Camp Payback

Camp Boyfriend #2

by J.K. Rock

Alex has big plans for camp this year, starting with making it the best summer ever. Having fun and breaking some rules will get her the payback she wants against her parents and her ex-boyfriend. Because of his disgusting texts, she's headed to a super strict all-girls school in the fall.

Then she meets Javier and revenge doesn't seem nearly as important as getting to know the troubled loner determined to keep a low profile at camp. But Alex's trouble-magnet personality and Javier's need to stay in the background don't mix nearly as well as their irresistible chemistry.

With her home life eroding under her feet and her last year of summer camp speeding to a close, Alex wants to make her mark on the world and squeeze every bit of fun out of her time with Javier. Too bad her old plans for revenge turn back on her just in time to ruin everything. Will she lose Javier too?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Young Adult, Young Adult Romance, Young Adult Contemporary

268 pages, Paperback

First published April 29, 2014

About the author

J. K. Rock is the pseudonym for the Young Adult writing partnership of Joanne Rock and Karen Rock. Their CAMP BOYFRIEND series recreates the magic of summer camp, first love, and friendships.

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

See more reviews at YA Midnight Reads

Turns out, the second book wasn’t better than the first like I had hoped. Camp Payback is book 2 in the Camp Boyfriend series however can easily be read out of order.

What I Liked:
If anything, I loved Alex’s background. Her family is widely known her parent’s blog, Wholesome Homes which, in simple terms is a blog about how to raise wholesome children and have a wholesome life. Alex is sick of being constantly judged and scrutinized, everyone knows that the bad sections (sections like How to deal with disobedient teens) on Wholesome Homes is based off her. It did make me sympathise for Alex, because she is famous for being someone claimed to be not so desirable. She’s a book being judged by a synopsis written by someone who has not read the full story. As for Alex as a character, I admired her. The main reason why I chose to read Camp Payback after a not-so-enjoyable book 1 was because I did like Alex, who was a secondary character in the previous instalment. She’s messed up and feels like no one cares about her opinion, which is true because everyone sees her under the influence of what her parents say on their blog, and is evidently not the slightest bit wholesome.


What I Didn’t Like:
I just don’t think the romances work well in this series. They are cute, but I feel like rooting them. If they don’t have their happily ever after at the end of the novel, I honestly could not care less. So basically, Alex’s ex-boyfriend has changed over the year and when she sees him at summer camp again, he’s like a complete stranger. He’s rude and calls her crude names and is cold as ever. In her fury, Alex sees a new, smokin’ guy and kisses him on impulse. Little does she know that he’s actually a new worker at the camp and workers and campers are not allowed to be more than friends. After that, there’s insta-attraction. And a lot of hypocrisy.

Another point that connects with the romance is how Alex and Javier (the love interest) both kept making promises to themselves about staying away. Yet each time they make eye contact, they are all over each other. Then they pull away, curse and the cycle goes on and on and on. Annoying, you say? You are correct.
 
I forgot to mention in my first review (of Camp Boyfriend) but I found that there were too many characters. I lost track of personalities and got them confused with others. There were at least 10 supporting characters. T’was bizarre and did not need that many.

I’m also not too happy about the ending. I am all for nice and sweet happy endings but this one felt too perfect. Everything was tied up too nicely. A little twist or just something to make the read more original and memorable would have been nice.

Summing up:
I am not sure about picking up book 3 (if there will be one). I guess it once again depends on who the main character will be. If you want some fluff and drama, I’d say look somewhere else.

Thank you Spencer Hill Press for sending me this copy!~

UPDATE: Book 3 is Kayla's story. Sounds interesting, but I'm a little wary about reading it since the first two were disappointing. Won't hurt to try though?

[Mlpmom (Book Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such an incredibly cute series. One that holds true to adolescents, the pains of growing up and trying to find who you are, who you want to be and all the struggles and firsts that come along with it.

So far I have loved every single book and novella that has been released and I am happy to say this second addition to the series is no different. Gosh, I really loved Alex and Javier. Maybe even more so than I have the other characters so far.

Their story was such a heartfelt one. I loved how rough and tough Javier was. The bad boy exterior with a heart of gold. It seems I am a sucker for a bad boy whether that is in YA novels or NA or even adult, I just can't resist them.

I have said this before but it bares saying again, I just love the camp dynamic is this series. The camaraderie, the friendship all of it. The authors make you want to go to camp, to be there and experience it all yourself, the good, the bad and even the ugly. I think that feeling is what really makes this series stand out and make it so much fun to read.

All of the friends are different from one another, each bring a unique and complex dynamic into the bunch and each stand out in their own way.

Alex has always been one that stood out for me since starting this series and I was eager to get her “wholesome” view on things. I was eager for her story. Throw in a new hot troubled boy into the camp and you have one fun story, maybe even my favorite yet.

I love how real these books feel. They all have a very realistic insight into what it means to be a teen today. The struggles with friends, family and even ourselves and I think that is yet another thing that makes this series so great. It is real. It isn't all carefree camp fun but instead very much so a coming of age story and all the good and bad that comes with that. With growing up and finding our own, standing up for ourselves and not letting what is “in” or “popular” rule our life but instead what is right and best for us.

This was very well done and I really do look forward to continuing on with this series until all the girls stories are told.

http://myguiltyobsession.blogspot.com...

[Gaby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was definitely excited to read this one, the blurb sounded like it was a very sweet story and it definitely was!! But I think it was more than a light and fun reading.

The first book was great, it was different from what I thought it would be and certainly different from other YA books, and Karen and Joanne’s writing was really well done, it’s light but also engaging to the reader.

In Camp Payback it’s turn to know Alex’s story, we got to know her on Camp Boyfriend (or Camp Kiss if you have read this short prequel), she’s a very lively girl, with lots of energy and wanting to stand out, to be noticed by people. The reason behind this is her life at home, her parents are really famous for their “knowledge” on how to raise wholesome children, but Alex is not perfect in their eyes, she’s the problematic kid and as such has become a source of material for her parents to discuss and write on their blog.

As if that wasn’t enough her camp boyfriend has been acting crazy and caused her even more troubles with her parents, at the point that they’re deciding on sending her to a girls boarding school as soon as summer camp is over. This is why Alex has come to a decision, she’ll make the most of this summer, she’ll get back at her ex-boyfriend and have the best time possible, but as soon she arrives at Camp Juniper point those priorities may change, especially after meeting Javier.
So yeah, in Camp Payback we have a double POV, and our male leading character is called Javier.

Oh Javier, what can I say? I loved him from the very start! He’s really great, he appears broody and aloof to Alex, and he actually is but there’s a reason for that. His life hasn’t been easy either and having now a much needed job at camp, he can’t afford to mess it up by getting involved with Alex, whom from what he’s heard has well known parents who could seriously jeopardize his future. But he’s also intrigued by this girl, who seems like no one he’s met before and the feeling seems to be entirely mutual, the more time they spend together, the more they see how much they have in common, how easy it is for them to get along and how quickly those feelings grow.

I personally enjoy dual POV’s a lot and I think this one was greatly done; Alex and Javier’s voices were very different but equally enjoyable and likeable.

Is impossible not to feel bad for Alex dealing with so many troubles with her parents, how damaged their relationship is and also how things aren’t easy for her at camp either with her friends who don’t seem to back her up as much as she would have expected, she feels rejected and ignored which hurts really bad, I did get frustrated with the girls because they are suppose to be her friends and really be there for her, but I think not all friendships are perfect and maybe Alex being so caught up in her issues didn't help. Also the problem with her ex-boyfriend is pretty tough, you might know him from the previous books, I won’t say his name in case I spoil you. I wanted to hate him for the things he did and said but I could still remember what a nice guy he was so I felt there had to be a reason for it, I won’t say what that reason is but it was very sad, I kind of wish he could have his own story because I’d very much like to see him overcome his demons and be happy too.

I loved how the relationship between Alex and Javier develops, it was such a joy to read, it’s a very sweet and endearing romance, and I also really liked how through everything that happens they see past their barriers and start growing up. It’s great to see how the other campers still remain as how we knew them, each one completely different from the other and I’m super excited to read the next book!! It’ll be focused on another characters but I can already tell it’s going to be great!! And as for some certain guy I love and that we get to see briefly here, I have some thoughts about if anything will happen with certain girl, I really can’t help but keep wondering… Karen, Joanne you’re killing me with the suspense, lol!!

Anyway, I just want to finish saying Camp Payback retains that same aura the previous book and novella had, it’s a light and fun reading, the pacing is great, not a dull moment for me, but there’s so much more to it, it’s not just a summer reading, you can really see a message in this book and that makes it even more great!
Congrats on your work Karen and Joanne.

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Note: Thank you to Joanne & Karen Rock for providing a copy of the book in exchange for my honest thoughts.*

Camp Payback, by J.K. Rock, was a cute read. I didn’t realize until I began reading that the story focused on one of the characters from Camp Boyfriend, Alex Martineau. The story began with bang, giving the reader an immediate understanding that Alex’s home life leaves a bit to be desired. Her parents run a blog called “Wholesome Home,” have authored parenting books, and have high expectations of their children’s behaviour. Not only is Alex incapable of fitting into her older brother’s perfect shoes, her mistakes are a constant subject on the website. Out from under their rules, she plans to make the most of summer camp to get back at them since they’ve already decided to send her to an all-girls alternative boarding school in the fall.

The beginning of the story had the same juvenile feeling as the first book, but by the time I finished, the characters had grown, their perspectives widened, and I was pleased with where they ended up. One of my biggest complaints with book one was the chasteness, and Camp Payback had a much improved, more age appropriate feel in the romance department. I loved the pay it forward Secret Camp Angel idea. It was a great tool to bring together characters who might not interact otherwise. I also liked the ending. I wasn’t necessarily in agreement with what happened to the characters, but I’m a big believer in consequences, and I thought the authors struck a good balance between realism and dreaming big.

I wish I had connected better to Alex. She was so selfish for so much of the story that she came off as bratty. I really didn’t connect with Javier that much better. The disconnect came from the back and forth nature of their thoughts. Neither seemed able to commit to doing the right thing. Javier had a lot more on the line than Alex, and while his resistance to their relationship made sense, his withdrawal from his bunkmates combined with his inability to stay away from Alex didn’t. Their chemistry just didn’t feel that strong to me. I needed a little more emotion, a little more depth.

Alex’s bunkmates did a much better job with friendship in book two, though I didn’t really understand Alex’s immediate and extreme dislike of Yasmine. It added drama to the book, but I would have rather seen a strong friendship between them, one that brought support to Alex. Vijay was an asshole. I was content with what happened to him in the end, and it was good to see people finally stand up to him, but his abuse went on too long for my taste. None of the girls really stood out to me, so I’m curious which one might become the focus in book three. For the boys, Julian and Rafe seemed liked good guys, so maybe one of them will be the male lead next time around.

In terms of plot, there were some interesting ideas, but also some holes. For instance, I liked the video upload idea, but the way it was handled wasn’t so great. Given the circumstances and the fact that the wrongdoing was caught so quickly, the video could have been deleted and very little damage would have been done. The movie set idea was cool but removed the focus on the camp scenario. In fact, the camp was really a backdrop in this book. Not a lot of the plot was based around it. I missed the interactions between cabins.

If you liked Camp Boyfriend, I think you’ll like Camp Payback even more.

[Veronica of V's Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars for this fun contemporary innocent YA romance.

Alex Marcineau is a problem child--at least that's what her parents' blog Wholesome Home would have everyone believe. From her earliest steps, Alex has faced the scrutiny of not just her parents, but all adults, even teachers who hoped to gain some slight fame by reporting each and every misstep Alex made. Entire books have been written by her parents on how to cope with 'difficult' kids. So, yeah, she's not really interested in maintaining a 'wholesome' image. Especially not when her parents are being considered for a TV show based on their blog. Just more of the same torture--on TV, for a change.

Alex is determined to cut loose at camp, but her ex-boyfriend Vijay is being an uber-jerk. He sends her lewd texts which incense her overprotective dad--bring on the private school plans! In an effort to start her camp off right--by antagonizing Vijay--Alex walks up to a new camper and lays a juicy kiss right on him. Only, Javier isn't a camper. He's staff, hired as kitchen help to avoid going to a group home for difficult foster kids. And, he's now in trouble for having 'relations' with a camper.

Oy vay! Alex, you really know how to pick 'em!

Javier is furious that his big chance to work is nearly snatched away before he even started. He promises to avoid Alex and her drama, but her punishment is to help on kitchen duty, putting these misfits together three times a day for seven days. Though Javier ignores the rants of the tiny hellion, he doesn't stop listening to her. And, he grudgingly accepts her apologies.

Add to this mix the larger scheme of kids away at camp and jealousies raging. Vijay ends up in trouble--of his own making, but it embroils Alex and Javier, too. Alex, for her part, wants to win Javier over. She's totally smitten with Javier and wishes he wasn't at such risk to leave camp--plus, she really wants to help him and his mom when she gets paroled at the end of the summer. She even speaks to her mom about it--as Mrs. Marcineau has a few charities she supports that aid single mothers, and find jobs for ex-cons.

In addition, Alex has been bitten by the acting bug and is an extra in a few scenes for a movie being filmed not far from camp. Her exuberance and performing ability are noticed by the assistant director who recommends a performing arts school--as opposed to the boarding school Alex's parents have all picked out. While trying to figure out how to re-wire their futures, Alex and Javier can't help falling a bit deeper for each other. What would be an ordinary teen moment gets captured on film and uploaded to the Wholesome Home blog, however, putting Javier's time at camp in serious jeopardy.

This book is really a good, fun, innocent read. The pace is perfect, with alternating POV of Alex and Javier telling the story. Their brief romance is natural and energizing--they both know they should stay away, but the attraction is fierce. Not an insta-love connection, they learn about each other and really connect on a deeper level--both Alex and Javier have felt unworthy of love a long time, for different reasons. I really appreciated the way Alex's mother was written--she's a confident woman willing to own up to her parenting mistakes and make amends. It's a good example for Alex, who has many amends of her own to attend. I loved the end. Really. It's how I hoped it would all turn out and I was NOT disappointed in the least. I liked this one better than CAMP BOYFRIEND, mainly because the story was so centered and there were far less clique-politics, for reasons that were explained in the first book.

[Richa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted at City of Books

I was really excited to get into Camp Payback after reading and loving Camp Christmas, the novella which was released last December. And I'm glad to say I loved this one too! Camp Payback is a fun and light read, full of romance, humour and lots of camp drama.

All her life, Alex has been the 'problem child', the one her parents complain about on their risen-to-fame blog, Wholesome Home. When Alex gets into trouble for the umpteenth time, her parents decide to send her to an all-girls boarding school after a final summer at Camp Juniper Point. So Alex decides to make this summer the best she can, beginning with getting revenge on the guy who got her into trouble in the first place. But her plans are somewhat changed when she encounters Javier, a new guy helping out at camp. She didn't expect to involve him in her plans this summer, but she can't help being intrigued by him. And he by her, no matter how much trouble they'd be in if anyone found out.

I loved Alex in Camp Boyfriend, and even more in this one - She seems like the girl at this camp I can most relate to. I really empathized with her throughout, especially on account of her parents blogging about her every mistake and making their blog famous because of her. What most people don't see is that Alex is tough, smart, passionate, and she can be really sweet too. Luckily, she finds someone who sees all of that in her, and more.

Who wouldn't adore Javier the minute we're introduced to him? He's gorgeous, kind of broody, and he's an incredible cook. You don't see too many teenage guys who can cook, and this guy is fantastic. Javier has a job at camp, and he's taking it seriously so that he can leave foster care and live with his mom when she's out of prison. Javier doesn't want anything to jeopardize that, but then Alex pops into his life without warning. It was sweet seeing how drawn they are to each other and yet try to stay back. Alex and Javier have some pretty amazing chemistry, and I could totally see the sparks flying when they were together. You can't help but root hard for these two.

But everything's not all fun and games in this. Alex's ex-boyfriend, Vijay, isn't backing down. He harasses Alex and Javier throughout, and causes some major trouble. It was weird seeing him like this, because from what I remember in Camp Boyfriend, he was an easy-going guy with a great sense of humour. We do find out more about his sudden change, though. I won't say any more about that.

This time around, I quite enjoyed the camp drama. It's fun, and there's some bitchiness going around but of course everything works out in the end so it's all good. I loved reading about the other girls in Munchies Manor, because each of them is unique in her own way, though all of them have hearts of gold.

Though this book is definitely on the shorter side, I really enjoyed reading it. Camp Payback is cute and romantic, and I loved it way more than I did Camp Boyfriend. So of course I'm really looking forward to the next one!

*Thank you to Spencer Hill Press for providing me with an eARC for review*

[nick (the infinite limits of love) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Camp Payback was a light, adorable read perfect to read on a warm sunny day at the beach. I really enjoyed Camp Boyfriend last year and was delighted to find out from the authors were continuing the series with each book featuring a secondary character from the previous book.

Alex has had it rough throughout her childhood with her parents being famous for talking about how to raise a rebellious child on a blog. She's feels isolated from her parents and doesn't feel as loved as she should have been. Plus, she hasn't had much freedom either, so she's looking forward to returning to Camp Juniper Point. I really liked Alex as a main character and I felt for her. I like how she didn't dwell over her parents' behavior but instead decided to find solutions to her problems herself. Alex was a girl who constantly made mistakes, but she also learned from her mistakes, growing in the process. Javier, Alex's love interest, was also a sweet and hard-working guy. I loved how much he was doing to support himself despite his mother being in jail. The world definitely needs more boys like Javier who do not allow their childhood to define them. Camp Payback also has a colorful cast of secondary characters, and while they aren't necessarily developed as much as the main characters are, their presence did add to my enjoyment of the book.

One of my favorite parts of this series is the camp setting. I've never been to a camp when I was younger (because I'm a danger in nature), so in a way I'm living vicariously through the characters. I loved how the authors went into detailing the different camp activities and the description of the life in camp got me pretty pumped as well. The romance in Camp Payback had a bit of a forbidden love story vibe because Javier is working at the camp while Alex is actually a camp member, but it was full of sweet and swoon-worthy moments. Alex and Javier together were adorable and I loved how they progressed from friendship first and they maintained their friendship throughout the story despite getting romantically involved. There were a few topics, especially when it came to the parents, that I wished were more fleshed out, but that didn't prevent me from enjoying the book.

All in all, Camp Payback was a fun read for me and I can't wait to see what Joanne and Karen come up with next in this cute little series.

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Spencer Hill Press and Netgalley.)
17-year-old Alex is out for revenge after her ex-boyfriend sent her a text message that her parent’s deemed inappropriate, which got her enrolled at an all-girls boarding school.
Javier is a kid whose mother is in prison, and he needs to be extra good if he’s to be allowed to live with her when she’s released.
How much trouble can Alex and Javier get into though, when they know they’re not allowed to be together?


This was an okay story, but it did have issues.

Alex was an okay character, and I got why she was so annoyed by her parents and the way they treated her, and it seemed pretty unfair the way they never listened to what she wanted.
Javier was also an okay character, although his chat up lines needed some serious work; telling a girl that she reminds you of your mother (who to top it off is in prison) is not much of a compliment.
I have to say that I am still miffed that the rest of this series is not about Lauren though. I really didn’t like how her story ended, but it seems like that really was the end unfortunately.

The storyline in this was okay, but it was a bit cliché still. I wasn’t impressed how one moment Javier was all about his mother, and in the next completely forgot about her just to kiss a girl, and I wasn’t impressed about the way he’d kiss her, then push her away again – talk about mixed signals.
The romance was the main storyline I suppose, with the added storyline of Alex’s parent’s imminent TV show. I didn’t really find the TV show stuff all that interesting though, as it just seemed a little unlikely. For me the story dragged in places as well. The kisses between Alex and Javier were alright, and probably the best part of the book for me, but the rest of the story didn’t really keep me interested.
The ending was okay, but everything turned out just a little too perfect for me. I also didn’t really get why Alex would want to start a blog and follow in her parent’s footsteps, when she had hated it so much all her life!
Overall; an okay story, but not a favourite.
6.25 out of 10.

[Kelly Hager · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything about this story. I love the concept behind it---it's been alluded to in the earlier books, but Alex's parents are super religious and have a famous blog about parenting. Her brother is perfect and Alex is the problem child. (It seems like she's basically an average kid who gets into average amounts of trouble, but when you're being compared with an angel who never causes problems, of course you're going to look like Damien, right?)

So after an entire lifetime of being viewed as The Bad One, Alex is being sent to boarding school for something that's not even her fault. So she decides that since this is going to be her last summer of fun before being exiled, she's determined that this is going to be The Best Summer Ever, a summer so epic that it'll deserve the proper noun status I just gave it.

And then she meets Javier. Yes, he is initially expected to be an instrument of revenge, but it quickly develops into more than that. (But then the question becomes---with so much in between them, keeping them apart, can they ever be together?)

It seems a lot of the time that the problems between characters are easily overcome and just manufactured so that the couple can have a great deal of tension before ultimately being able to be together. In this case, that's not true. There are a lot of reasons that Alex-and-Javier as a couple cannot work...except somehow, they DO work. And watching them figure out how to be together anyway is an incredibly sweet and satisfying experience.

This is my favorite of the series so far, but I'm very sad because the next book is the last (AND THEN WHAT DO I DO?)

Highly recommended.

[Princess Bookie · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed the first book in this series, and the novella before this one but I had a hard time with Camp Payback.

We are introduced to Alex who lives in the fame of her parents. Her brother is pretty perfect and her mom and dad are the parents who have the perfect family, or are supposed too. Alex doesn’t believe she’s that bad but the tabloids make her out to be the problem child.

Alex is back at summer camp and she vows to stay out of trouble. But, her jerky ex boyfriend is at this summer camp and she also meets a new boy named Javier. Javier has his own set of problems and is trying to stay as far away from trouble as possible.

Alex and Javier get knotted up together pretty fast and things aren't great. Alex really likes him but her ex tends to make trouble and she’s always in the fallout.

I loved seeing Javier cook and I’m glad Alex realizes what is important. However, I just didn’t connect to this one as much as I hoped. I didn’t really connect to the characters very well.

I liked it enough but I hope I like the next one a bit better. I think Alex just seemed really young I guess.

I still love the summer camp angle.

Overall: It was just okay for me. I liked it enough to finish reading but I hope I will enjoy the next one as much as I did the first.

Cover: Cute! Love how they are laying there and we see it from behind. Cuteness!

What I’d Give It: 3/5 Cupcakes
________________
Taken From Princess Bookie
www.princessbookie.com

[Katarina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally different from the first book.
I was expecting more from Lauren, but this shifts gears to Alex. With this shift in main character we get a whole new view and a whole different story.
It's just as engaging as the first book and readers will not be disappointed.

[Vanya D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is definitely growth in these two ladies' writing. Camp Payback has a greater quality of style and plot development than Camp Boyfriend.

Full review will follow.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Review posted here.

I wasn't sure what to expect the first time I picked up Camp Boyfriend, and it left me feeling really good when it turned out to be a great book. Then "Camp Christmas" blew my mind how much I loved it. So...at this point, my expectations are pretty high with the books in this series. I've been waiting for Payback for months, and while I still enjoyed this fun, campy tale about summer camp, I wasn't as wowed by it.

I think the biggest reason why Payback didn't resonate with me as much as Boyfriend is that I identify much more with Lauren over Alex. There are just so many details, big and small, that had me understanding Lauren's experiences, while with Alex, my first impression of her was...let's say not very positive because I was a huge un-fan of her disloyalty to Lauren during Boyfriend. I know Lauren's story is resolved in Boyfriend, and her absence is explained, but I still missed her. Getting to live Alex's life in Payback...well, I definitely sympathize with her plight because, seriously, her parents are the worst, but I just couldn't empathize with her. I'm also less happy about her revenge plan because she basically uses Javier to try to make Vijay and her parents angry. I can't think of that idiom right now that I need to describe the situation, but it's like, things are already bad in Alex's opinion so she might as well make them as bad as possible.

Even though I don't identify with Alex very closely, she does display some serious gumption as well as some other amazing traits that I think are pretty wonderful. What characteristics I really DO respect Alex for are: A) her passion. She gets really excited about things, and she lets it take her over. When that happens, she makes magic happen, like with the movie and the play. B) her self-respect/confidence. Lauren was seriously lacking in confidence so it's nice to have a heroine who respects herself. Alex doesn't take crap from people, even from her friends and her family. She knows who she is, and she honors that. C) her ability to change. Part of the problem with being so confident is that it can morph into selfishness and self-centeredness, which Alex does. I don't want to give it all away, but Alex gets some not-so-great presents from her camp secret Santa. I agree with Alex that her Santa was being a jerk, but I also agree with the overall message her Santa was giving her: that she needs to focus outside of herself sometimes. Alex has some pretty amazing mature moments, and it's so great to read those. It was nice to see facets of Alex's personality that rounded her out from the flat boy-crazy girl she'd been in Boyfriend, and witness her becoming even more dynamic as she learned and grew.

Like with Alex, I'm not very connected to Javier as a character, but I do like him. He's a really nice guy, but he's not perfect, which is good because, hello, teenage boy. As cute as they are, none of them are perfect. Javier loves his mom. He's a hard worker. He's passionate about cooking nd GOOD at it. He stands up for what's right and can admit when he's wrong. However, he's also impulsive and more than a little proud. He's defensive and way too guarded. Overall, I think Javier is a good guy for Alex because he's a lot more grounded than she is, and he's pretty responsible. Together, they have a good balance.

As for the rest of our cast of characters, um, Vijay. He's nuts. I can't even figure out how I feel about his role in the book because I am just flabbergasted. I just want to call CPS and get the kid some help because apparently his parents (or at least his dad) are part of the problem, not the solution. Just...dang. I can't even. Still, I can't help but be a little bit satisfied that at one point (or maybe even a couple), he gets what's coming to him because, srsly, sexually harrassing your ex-girlfriend because she didn't have sex with you is NOT OKAY. So YAY for Joanne and Karen for hitting on this very important message, and for having OTHER MALE CHARACTERS REINFORCE IT! Please read my "Camp Christmas" review for all my thoughts on why Julian is awesome, but the fact that he's not okay with Vijay's utter douchey-ness just made me love him even more.

I admit I am very excited to read Camp Forget-Me-Not because we'll be crossing cabin lines and entering the Divas Den for real, not temporarily like in Boyfriend. I am excited about this because I think Kayla is really cool, but also, I'm kind of over the Munchie Manor girls. They really disappointed me in Boyfriend, but I willingly gave them another chance when they seemed to realize the error of their ways. However, after Camp Payback, I'm starting to realize they're just not very good friends. They spent much of Boyfriend being upset with Lauren and her superficial changes like her hair and braces and contacts and her new interest in dancing and her new boyfriend, all of which aren't really their business, nor should they be that important. Now in Payback, they spend the whole time throwing Alex under the bus, like not saving her bunk and not wanting to help in her play because they want to help Trinity flirt with Seth or some such nonsense (aside: I reallyreallyreallyreallyreally hope Seth's novella is not about him hooking up with Trinity. I'm sorry. I know it's been written, but I just keep hoping it won't happen. It's probably going to happen. Blarg). HELLO CAN YOU BE A LITTLE LESS JUDGMENTAL OF YOUR FRIENDS AND MORE SUPPORTIVE KPLZTHX. Just... UGH. There is nothing I dispise more in this world than disloyalty when it comes to friends. And the way they defer to the new girl, as if she's their leader. Um, how about no.

Thank goodness for the magic from the play, which I thought was just the right amount of silly for this book, which would have been a touch too serious without it. I think the play gave Alex the biggest opportunity to mature and experience something new, while simultaneously providing a catalyst to repair some of the friendship damage and emotional fallout that resulted from the more dramatic parts of the book. Much like the Earth Dance from Boyfriend, the play served as an opportunity for everyone to step over the invisible lines they created and maintaint by being so loyal to their cabin identities. This is definitely one part of the book I'd love to talk about in depth, but it's also one that I think is best left witnessed firsthand by reading.

I don't want you guys walking away from this review not wanting to read this book or, God forbid, not wanting to read the series because I really do enjoy it. There are so many lines and scenes that had me rolling on the floor because Joanne and Karen always inject shots of comic gold into their writing. Also, Alex and Javier's interactions are pretty wonderful. While Lauren grew up knowing Seth and had been with Matt for eight-ish months, we see the entirety of Alex and Javier's relationship, soup to nuts, breakfast burritos to Javier's delicious sounding chocolate-cinnamon pastries. Speaking of food, this book made me continually hungry, which is bound to happen when one character loves to cook. Hazard of the trade, I suppose. But back to Alex and Javier's relationship, I loved watching it progress and regress and progress again. While their individual circumstances are somewhat unusual and certainly extenuating, they're normal teens, and they act like it. They aren't perfect, and that makes their relationship entertaining to watch as well as fairly realistic in that regard. It's fun, it's flirty, it's occasionally downright sexy. There's laughter and tears and a dash or two of heartache, and what the Rock women actually cooked up was a fun summer read. I really do love this series, and I hope you will also give it a chance.

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to thank Spencer Hill Press for providing me with a copy of this book to read and give an honest review. I loved Camp Boyfriend, Camp Kiss, and Camp Christmas, so I was really excited to read this! Receiving this book for free has in no way influenced my opinion or review.

Blurb from Goodreads:
Alex has big plans for camp this year, starting with making it the best summer ever. Having fun and breaking some rules will get her the payback she wants against her parents and her ex-boyfriend. Because of his disgusting texts, she's headed to a super strict all-girls school in the fall. Then she meets Javier and revenge doesn't seem nearly as important as getting to know the troubled loner determined to keep a low profile at camp. But Alex's trouble-magnet personality and Javier's need to stay in the background don't mix nearly as well as their irresistible chemistry. With her home life eroding under her feet and her last year of summer camp speeding to a close, Alex wants to make her mark on the world and squeeze every bit of fun out of her time with Javier. Too bad her old plans for revenge turn back on her just in time to ruin everything. Will she lose Javier too?

As with the first book, I love this cover. The covers of these books really portray the feeling of being away at summer camp. They are sweet and light and pretty. The cover certainly got me in the mood for the read!

Alex is looking for revenge. Her perfect family always makes her the scapegoat for all the bad things a teen can do. She's looking to go to camp and have the best summer of her life no matter what. She is full of attitude and anger. I have to say that Alex actually annoyed me, a lot. I wanted to reach through the page and smack her in the head. I just couldn't wrap my mind around her needing revenge so bad. I mean, I got that she was angry with her family, but she wanted to involve everyone else in her anger and it just got to me. I could not come to like her. I just felt no connection. Even once she resolved her issues, I could not feel any empathy for her at all.

Javier, on the other hand, was easier to like. He was a sweet and loyal guy, especially to his mother. He came across warm and completely honest, there was nothing he seemed to really be hiding (even though it took him a bit to tell Alex about his mom). I didn't find him as swoon worthy as the boys from the other books, but I don't think it really mattered. What mattered was his personality and how he was determined to pull his way out of a bad situation. He did, however, give mixed signals, which bothered me. I understood it was to show how torn he was between needing what he needed and staying true to his mother

We saw some old characters: Julian, Emily, Bam Bam, and a few others. It was nice to watch them be in the background. It brought a familiarity to the story and that made me happy.

I have to say that I had a really hard time getting into this book, which made me sad. It wasn't that the story was terrible, because it's believable enough. I just had no empathy for Alex and that caused me to read it much more slowly than I anticipated (especially since I flew through the other stories written by these authors). The dual POV definitely helped to break things up. And I enjoyed Javier's parts much more than Alex's. I looked forward to his chapters.

I felt like the pacing was off with this book. Some parts would go quickly, others would drag. There was a lot of the same situation happening again and again. I know it was for the learning experience and to help the characters, specifically Alex, to develop and understand why they needed to change, but I didn't see the need for it.

My biggest issue this book was the unrealistic things that happened. First, Javier and Alex go off campus so he can cook for a movie set. It's just not believable. I went to camp for many years and we would never have been allowed off campus, unless it was a field trip for my group or something of that sort. Same with Javier's trip with Bam Bam. Camp is about the experience of being with a group. Honestly, there's not much individuality happening because it's about your friends and what you do together. Yet Bam Bam is allowed to take a camper camping alone for the weekend? It just made no sense to me.

The romance, which was a main part of the book, was ok. It was sweet at times, and other times annoying because of how wishy washy Javier could be. Oh and the fact that Alex seemed like she was using him rather than really falling for him. I would have liked to see a bit more depth to their relationship. But, I am a hopeless romantic, so I was happy with how things ended. It was nicely rounded.

I loved Emily. I think she is one of my favorite characters in this book. She makes so much of the campers time. And I understood how the bunkmates were trying to help Alex realize her faults, but it just didn't feel real. It felt forced.

I was excited to see that we got a glimpse of Seth in this book, albeit not as much as I would have liked. I missed Lauren and Matt, though.

I really like how JK Rock writes. The words flow easily with nothing complicated and overly done. I like that they keep it simple.

Overall this story was enjoyable for me. I do wish it had been more gripping after the first few chapters. I think those who liked the other JK Rock books will really enjoy this book.

**DISCLAIMER*** I am a publicist for Spencer Hill Press but I am not involved with this book in any way.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Find this review and more at kimberlyfaye reads .

Alex is a girl who has lived her entire life in the spotlight. Her parents run a blog titled Wholesome Home and she's often featured on the blog as the problem child, complete with tips on how to keep your child from being like her. After a text from her ex-camp boyfriend gets her in serious trouble with her conservative family, her parents decide to send her to an all girls school. She has one summer left at camp and she plans to make the most of it – and hopefully get a little revenge on the guy who put her in this predicament in the first place. If she finds another boy to have a fun and flirty summer with, well, that's just a bonus.

Javier is a boy who has had a tough life. His mom is close to being released from jail. He's been in and out of trouble and his mom's old prison friend Helena has given him one last chance to stay out of a foster home before his mom is released. If he can spend the summer at Camp Juniper Point, do the job he was hired to do, and stay out of trouble, he'll be golden. The first day he's at camp, Alex throws herself at him in a fit of panic over her ex Vijay and he can't get her or her kiss out of his mind, no matter how hard he tries, no matter how much it's against the rules for him to have a relationship with a camper.

As different as Alex and Javier may appear on the outside, they're more alike than you would think. They've both been pigeon-holed by others as a "problem child." Javier realizes if he gets involved with her and her parents find out, he'll be portrayed as a miscreant on the blog and that definitely won't help his cause any. Both feel more than a little abandoned and not entirely in control of their lives and they bond easily because of their feelings.

I loved Alex and Javier together. She brought him out of his shell and he helped center her. What they had developed pretty quickly, but it still felt real. I loved their banter and it was apparent how much they liked each other. Too apparent, probably, because others started taking notice too. They're playing with fire, continuing their flirtation and despite resolving to stay away from each other, they just can't seem to follow through. Their attraction to each other is strong and they're working towards something real. It's worth the risk and surely they can keep it quiet until camp is over. Right?

There's a healthy amount of drama in this book, but it was never too much or too angsty. It's been awhile since I've been a teen, but I think this was actually a pretty realistic portrayal of the things teens go through. From friends (or frienemies, perhaps) with bad behavior to boys with a wicked jealous streak and the tendency to be a little crude and douchey, to girls who are real, supportive friends, you'll find it all here. And if you're like me, you'll love every minute and want more when it's all over.

Alex was a little tough to deal with at times. She had a really strong personality and tended to be self-centered and more than a little immature at times. I can't truly say she was ever unlikable though. There was something about her that I connected with. She went through a great transformation during this book. With a little help from her Secret Camp Angel she matures and starts to listen to others and see how her actions affect them. By the end of the book, I can honestly say that I loved her. Her character development was spot on and much needed. And more than that, it felt believable. It wasn't like she had this one single "a ha!" moment and everything was perfect after. She truly worked hard to make herself over and be a better person.

Javier was absolutely adorable from the start. Despite his tough exterior, there was something vulnerable about him. In every one of his chapters, I could see how confused he was about everything. He wanted so badly to make this situation work, keep his head down and get through the summer and back with his mom, but he also had strong feelings for Alex. He's such a sweet and caring guy underneath. His concern for his mom and his future was endearing, as was the depth of his feelings for Alex and the honesty with which he spoke about them.

I just love this series. The first book made me wish I had gone to summer camp – or that I wasn't too old to go now – and this one just solidified that wish. In addition to all the fun and flirty romance, there was a great message about friendship and an even better one about family. One of my favorite things about this book was how Alex's relationship with her mother developed by the end. I wasn't expecting that.

Camp Payback was a great addition to the Camp Boyfriend series. It had a whole lot of humor and heart and left me with a big, happy, contented smile on my face. I can't wait for more of this series. J.K. Rock have something special on their hands here and I'm loving every minute.

I received a copy of this book from the author, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

[Beth Henning · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read Camp Boyfriend I didn’t really know Alex so I didn’t identify with her much, but within the first chapter of Camp Payback I was in tears for her. I, personally, was never the popular kid, I was always “troublemaker” because I never felt heard and had a tendency to act, or speak, before thinking. Sounds like our heroine, right? I think this book will speak to all of those girls(and possibly guys) who are looked over and deemed as “difficult” because they don’t fit the cookie cutter mold because of how they act, or look, or think. Javier didn’t fit the mold because of his anger(which was really frustration in disguise) and Alex didn’t fit her father’s expectations. I was cringing right along with them.

Alex’s new found relationship with her mother was great. We would see where Alex got her strength from, and we were able to see that her mom wasn’t just a “Yes, dear.” kind of wife. The things she did for Javier and Alex were amazing.

Again, in the wonderful sequel, Rock channeled the world of the teenager, but in a sophisticated way. It wasn’t a book filled with “Like” and “Uh”. These characters were learning who they were as people and individuals while dealing with all the hormones! I wonder how we all survived adolescence! Each characters’ situation was unique and was genuine to what teens face these days. It may not be as intense as being embarrassed on national television or steroid use but it touched on situations that young people do face.

I love the conversation between Yasmine and Alex while they are sitting in the sand. Alex realizing, with Yasmine’s help, that going full force all the time may not be the best course. Teenagers just want to be heard and express their opinions and individuality, which is pretty important Alex considering her family life outside of camp, so without meaning to they can come off as pushy and impulsive, when in reality it’s just excitement. This relationship showed that even though we might always like what people have to say it is usually a good thing to have a person in our lives who won’t sugar coat things and who will kick us in the pants and allow us to think outside of the box, and that was Yasmine for Alex. At first Alex believed Yasmine was snobbish and just like her parents, but that wasn’t the case, Yasmine was trying to help, even if her approach was a bit harsh.

I had a lot of favorite parts in this book, but I really did like the end. And without giving too much away, because it’s so sweet, it really gave you a sense that they could make it and we could read about Javier and Alex as an adult couple in a future book. You could see the innocence and the hope, but you could see the love and chemistry between them. Incorporating a movie set and a version of a famous musical was a great twist as well.

The plot was solid and the characters were charming. Camp Payback definitely kept in time to be consistent with the rest of the series. It’s a labor of love for these two ladies and it shows.

This book was a pleasure to read. It was smart, funny, sassy, sincere, and truthful. I can’t wait for the next one!

[Samantha Daly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received from publisher in exchange for an honest review
Originally at The Secret Life of a Bookworm

I went into Camp Payback with extremely low expectations after Camp Boyfriend (which I didn't really enjoy) and surprisingly, I ended up enjoying it.

Camp Payback is a companion novel to Camp Boyfriend. It follows the same group of characters - minus the Camp Boyfriend main characters - at Camp Jupiter. Alex has big plans for this summer. She's determined to rebel against the Wholesome Family image that her family likes to put on and have a bit of fun for once, before she's shipped off to boarding school. Javier is on his last chance and is given a job in the kitchen at Camp Jupiter for the summer. He's determined to keep his head down and stay out of trouble, but then he meets Alex. Alex and Javier both have a lot to loose, but they can't seem to stay away from each other.

Alex was a breath of fresh air compared to Lauren. Alex actually had a bit of depth that made me feel a bit bad for her sometimes. She's forced into promoting a Wholesome Family image, but her parents make money off of writing about her failings as a perfect child. I felt so bad for Alex. She's basically not allowed to have any fun or a life because of her father. And because of him, she feels like she needs to rebel at camp this year - her last hurrah. Alex has a lot of passion, but it gets suppressed under her father's rule, so it was really nice to get to see her doing things she loved.

Javier is extremely misunderstood. He's been passed off from foster home to foster home because his mother is in jail for writing some bad checks. He does everything he can to try to see her, but it only gets him in trouble. He's on his last chance when his neighbour takes pity on him and gets him a job. Javier is such a sweet and caring guy. He was honestly do anything for his mother and he's working so hard to keep his head down and not get into trouble. He's got a bit of a temper, but it's mainly because he hasn't been taught how to deal with it - which Bam-Bam sets out to fix.

Alex had a lot of learning to do a camp this year. She had to learn to open her eyes and ears, see everyone else around her and listen to them for once. Vijay is basically harassing Alex this year (after they were all over each other in the previous book) and I just couldn't work out what his deal was. He seems to truly hate Alex and he was determined to make her miserable. Unlike in the previous book, Alex's friends didn't go in a huff with her - like the did with Lauren. It was nice to actually see them acting like friends instead of 5 year olds.

The ending was a very perfect, tied with a bow ending. Honestly, I expected it because of the way the book was going, but I could have done with a realistic ending.

Overall, Camp Payback was an improvement on Camp Boyfriend with characters I actually cared about who had some depth and real problems. I kind of want to read Camp Forget Me Not because I like Kayla (and her story sounds interesting), but I won't be buying it any time soon.

[Kayleigh {K-Books} · Rating 4 out of 5]

Camp Payback Review on K-Books

After reading and devouring the first book in this series Camp Boyfriend I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. I loved the first book and JK Rock completely captured me with their amazing writing style and story-telling skills. I have to admit that I did not like Camp Payback quite as much as Camp Boyfriend. It didn't have the magic that I felt Camp Boyfriend did but it was still a fantastic follow-up to Camp Boyfriend.

Camp Payback follows Alex, Lauren's best friend, as she faces a year at Camp Juniper without her best friend. After having broken up with her former camp-love she wants to get him back for all the trouble he has caused her with her family. Enter Javier, the new, hot guy at camp he seems the perfect person to help her get her revenge. But as they get closer Alex's revenge is the last thing on her mind. She wants to get to know Javier and when sparks fly she knows that the story of her revenge could ruin everything.

I admit that even though I knew Lauren's story was over I missed her so much. I really thought we might get a glimpse of Lauren and Matt and when I realised that they weren't present in the book I was a little bit disappointed. It didn't take long for me to get completely caught up in Alex and Javier's story. I really enjoyed reading their story and they are amazing characters and Javier is most definitely my new book boyfriend. He is awesome.

My major issue with the book is that I still find the friends in the book so unlikable. They are so bitchy and unloyal and betray their friends even though they are claimed to be friends for years. It really frustrates me as I end up getting annoyed at the main character as I just don't understand why they would stay friends with someone like that. I most definitely don't understand the friendship when it's such a dysfunctional friendship that Alex could do so much better without.

Camp Payback was an amazing romantic story that any hopeless romantic will love and devour. It's a super fun, drama-filled love story that will have you laughing one minute and then dying for things to work out the next. I loved it and although I very much missed Seth I still ended up loving this one too.

The Camp Boyfriend series is a great YA Contemporary series that is a must-read for every fan of YA Contemporary novels. I really love the setting especially since we don't really do summer camp in the UK so it's a totally new thing for me. Although Camp Payback didn't have the same magic that I felt the first one it is still a very good book that I really enjoyed. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series and hoping that I will finally understand why this group of friends are actually friends in the next book.

[Valeria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Camp Juniper Point is starting to sound to me like the best place in the planet. I kind of want to sign up as a counsellor now (because I no longer have the age to be a camper).

Again, we find yet another of the Munchies Manor girls struggling to find her true self, and what was supposed to be a payback summer for all the unfair things life had thrown her way, turned out to be a pay back summer. I loved how that pun worked out for the plot.

I simply am enthralled by J.K.’s stories because of the honesty of the plot, characters and the problems they are afflicted with. They deal with such common, yet relevant, issues in a lighthearted way, managing to sprout a bit of emotion as well. Seriously, their endings always get to me. The plot is deep, complex and so well weaved it worked out as yet another great addition to an even greater series.

The only thing that bummed me a bit was that I was expecting to see more of Hannah and Julian; I really loved them as a couple and felt like I didn’t get enough.

I loved Alex! She is my favourite girl camper so far, and I’m so glad we got to meet her and learn about her story. What I loved the most about her is that she is feisty and won’t let anyone stomp over her. She always speaks her mind, whether it’s in a good or bad way, and I liked that she had no filter, and was always stumbling upon her words, having to deal with the consequences rather than thinking things over in the first place.

I could definitely understand the pressure she felt because of all the expectations her parents and the world put on her, and the feeling that you are doing everything you can and it not being enough. I loved her uncontrolled personality and how she learnt to deal with it.

I loved how, even if from different worlds, she managed to make a deep connection with foster system and local bad boy Javier. How they really understood each other; and I loved how Javier wasn’t bad at all, but misunderstood. I thought her and Javier were a perfect match, and they worked so well together.

It was so cool watching Alex and Javier grow so much, and how their development processes were parallel to each other and closely intertwined. But my favourite part was that Alex’s realizations not only helped her with her peers, but to rekindle her relationship with her mum.

I praise the authors for choosing yet again to have dual points of view. It turned out for the best because it allowed us a chance to witness how Alex and Javier’s story were so closely linked.

This book absolutely fulfilled the highest expectations I had for the sequel of this excellent series which has taken over a place in my heart. This series has enormous inspirational potential, and even if I’m not a teen anymore, it always gets to me in profound manner.

*Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, but my opinion was not biased in any way by this fact.

[Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Camp Boyfriend and as soon as I started Camp Payback I was so happy to be back to Camp Juniper Point. Having never been to camp myself and being a big fan of nature, the setting is an insta-win for me. Camp payback is different from Camp Boyfriend, but I loved it just as much.

Camp Payback has a different main character from camp Boyfriend. This time Alex is the amin character together with the love interest Javier. I thought it was awesome this book was told from both their point of views as it really added something to the story. What I loved most about Camp Payback might be the last few chapters, I love that moment where everythign comes together, people grow and change and become stronger. I don't want to spoil anything, but those last few chapters where so good and I love the message this book gives their readers.

Alex probably wouldn't be the type of girl I would become friends with in real life, with her strong personality and tendency to get into trouble, but it was so much fun to read about her. She did make mistakes, but when at the end she grows and learned from them, that was such a powerfull scene. I also liked Javier, although I thought he was a bit too strict for himself sometimes, but then again I know how stubborn I could be at that age, so I kinda understood him as well. I just wish he let himself have some fun sometimes and not always focus on the things he ahd to do. I guess his past also was part of the reaosn why he was like that and I felt a bit sad for him, he has so much strenght and determination and he just got some bad luck trown his way. I realy liked that he loved to cook and it really added a nice flavor to his character

I also liked getting to see some of the same characters from the earlier books, Alex still had most of the same bunkmates as Lauren did in the first book. And I especially liked seeing the glimpses of Julian and Hannah after reading Camp Christmas. I didn't like Yasmine at first, but I did end up liking her later in the book when some events happened that made me see her behavior in a different light.

One thing that bother me a bit was the reason why Javier got to Camp, it just seemed a bit weird he could skip the Foster system for a few weeks Camp. Another small issue was the movie set scene, it just seemed a bit off how they could so easily get jobs as extra's. I don't know anythign about movies, but it seemed a bit too easy. But those minor things didn't distract from the plot and I really loved this book!

To conclude: I loved being back at Camp Juniper Point in Camp Payback. This book has a new main character and it's told form both Alex and Javier their point of view. I really liked the double point of view. Just like the first book this one has a great story, lots of character growth and a great message. I can't wait for the next book in this series!

[Francine Soleil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted here: http://alwayslostinbooks.wordpress.co...

I love contemporary series books where I get to see the stories of the other characters as well, and I think that I would definitely be following the Camp Boyfriend series. I love how the authors give each of the characters a chance, whether they be the good girls or the mean girls. I’m definitely excited to read Camp Forget-Me-Not, the first full novel on a mean girl. But apart from all the fun and romance, the Camp Boyfriend series also looks into much deeper themes and calls into question societal behavior that inadvertently harms others.

Out of all the Camp Boyfriend series books, I think that Camp Payback has the most complicated story. There were so many reasons why Alex and Javier couldn’t freely be a couple. Camp Juniper Point’s strict rules on male and female segregation was the least of their worries (or for most teen campers anyway since no one really cares about the rules unless the adults catches them). Alex was like a celebrity in her own way, but not the kind that she dreamed of becoming. Her parents are famous for Wholesome Home, a blog where Alex stars as the rebel child of the “wholesome” family despite her true nature. And Javier definitely could not be part of that world. Not only would Alex’s parents disapprove of him, but his whole life is already complicated as it is.

I feel like all these two people needed were to be given a chance to let themselves shine. People had already pegged them to be the troubled young ones that they aren’t. I think that’s why it was easy for Alex and Javier to understand each other. They might not be undergoing the same thing, but they definitely know what it’s like when people see them for who they are. They were very talented individuals. They are far from perfect though, and it was really nice to see them grow throughout the story. I also loved that this book has an epilogue. It’s not too far into the future, but it does show where they went and I loved how it ended. Oh, and it also hinted on the story for the third book.

**************************************************

OVERALL, Camp Payback deals with a little more drama but still maintains that fun and romantic environment that I love seeing in fluffy reads. Alex and Javier are a funny and adorable couple that also showed a lot of depth in their personalities. There are a lot of conflicts in this book, but there are also a lot of happy moments. This is my fourth taste of the Camp Boyfriend series and I see myself reading whatever companion novels the authors may produce. I love their writing and sense of humor. I love how they bring characters together. And I love how they give a lot of food for thought. I recommend reading Camp Payback, as well as all the other books in the series.

[Jess Lashway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blurb: Alex has big plans for camp this year, starting with making it the best summer ever. Having fun and breaking some rules will get her the payback she wants against her parents and her ex-boyfriend. Because of his disgusting texts, she's headed to a super strict all-girls school in the fall.

Then she meets Javier and revenge doesn't seem nearly as important as getting to know the troubled loner determined to keep a low profile at camp. But Alex's trouble-magnet personality and Javier's need to stay in the background don't mix nearly as well as their irresistible chemistry.

With her home life eroding under her feet and her last year of summer camp speeding to a close, Alex wants to make her mark on the world and squeeze every bit of fun out of her time with Javier. Too bad her old plans for revenge turn back on her just in time to ruin everything. Will she lose Javier too?



My review: I finally got the chance to read this! Thanks to an awesome fellow rockstar named Susan!! Thanks again so much!

I really loved this book even more so than camp boyfriend!! It was such a great read!

It was very emotional, moving, and teaches you a lot of great life lessons!

As usual I can't help but try to compare my own life to books! I find myself comparing myself to the main character Alex. I find myself like her always finding my way Into some type of trouble Somehow trying to solve problems and not so put together as id like to be and finding love like Alex. I also love acting like Alex and have learns some lessons from this book!

Camp payback really goes on to show you that mistakes are in fact how you grow. To listen to everyone around you, to see, find and love yourself, to be the better person etc

All of the characters were wonderful and with every page turn you will wonder what is going to happen next this is a book that you won't want to put down that you will be comparing yourself to others and smiling at the similarities.


Camp payback is one of the most moving books that I have ever read. You truly won't want to put it down.

I highly recommended this book to all of my friends, family and complete strangers!!

If you do read this I hope you will enjoy x

[Soma Rostam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved getting back into the lives of these characters in a companion novel to the amazing and sweet Camp Boyfriend (my review here).
Alexandra is tired of listening to her parents and trying and trying (but failing) to be the wholesome kid that they want. So, she is thrilled to be going back to her friends this summer at Camp Juniper Point. But what she doesn't expect is the new chief's assistant; the troubled, hot-as-sin boy, Javier. And she definitely doesn't expect sparks to fly between them after a surprise encounter.
Okay, so I was quite surprised to know that the second book would be about Alex, Lauren's best friend. But it was probable from the beginning since we don't get much of a background about Alex in the first book. There is the whole idea that her parents are bloggers and that really made love the story even more. Her parents are the strict kinds and they blog about everything rebellious that their daughter does and every good thing that her perfect older brother does.
When this story starts, all Alex wants is revenge on her ex-boyfriend and a chance to rebel without her parents' continuous hold on her life. You end up not liking her at first. She is a lot different from the quite attitude of Lauren. Alex is talkative, big-mouthed, but open-hearted and sincere. You end up loving her as the story progresses and she definitely goes through a lot of changes over the course of the book.
I love that J.K.Rock's books are not just about one fixed story-line, but they revolve around a lot of issues. There is the issue of divorced parents, sex, revenge, and the ignorance of privacy. The authors never fails to entertain me with her valuable lessons learned throughout their books. And it is quite surprising to know that they are two authors collaborating on this book. J. and K. (Rock is the family name). I am always a fan of authors writing together, and it seems that I have been reading a lot of collaborated works lately, but J. K. Rock's work is seamless.
I loved the ending and how everything turned out. not to many loose ends and not everything resolved out. I wouldn't want to change a thing, and I am definitely waiting to see if the authors are writing another companion novel, because i am definitely reading it.

[Olivia (Bookcomet) · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books totally make my Summer.

Actually, that's not true, since it's not Summer for me. But it apparently makes me feel like it's Summer.

Past Me who finished Camp Boyfriend probably would scoff at Present Me if I was to tell her that I would enjoy Camp Payback more. But whether she believes it or not, I defintiely enjoyed Camp Payback more. Why, you ask?

Because with Alex as a main character came her amazing story. I have always had this strange addiction to reading about reality TV shows and famous people. It's quite strange really, since I'm not really into that stuff in real life, but I am totally addicted to book versions. The story definitely didn't let me down. In fact I love how much it was incorporated into the story, pretty much the perfect amount.

But it isn't all about Alex's story. We have to talk about her as well. I actually liked her better than Lauren of Camp Boyfriend, which really surprised me because I wasn't Alex's number 1# fan in the first book. I probably am now though. She had this great, fun personality that really made the book. Of course we can't talk about Alex without talking about Javier. Come to think of it, I will not be talking about Javier because I don't know if I'd ever stop.

I'm actually a little concerned about how much I remember about these characters. It sounds like a good thing but this is totally out of character for me. I have this tendency to forget everything between books. I adore the little "Voted most likely to..." sections at the begginnings of these books. They make me laugh.

My favourite character of all time in this series has got to be Emily. Her happiness is catching, even through electronic pages. She's just really quirky and fun.

My only issue was that I thought it was a little predictable. Sure, I didn't predict a certain incident to do with Vijay towards the end but I pretty much predicted everything else. It's not a major criticsm, however.

If you're looking for a really fun, cute, Summer read, then look no further. Even though you don't have to read these books in order, I probably would recommend it. I can definitely see this being a good book to take on your own Summer camp. I can't wait for the third book!

4.5/5 comets!

[Aimee · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, today I'm reviewing these two books- Camp Boyfriend and Camp Payback. I'm doing them together because they are part of a series and I picked them both up on NetGalley (love NetGalley!) at the same time. My thanks to Spencer Hill Press for allowing me to read and review these titles for them.

I've never been to summer camp, let alone a summer camp that goes practically all summer long, so there were a lot of things in this book that I didn't necessarily relate to. Having said that, I don't think summer camp experiences are a prerequisite to enjoying these books. :)

The main characters in these books are young- 15, 16 years old. Most have been coming to this summer camp together since they were very young. There is quite a crew of characters but the authors did a good job of bringing them into the books so that I didn't feel overwhelmed with so many people to keep straight. Every character in the book has their own personality that shines through. They all felt like real people with real quirks and real (albeit young) problems. Very teenager.

Both books have the same setting and many of the same characters but the focus is on different main characters. The first book is about Lauren and her two boyfriends. In the second book, Lauren has moved on and we focus on Alex, who was also in the first book.

I originally wanted to read these books because I thought they were "clean" YA books. I'm not sure if I was just dreaming that up or if I actually read it somewhere, but I'm not sure I would classify these as "clean" reads. There is no actual sex in these books, but there is a lot of talk about sex. In both books. There is plenty of making out and steamy kissing. There is frequent profanity (using God and Jesus as exclamations) and swearing (more than just mild). There is alcohol and drug use mentioned. These aren't books I would hand off to my teenager, but I realize I am more conservative than most.

For me, it was the characters, not any definite scenes, that made these books fun. I enjoyed the journey of learning the characters take that made them better in the end.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pull up a log, grab a S'more (or a S'more cupcake) and let's get started!

I wasn't sure how I would feel returning to Camp Juniper Point knowing Matt and Seth wouldn't be there, but then Javier---


Wait.


What was I saying?

Oh right...cupcakes. ;)

Fast, fun and deliciously swoony, Camp Payback is a story about not letting your past define you and learning to see just how awesome you can truly be. But it's also about the consequences that come as a result of the choices we make.


Alex has spent her whole life cast in the role of the "The Troubled Child" on her parent's blog and thanks to a angry ex-boyfriend and a few unsavory texts he sends her, she's being shipped off to an all girls boarding school at the end of summer.

Not. Cool.

But instead of trying to make the most of what little freedom she does have left, Alex decides to use her time at Camp Juniper Point to get back at both her parents and Vijay.

She doesn't waste any time in implementing her plan, dragging an unsuspecting Javier along for the ride. The problem? Javier isn't at camp for the same reasons anyone else is. This is his one shot to prove himself and he can't afford to mess up. He certainly doesn't need some girl doing it for him, especially one whose stubborn, overly dramatic and more than a little pretty.


Alex and Javier are both strong characters who are well intentioned but often go about things the wrong way. Luckily for them, they're surrounded by people who love and care enough to help them figure out that, while we can't control what other people do, we can control the choices we make.

As with the other books in the Camp Boyfriend series, there is a strong focus on friendship and loyalty, even to characters who might not be so deserving of it, and the romance is light, sweet and full of feels!

I'm really excited to see whose story we get next!

[Aly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked Camp Boyfriend by JK Rock, so when I heard that there was going to be a sequel, I wanted it. Major grabby hands, indeed. Then I was lucky enough to score a copy. But, Camp Payback was one of those books that I had to struggle through. I'd put it down and pick back up, over and over again. Not that it was bad...

I guess I had two major complaints with Camp Payback. The first being that I found it hard to believe. It felt more like a daydream or one of those harlequin novels. You know what I mean? Like, something based in reality but improbable. Sometimes Alex and Javier would be talking and I'd roll my eyes. No. I don't believe that they would be so open with each other and say the things that they say, especially when they didn't know each other. Is it possible, yes, but I didn't believe in the way it unfolded. It felt forced, like it was unfolding just to push the plot.

I also didn't believe that in today's age that that many adults would be so concerned about keeping two teens away from each other. I would've believed Alex's parents, but the people at the camp too? Not so much. They go out of their way to try to keep Alex and Javier a part. Do they have jobs they need to be doing?

My other complaint was that I didn't feel like JK Rock bought anything new to the story. I don't mind that it's an unoriginal story, one of those stories that you pretty much know what's going to happen once you read the summary, but I wish there were something fresh being brought to the story. Something that makes it different. I guess Alex's passion for acting and Javier's passion for cooking, but I don't the believe everything that happens to Alex...

Despite my complaints, I did like the story overall. I love Javier's passion for cooking and his reluctance to join in. It's an aspect that I actually do find refreshing. I also like that you kind of get an update of some of the characters that you met in the first novel.

While I had issues with Camp Payback, I still think it's kind of delightful.

e-ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.

[Kazh · Rating 5 out of 5]

(View this review on My Library in the Making.)

I lowered my expectations for Camp Payback because Camp Boyfriend wasn't as amazing as I'd thought it would be, but that turned out to be absolutely unnecessary because, oh my lord, this book packed the feels and swoon that just entertained me for hours.

While its predecessor was also filled to the brim with drama, this sequel just got it perfectly. And it also helped that I loved the main characters individually and as a couple. Alex, the not-so-rebel whose family saw nothing but her mistakes, is actually a brave and straight-forward girl who only wants to live a real life, not be known as the troubled kid of the family behind the Wholesome Home blog. With all the criticisms she's had to face, it's been ingrained in her mind that she's useless and problematic, and I'd have gone crazy a long time ago if I were her.

Whereas her previous summers at camp were nothing but fun, this time Alex has to face a crazy ex who pushes her so hard on the first day that she just loses it and saunters to a complete stranger... and kisses him. Javier, the new kid at Camp Juniper Point who only wants to keep out of trouble, isn't too thrilled when one of the camp girls walks up and kisses him point blank, but he can't deny the attraction he feels for her, especially when she's like a walking sun to his dark life. I loved how their relationship got off a rocky start and then turned into friendship-slash-romance. A lot of people were against the two of them being together, but that only made me love them more.

A far cry from Camp Boyfriend, this book was so easy and so fun to read. The story was very romantic and full of swoon, what with Javier being a fantastic chef - and humming while he cooks! Camp Payback truly is the perfect summer read and until now I grin whenever I think of Alex and Javier.

MY FAVORITE PART was the ending. Sigh <3

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex's parents' are very strict and famous for their "wholesome family" blog. They dole out advice for how to have a happy home, and how to deal with problem children, like their daughter Alex. Alex wishes her family didn't have to be so perfect. She wishes that all of her mistakes weren't broadcast to a national internet audience. When her ex-boyfriend sends her dirty text messages, her parents decide that she will attend an all girl school. Alex plans her revenge: she's going to live her life to the fullest at camp this summer!

When Alex tries to show her jerk of an ex-boyfriend that she's over him, she doesn't think twice before grabbing the nearest guy and kissing him. Unfortunately, he works at camp and there is a no involvement with campers rule. Alex's actions nearly cost him his job. He determines to stay away from her, while she is determined to make him part of her fun summer plans.

Camp Payback is the sequel to Camp Boyfriend, yet they don't need to be read in order. They have characters in common, but Camp Payback is told from Alex and Javier's perspectives, so even the characters they have in common were a little different.

I was impressed how J.K. Rock could take Alex and her "problem child" personality and still make her likable. I felt more annoyed at her friends for not standing by her, than at Alex for her shenanigans. I liked the relationship between Alex and Javier. Both characters seemed to need each other in their lives: to have someone to listen to and support them. I also loved and hated their families in turn. Overall, Camp Payback was a fun teen romance that made me want to go to summer camp.

Content: a little swearing (about 10 swears), talk about sex, and kissing

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book through the publisher and NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

[Katey Lovell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alex is sort-of-famous. The troublesome teen daughter of two 'family lifestyle' bloggers, she can't wait to escape to her final summer camp. She's determined to make the most of it, live life to the full and break some of the rules. Her plan is to be outrageous and shock her wholesome parents and her conniving ex boyfriend-her wild summer will be payback.


But then she meets Javier. Her world turns upside down. Alex no longer wants to put herself first, and is almost shocked to find that she cares for someone other than herself. However, she still manages to cause chaos, even if it is unintentionally...


Camp Payback is a coming of age tale, sometimes a bit too pious, but overall an enjoyable tale of the experience of summer camp. As a Brit this is something I have never experience first hand (except 2 nights at Brownie camp when I was seven, where we slept in a church hall in fusty, festering sleeping bags) and I have always enjoyed books in this genre. It is the balance between freedom, the parent free existence, and the constraints imposed by other adults. Like books set in boarding schools, there is that limbo state where boundaries are constantly being pushed.


I didn't especially warm to Alex, which probably hampered my enjoyment of this book. However, I really liked Javier, he came across as warm and honest despite his difficult life. The romance between the two protagonists was sweet, but again my lack of empathy towards Alex didn't make me long for their happy ending.


I found the beginning of this book great, but as it progressed my interest faded. It wasn't badly written and I quite liked the plot, but Alex became more and more irritating to me as the story went on.


Overall, I am sure that the teen audience will enjoy this book- I also expect they would overlook some of Alex's character traits which I, as an adult, found annoying.