts her past and learns to overcome her obstacles. Along the way, she forms a connection with her trainer, Axel, that takes her on a journey of self-discovery and transformation.
Gina Musa's storytelling is both engaging and relatable, and she masterfully captures the ups and downs of Whitney's journey. The characters, including Whitney's sweet and sympathetic trainer, Axel, are well-developed and add depth to the narrative. The exploration of Whitney's evolving feelings, friendships, and self-acceptance is beautifully depicted.
Boot Camp is not just a story of physical transformation but a journey of emotional and personal growth. It is a reminder that giving up is never the solution and that with determination and resilience, we can overcome our fears and doubts to achieve greatness. The lessons Whitney learns about herself, love, and friendship are both heartwarming and valuable.
This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys stories of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of personal growth. Boot Camp will leave you inspired and motivated to face your own challenges with determination and a positive spirit.
Rating: 4 / 5⭐️’s
I read this book when it was first written on Wattpad and when it was self published by the author. I was so excited to receive the ARC!
Boot Camp is a heartwarming and inspiring coming-of-age story that beautifully explores themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and the transformative power of determination.
Whitney Carmichael is not your typical athlete. When her best friend inadvertently inspires her to confront her fears surrounding physical fitness, she embarks on a journey that takes her to a five-week summer boot camp. From the first grueling mile-long run to the dreaded rope hang, Whitney's doubts and struggles are relatable to anyone who's ever felt like the "odd one out."
Adding to Whitney's challenges, Willow, a person who made her life difficult during their school days, joins the boot camp. The story beautifully captures the essence of personal growth and resilience as Whitney confronts her past and learns to overcome her obstacles. Along the way, she forms a connection with her trainer, Axel, that takes her on a journey of self-discovery and transformation.
Gina Musa's storytelling is both engaging and relatable, and she masterfully captures the ups and downs of Whitney's journey. The characters, including Whitney's sweet and sympathetic trainer, Axel, are well-developed and add depth to the narrative. The exploration of Whitney's evolving feelings, friendships, and self-acceptance is beautifully depicted.
Boot Camp is not just a story of physical transformation but a journey of emotional and personal growth. It is a reminder that giving up is never the solution and that with determination and resilience, we can overcome our fears and doubts to achieve greatness. The lessons Whitney learns about herself, love, and friendship are both heartwarming and valuable.
This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys stories of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of personal growth. Boot Camp will leave you inspired and motivated to face your own challenges with determination and a positive spirit.
Rating: 4 / 5⭐️’s
March 10, 2017
Nice read. I loved the original take on bullying it presented: giving the bully a backstory, a chance to explain and an idea of what was going through her mind that "explains" in some way why she hurt others/Whitney - because she was hurt herself. It also allowed to show how one can forgive and grow, just like Whitney did and I think that was very smart to write it that way.
September 25, 2023
I loved this book! I think many of my students can relate to the pressure of trying to compete with older siblings or parent expectations. The story covered the topic of bullying, also, and how that can have a lasting impact on a person's confidence. I enjoyed watching the characters all grow throughout the book and the ending couldn't be more perfect!
September 27, 2024
3⭐️
Llegué a este libro por un clip de TikTok de la película (que aún no me he visto) y me lo leí en una sentada. Me sentí súper identificada con la protagonista. Es una historia ligera, y tal vez no es el libro de mi vida, pero personalmente me encantó. 💌
Llegué a este libro por un clip de TikTok de la película (que aún no me he visto) y me lo leí en una sentada. Me sentí súper identificada con la protagonista. Es una historia ligera, y tal vez no es el libro de mi vida, pero personalmente me encantó. 💌
January 14, 2025
Una narración desenfadada desde la perspectiva de Whitney, una joven acomplejada que decide apuntarse a un campamento para intentar cambiar su físico, pero al final inicia un viaje de descubrimientos y profundas lecciones de vida que trastocarán las ideas preconcebidas que tenía del mundo y de la gente que la rodea y transformará su existencia irremediablemente.
Una novela que engancha desde el inicio, que te toca el corazón en mucho momentos y con una moraleja muy bonita sobre el hecho de que no todo es lo que parece a simple vista.
Sin duda, una historia preciosa.
Una novela que engancha desde el inicio, que te toca el corazón en mucho momentos y con una moraleja muy bonita sobre el hecho de que no todo es lo que parece a simple vista.
Sin duda, una historia preciosa.
August 13, 2024
I got about 100 pages in and had to stop reading. The book was just boring to me, but could be great to someone else.
I love that we got to see what a fitness camp looks like, but there were some athletic references like about in the beginning something akin to bouncing a ball when Whitney was with her father, sister and sister's boyfriend, made me think basketball then it switched to tennis? Confusing.
The whole Whitney and Willow were too hard to separate with both being named with a W. Made it hard to focus on one or the other.
And the whole relationship with Axel and Isla is just eww, from what I could tell. And too many side characters; Ava, Noelle, Joanna, Adriana, Aspen, Martina, Willow, Naomi, Isla. 9 girl side characters. That's too many to try and place names of and what they look like. Only ones I can remember were Willow and Isla, Willow because she is a model and blond. And then Isla because she's got blue hair. The others? Don't ask me, haven't gotten a clue.
I hope the movie is halfway decent at least. I only picked up the book because I wanted to read it first before seeing the movie.
Definitely a Wattpad book, they need to fix it.
I love that we got to see what a fitness camp looks like, but there were some athletic references like about in the beginning something akin to bouncing a ball when Whitney was with her father, sister and sister's boyfriend, made me think basketball then it switched to tennis? Confusing.
The whole Whitney and Willow were too hard to separate with both being named with a W. Made it hard to focus on one or the other.
And the whole relationship with Axel and Isla is just eww, from what I could tell. And too many side characters; Ava, Noelle, Joanna, Adriana, Aspen, Martina, Willow, Naomi, Isla. 9 girl side characters. That's too many to try and place names of and what they look like. Only ones I can remember were Willow and Isla, Willow because she is a model and blond. And then Isla because she's got blue hair. The others? Don't ask me, haven't gotten a clue.
I hope the movie is halfway decent at least. I only picked up the book because I wanted to read it first before seeing the movie.
Definitely a Wattpad book, they need to fix it.
October 4, 2024
Agh! I actually really enjoyed this book! It was so fun, so easy, such a cute YA read that just resonated with me in so many ways!! I loved the characters, the redemption arcs, the ROMANCE!! Axel? Oh my word I love him!! He is adorable, and Whitney was so real, I find it’s uncommon to find relatable FMC’s now but Miss Gina hit this nail on the head.
Whitney was brilliant with her perseverance and strength in this novel. I saw a lot of myself in her, especially in relation to the bullying she experienced and issues with her self-confidence. But this novel accentuates that no matter how you may feel about yourself, you are and always will be loved.
I would honestly love more of Axel and Whitney, my only annoyance was that we didn’t get enough of them. It brought me back to my days of Wattpad and how much I adored reading those stories. I honestly had such a great time with this novel and highly recommend for a fun, cute, relatable romance!
Whitney was brilliant with her perseverance and strength in this novel. I saw a lot of myself in her, especially in relation to the bullying she experienced and issues with her self-confidence. But this novel accentuates that no matter how you may feel about yourself, you are and always will be loved.
I would honestly love more of Axel and Whitney, my only annoyance was that we didn’t get enough of them. It brought me back to my days of Wattpad and how much I adored reading those stories. I honestly had such a great time with this novel and highly recommend for a fun, cute, relatable romance!
February 23, 2017
I loved this book. Whitney's personality and character brightens up the book. She faces problems and brings determination to her actions. When I read the book I was satisfied, and I began trying harder to resolve my issues. Every character dealt with different problems and situations and it makes you realize just how similar we all are. The bad girl might be kind, but she masks her best qualities. The rebellious girl, struggled through alcohol and drugs, but she overcame it- and she's figuring it out. The boy, he lost his father and can't let go of him. And finally, the girl who thinks she is not enough. She seeks the good in people yet constantly doubts herself. But, instead of criticizing her body, she stands up for herself and improves. The book is relatable and humorous. A great read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2026
3 point something something stars for this one, close to 4!
I decided to read this not long after I watched the movie and thought it was enjoyable. Someone had said that the book differs from the movie in many big ways, so I was curious to see the differences. After reading I can see that. I actually did enjoy the book. I liked that it focused even more on self-image and improvement and I especially enjoyed the focus on strong female friendships. The romance aspect was very nice as well, Axel and Whit are very cute. (I still wish for Willow and Whitney yuri.. so much potential there. They definitely wanted to kiss.) Overall, aside from a few minor things, this was an enjoyable and entertaining read. It wasn’t perfect but I’m not miffed over anything so I can’t complain.
I decided to read this not long after I watched the movie and thought it was enjoyable. Someone had said that the book differs from the movie in many big ways, so I was curious to see the differences. After reading I can see that. I actually did enjoy the book. I liked that it focused even more on self-image and improvement and I especially enjoyed the focus on strong female friendships. The romance aspect was very nice as well, Axel and Whit are very cute. (I still wish for Willow and Whitney yuri.. so much potential there. They definitely wanted to kiss.) Overall, aside from a few minor things, this was an enjoyable and entertaining read. It wasn’t perfect but I’m not miffed over anything so I can’t complain.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2017
This book definitely needed another round or two of editing before it was published, especially in the second half. There were so many grammatical mistakes that it became distracting at times.
However, I liked it enough because it's rare to find books about people wanting to workout to better themselves even if it was unrealistic at times.
However, I liked it enough because it's rare to find books about people wanting to workout to better themselves even if it was unrealistic at times.
April 22, 2018
This book was good and sadly, I'm unable to claim that it was anything better than that just 'good'. It as an easy and lighthearted read. It didn't exactly spark anything powerful in me and I found that there were a few parts that seemed unnecessary. I quite liked the premise, not only did she become physically stronger, but mentally stronger too.
October 4, 2024
Excellent, witty, and charming
I loved this book, from start to finish. There is something for all ages, post high school and beyond. It is a very well-written witty, charming, and thoughtful story. I believe that most people can find something to relate to in their own lives, no matter their age. Although different, both the book and the movie are great and worthy of praising.
I loved this book, from start to finish. There is something for all ages, post high school and beyond. It is a very well-written witty, charming, and thoughtful story. I believe that most people can find something to relate to in their own lives, no matter their age. Although different, both the book and the movie are great and worthy of praising.
August 20, 2023
This book resonated with me very deeply as a person who struggled with friendship and bullies like Whitney and as someone who also has weight problems and self-esteem issues relating to my figure. It was a good read, very sweet and comforting. I enjoyed Whitney's journey.
December 4, 2023
I never write reviews but this book deserves it. I read it on Wattpad about a year ago and it has been one my absolute favourite books I’ve ever read. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for something good to read :)
August 14, 2024
So good. I loved it. I thought the story was interesting and loved the whole learning to love oneself but also wanting better. It is an easy read. I mean it took me one day to read so obviously kept me interested. Excited to watch the movie and see how the two compare.
February 23, 2021
I absolutely love this book. The amount of times I’ve reread it and still felt the same joy as the first time is amazing. Would really love to see more of Axel and Whitney
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews