Swept Away: A Camp Lonely Pine Romance Novella

by Michelle Zeynep

She knew camp would be an adventure… she didn’t expect that adventure would be falling in love.

When Ruey agrees to chaperone a week-long canoe trip at her best friend’s summer camp, she thinks she knows what she’s in for. She certainly doesn’t expect Dominick, a fellow camp counselor who can’t seem to get off her back—and who she can’t seem to get out of her head. When an unexpected storm strands Ruey and Dominick alone on the river with only a single tent, they will have to work together to make it out alive—and they will be forced to sort out whatever tension is lingering between them.

191 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2024

Reviews

[mel ✧˚ · . · Rating 3 out of 5]

“But you don’t like me. Why would you want to… I don’t know, cuddle?” There are a few beats of silence before he answers. “Who told you I don’t like you?”

😭💗

[Mariah (Wondered Pages) · Rating 3 out of 5]

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Swept Away is a quick and heartwarming camp romance filled with canoe trips, wilderness mishaps, and forced proximity involving a single tent. The writing is light and accessible which makes the novella easy to finish in one sitting.

Ruey accepts a temporary position at her best friend’s summer camp after losing her corporate job. A week-long canoe trip places her beside Dominick. He is a confident counselor who seems determined to question every decision she makes. Their constant bickering follows them down the river until an approaching storm separates them from the rest of the group.

Dominick’s know-it-all attitude made the eventual romance difficult to believe. His behavior toward Ruey often felt rude rather than playfully competitive. Being stranded with limited supplies and an irritating coworker would not inspire romantic feelings in me, but apparently that is Ruey's cup of tea. The survival elements give the couple plenty of opportunities to work together. Their new relationship follows a familiar and predictable path.

Pick this up if you are seeking a fast summer romance with camp nostalgia, outdoor adventure, and enemies-to-lovers banter. Swept Away was a pleasant read with approachable writing and a cozy seasonal setting. This novella left me with no strong feelings, but I would read another book by Michelle Zeynep.

[Tatiana Putra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella is the perfect weekend getaway. The protagonist finds herself in a place she never thought she’d be again, and again, and again, but it’s exactly in those places - with the fresh air and nature- where she can let go of what she thinks she needs and figure out what she wants. The parent trap camp vibes meets love story. It made me nostalgic for camp days and summer lovin’

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s really easy to read and you will wish it wasn’t that short.

What did I like about it?

Honestly I liked Ruey not having her life together, cause it makes it real. Throughout the story she understands what she really wants and goes for it. But sometimes I wanted to grab her by the shoulders and shake her like (girl why can’t you see it??)

I liked Dominick’s personality and him being a golden retriever, shy sometimes, straight forward others. But definitely sweet.

The vibes, the writing style, I’m hoping maybe there’s a second book somewhere maybe about Marisol(just maybe?)

I made a book edit, so if you want to see it, go check it out on my instagram account @ouh_lalala!

[Ariel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a super cute romance novella with a camp setting, perfect for a plane ride or car trip because you could finish it in just a few hours. The main characters are adorable, and the setting makes me nostalgic for my teenage years at summer camp.

[J.M. Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella was very cute, and a great one-sitting binge. It was well-written with good pacing... but most importantly the MC was ADORABLE. Who doesn’t love a man with survival skills?! The setting had me second guessing my whole career path and wanting to run away to be a camp counselor in the woods. I liked that the FMC was still getting her life together, too. If you like contemporary sweet romances or are nostalgic for summer camp, pick this one up.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Caz (whatcazread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet romance novella set at Camp Lonely Pine.

The two main characters, Ruey and Dominick, are counsellors who take a group of teenagers paddling down a river, until a storm separates them from the children.

Swept Away is a well-written, one sitting, bingeable book with adventure, humour and relatable characters. I’m hoping there will be a second book that will focus on Ruey’s best friend Marisol.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet story! It's cute, clean and brought back many old summer camp memories. I enjoyed the humor and true to life characters. There was plenty of adventure and entertainment as our two main characters stumble into love and romance. Enjoyed this book and the ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[GOLE · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute novella telling the story of Ruey and Dominick, two young adults who find each other at a summer camp. I thought the story developed a little slowly. But I loved the cute ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an adorable novella!!! If you’re looking for a fast paced romance that takes place in a summer camp, this is the novella for you!!! I’m excited to continue this series and find out more about the counselors and campers!!!

[Brooke Hofmeister · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is more a 3.5 rounded up. Honestly, couldn't stand the main character Ruey. You are an adult, just talk! Speak your mind! The constant whining and poor me attitude just got on on my nerves. At the beginning I understand you gotta build up her character, but at the end come onnn I get it.

[Katie Irvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was cute - I'm usually weary of tiktok click bait but this was worth it.
Freaking Hayden carried this on his BACK 😂 The whole camp relied on him for everythinggg lol.

[Theresa Hoke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Main character was whiny and annoying but the story was ok.

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute novella with a summer camp setting. It's perfect for a plane ride or car trip because you can finish it in just a few hours. The main characters are adorable, and the setting gives nostalgia for summer and summer camp days. I have never been to a summer camp, but from what I watched in movies, this book sets the scene very well. There isn't any spice in this novella, it's a clean "Hallmark" type of romance. So if you're looking for something sweet and clean to read during the summer, this is the book for you.