Summer Camp Secret

Summer Fling #2

by Kait Nolan

When Aspen Fairchild finds herself face-to-face with Brooks Hennessey, a pro hockey player with a heart as guarded as her own, a simple act of kindness turns into a night they can’t forget. Neither can the media. When the playful lie about their engagement goes viral and lands them in the same cabin at Camp Firefly Falls, Brooks proposes continuing the charade for the week.

More time with the guy who unexpectedly rocked her world? Yes please.

Turns out playing the fake fiancée of a sexy athlete is more than a little challenging, especially as Aspen is privately reeling from a health scare that reminds her all too much of her mother's battle with cancer. As Aspen ticks off her bucket list with Brooks by her side, their pretend relationship starts feeling all too real. With camp drawing to a close, they’re forced to confront the possibility of a future they're not prepared for... and the secrets they've kept that stand in the way.

Grab this steamy contemporary summer romance about a fake engagement, real attraction, and the secrets people keep when they’re trying to protect those they love.

Genres: Romance, Sports, Contemporary, Audiobook, Forced Proximity, Contemporary Romance, Amazon

165 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 12, 2024

About the author

Kait Nolan is a RITA® Award-winning Mississippi author who calls everyone sugar, honey, or darlin', and can wield a 'Bless your heart' like a Snuggie or a saber, depending on requirements. She believes in love, laughter, and that tacos are the world's most perfect food. When she's not writing, reading, working the evil day job, or wrangling family (both the two-legged and the four-), you can find her obsessively watching The Great British Bake Off.

Sign up for her newsletter! rebrand.ly/kaitsnewsletter

Reviews

[Ed Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I listened to the audiobook and Amy McFadden was incredible as always. I didn’t realize that I had read a book by Kait Nolan before which was just ok. This was wonderful. I loved Aspen and Brooks and them ending up at the same camp didn’t seem realistic it just didn’t bother me at all. This is such a sweet love story.

[E-Reader Addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this quick Kait Nolan story. I thought it was going to go off the rails a couple times with miscommunication, and a situation when they arrive at the camp was unrealistic and contrived (would it have made any difference to the story if they randomly ran into each other in the cafeteria or wandering the camp?). But for a fake engagement story, this one was really good.

And as always, Amy McFadden is a fantastic narrator!

[Brianna at Renee Entress's Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars!

Kait Nolan has some real gems here with this Summer Fling series.. easy to read romances that'll make you feel good inside and having you swooning so much. I devoured this series in a few days and yeah, they were really good.. a great palate cleanser when you need something lighter and refreshing. Kait is definitely someone I'll keep an eye on.

I can totally recommend this entire series y'all.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever I pick up a book by this author, I know it will be a winner, and this one definitely was.
Brooks Hennessey, a well known hockey player, has just lost his Mom. She was his rock and losing her without much of a warning, has sent him spiraling downhill. Realizing he needs a change to recharge, two of his buddies book him a cabin at Camp Firefly Falls.
Meanwhile, ten years ago while she was in HS, Aspen Fairchild lost her mom. Since then, she has felt responsible of taking care of her Dad, having a healthy life and always doing the right thing. But when a possible diagnosis could change her life, she decides to live whatever time she has having an adventure.
When these two meet by chance, they didn’t know that the attraction and the unknown future, would change their lives forever.
This is a story about mourning the death of a much loved parent and the route we sometimes take after such a devastating event. It’s also a story about remembering to live life to its fullest and taking a chance in loving someone even if we don’t know if we have weeks or years with them.
Lastly, it’s a story about finding “THE ONE” that gets you and will always be by your side.
The plot was engaging, heartbreaking as well as heartwarming , and the characters were wonderful and well developed.
Rest assure that even though it’s book 2 in the series, it’s a stand alone.
Fair warning, have tissues available.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pass the tissues for 'Summer Camp Secret' by Kait Nolan, the second book in the Summer Fling series. This story struck a chord deep within me, as I felt every one of Aspen Fairchild's emotions resonate through the pages. Paired with hockey player Brooks, who carries his own burden of tragedy, their one-night stand ignites a flame that neither can easily extinguish. The addition of a fake relationship adds layers of complexity, making their journey all the more compelling.

Set against the backdrop of a summer camp, Ms Nolan brings this story vividly to life, immersing readers in the nostalgic warmth of summer days and the tender bonds formed amidst the wilderness. But what truly sets 'Summer Camp Secret' apart is Nolan's ability to delve beyond the surface of romance, crafting a narrative that transcends the genre. It's a tale of finding love when life seems to be unravelling at the seams, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Aspen and Brooks discover that they are stronger together, navigating through storms of uncertainty with hope as their compass.

In 'Summer Camp Secret,' Kait Nolan delivers not just a romance, but a poignant story of hope, healing, and the transformative power of love. Grab your tissues and prepare to be swept away by this emotionally resonant journey."

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer Camp Secret by Kait Nolan, book two in the Summer Fling series, is about learning to live with grief, to live your life to the fullest, and taking a chance on love despite not knowing how much time you will have with them.

Brooks Hennessey, a well known hockey player, has just lost his Mom. She was his rock and losing her without much of a warning, has sent him spiraling downhill into a world of grief. Realizing he needs a change to recharge, two of his buddies book him a cabin at Camp Firefly Falls. Aspen Fairchild lost her mom ten years ago, while still in high school. Since then, she has felt responsible of taking care of her Dad, adopting a healthy lifestyle and always doing the right thing. When a possible diagnosis could change her life, she decides to live whatever time she has having an adventure. Unknown to Brooks, Aspen is also heading to Camp Firefly Falls. A media campaign announcing their “engagement” and having them sharing a cabin, along with an instant attraction, sizzling chemistry and being out of their comfort zones; Brooks and Aspen find a connection neither expected. When these two meet by chance, they didn’t know that the attraction and the unknown future would change their lives forever.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Lillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kait takes us back to Camp Firefly Falls. That was a great multi author series. This time we have Aspen Fairchild, a woman determined to live her guarded life to the fullest as per a promise to her mom, who passed away years before and do a bucket list of adventures. And Brooks Hennessey, pro hockey star, dealing with recent death of his mom and own guarded heart. They meet in NYC. Aspen helps Brooks out of a situation by saying they're engaged. They have a one night of passion then Aspen kind of ghosts Brooks. Unfortunately the media gets wind of the "engagement" and runs with it. Lo and behold these two end up at the same adult summer camp and in the same cabin. Brooks suggests they continue with fake engagement. Let the camp shenanigans begin. Along for the ride are secrets from both, a health scare too close to home and those sneaky feelings of love.
The handling of Aspen's health scare was wonderful. We got real information of a life altering disease not just a quick naming of disease.
Returning to Camp Firefly Falls was a blast from the past. Truly enjoyed this story as it was very close to home for me.

Received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[GuiltyPleasures · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aspen and Brooks—she rescues the pro hockey player from a very forward fan by pretending to be his fiancée, not knowing who he was, just that he didn’t want to be bothered by the woman. They click and it turns into a one-night stand. Then they end up at the same camp and the staff, having seen a picture of the two and her mother’s engagement ring on her left hand and the media fallout over his surprise engagement, put them together in the same room with a king-sized bed. They decide to keep up the facade and lay low for a week. He’s grieving the death of his mother and she feels like she’s a ticking time bomb because she found a lump in her breast at her Dad’s wedding (her mother having died of aggressive breast cancer 10 years prior). She doesn’t share her issue with him to save him from more grief. Their time together at camp has them falling deeply in love, so when she slips away while he’s out running an errand so she can leave him before he gets hurt further, he tracks her down and finds her at the surgery center for her biopsy. He doesn’t want to wait to marry her, so they get married quickly, even before her treatment for the pre-cancerous condition she had. They did their HEA and hold on to it with both hands. Some editing issues.

[Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks for having me on this tour @wildfiremarketingsolutions


Aspen found herself caught in a whirlwind of emotions after discovering a lump in her chest during her father's second wedding. The weight of this unexpected news added to the already existing turmoil in her life, prompting her to seek solace and escape. It was during a chance encounter at a bar that Aspen crossed paths with Brooks, a renowned professional hockey player grappling with the recent loss of his mother. What started as a one-night stand between them soon spiralled into a frenzy of gossip and speculation when a photo of their intimate moment surfaced in the tabloids.


Aspen's journey of self-discovery intertwined with Brooks' struggle to come to terms with his grief, creating a bond that transcended their individual hardships. The camp became a sanctuary for them to explore their budding relationship away from the prying eyes of the media and society's expectations. Through shared experiences and heartfelt conversations, Aspen and Brooks found solace in each other's company, forging a connection that defied the odds stacked against them.

[Elaine A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooks is struggling after the death of his mother. He didn’t even realize she was sick. Aspen has just found a lump in her breast and is afraid she will end up like her mother, who found the lump and then was gone in a few months. Aspen decides to take some time to do things she should have done over the years since her Mom’s death but was afraid to. Brooks is trying to figure out if he will even have a continuing hockey career after his suffering his mother’s loss. They meet by accident in New York when Aspen saves him from an aggressive fan by pretending to be his fiancée. And the rest is the story of time together in an adult summer camp Brooks’ friends had set up for him and Aspen had chosen to visit. One bed, one cabin. And some bonding over losses that were similar for them. But Aspen just can’t disclose her possible health issues. She doesn’t feel Brooks should have to risk losing someone else close to him. Will love come to play in this relationship and can these two come out of it whole and ready to face life? A wonderfully written story. And a reminder to not let fear keep you from exploring found lumps.

[Becky Claxon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was always Aspen and her father for ten years after her mother died from aggressive breast cancer. Then her father found a wonderful woman to marry, and was leaving their small town in Georgia. Aspen was petrified when she found a small lump in her breast at her father’s wedding. I would have been scared too. Aspen couldn’t get in for a biopsy for three weeks so she decided to go on an adventure and live like her mother wanted her to. It was funny how she met Brooks in a hotel. My heart went to Brooks as his mother had passed away and he was having a hard time getting over it. You know how the public is as someone took a picture of her and Brooks with Aspen’s mother’s ring and the news took off that they were engaged! The funny thing was that after that night the two met, Aspen took off to the camp she had signed up for. Lo and behold Brooks’s buddies had signed him up for the same camp. It was heartwarming watching the two get closer and help each other out. But Aspen’s secret was a problem. I encourage you to read the book.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really enjoyable story of instant attraction - doing something so out of your comfort zone, but, for reasons only known to you. Aspen meets Brooks and there is chemistry, right off the bat. She doesn't know who he is, and she, is a small town girl.

They meet in New York, and tour the town - when the night is winding down - they give into temptation - but, it is over in the morning - Aspen leaves Brooks sleeping in bed; he wakes and is a little peeved she left -

He is in his own turmoil, he has lost his mom recently - and is having a hard time getting over the loss, his friends are worried, so they have sent him to an Adult Summer Camp - he has no idea what he is in for.

Again, for reasons only know to Aspen - she is checking things off her bucket list - go to NY, done; have a one night stand, done; go to summer camp, done......

Imagine the surprise when they run into each other there!

[Susanne M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an ARC reader, this is my honest opinion. Another amazing story! Ms. Nolan never disappoints.

Aspen's and Brooks' story starting on a real low, one couldn't believe that their story couldn't possibly end in anything short of a Happy Ever After. Loosing a parent is crushing . One you're very close to is even more so. Cancer sucks! Its excruciating for the one undergoing this horrible disease, but it eats away at the family and loved ones too. Putting both these difficult topics in one story requires a real word artist to make it pleasurable to read and not depressing or have it fall flat.

You're a genius Ms. Nolan, and I was honored to be able to not only read but be part of your ARC. Of course, this story deserves more than the 5 stars! But sadly, because that's all I'm allowed to give it, I definitely did so. Enjoy! No cliffhanger or cheating and you get a happy ending.

I already can't wait for the next one!

[Stephanie Corbett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful short read. I am never disappointed when it comes to Kait Nolan’s books, and this was another winner. The same small town feel, but with added big city locations and big sports star personalities. This book was funny, emotional and had some extra sporty heat.

Professional hockey player Brooks needed to get away from drowning in grief, and thanks to the support and planning of his friends, he is going to spend a week at an adults only summer camp. Aspen is faced with some potentially life changing news, and decides it is time to live life to the full and have an adventure. When these two collide, sparks fly, and rumours run rampant after a fake engagement accidentally becomes big news.

This story had laughter, tears and a big happy sigh of joy… I highly recommend this book and all of Kait Nolan’s book. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear, the author set out to try and make me bawl my eyes out. And to be honest, I’m kind of not sure how I managed to make it to the end without doing exactly that. Aspen and Brooks have one of the best meet cutes ever. Then the universe kept throwing them together, to the point where they figured they might as well just get to know one another and stop fighting Fate. They bond over their tragic circumstances, but Fate, and a couple of big reveals, aren’t done with them yet. I adored this pair. And while they made me want to cry my gooey marshmallow heart out over them, I also wanted to hug the stuffing out of them. I loved their ending, and their supporting cast was pretty darned fabulous. My fingers are crossed that just maybe we’ll see some of them again in future books.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.

[Kamila Mykhailiuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Fantastic characters and wonderful plot. Easy to read and very beautifully written.

Brooks Hennessey is a hockey player who just lost his mom. She was his everything, so he is pretty devastated. He needs a change to recharge, so his friends book him a cabin at Camp Firefly Falls.

When Asper Fairchild was in high school she lost her mom to cancer. Since then, she has been taking care of her father, always doing the responsible things and living healthy life. Now ten years since her mother’s death, she gotten possible bad diagnosis, so she decided to live fully and be adventurous. I had many emotions while reading this book. I cried, I felt joy and happiness for characters. Asper and Brooks were made for each other.

Overall I loved this book very much. If you’re a fan of hockey player, fake engagement romance then you’re in the right place.

[N.D. Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aspen and Brooks were such a fun couple with a super adorable meet-cute and the story hooked me right from the beginning!
She has no idea that he’s a hockey superstar which, of course, he loves. In addition to that, there’s her southern accent and her sass that lures him in. They have one of those magical days together sightseeing and eating all the eats before…well you know!
Some other stuff happens and then BAM we’re at grown up summer camp! I mean, that’s reason enough to love this story but then the hottest one night stand of your life is there too? Sign. Me. Up.
I loved Aspen and Brooks together. They had great chemistry as well as an easy way about them that totally sold the connection. Summer Camp Secret was sweet and hot and romantic and at times, brought a few tears to my eyes.
I am a loyal Kait Nolan reader but this one was just really, really good.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a devastating loss when she was a teenager Aspen has chosen to eliminate most risks from her lifestyle. When she receives some news, she is left wondering what if so, she decides to open herself to new experiences. She never expected to see the man she spent one unforgettable night with again let alone at Camp Firefly.

Brooks is a successful hockey player who is going through a difficult time in his life. His attempts to be alone are thwarted when Aspen came to his rescue, and they were there for each other. Needing a respite, he finds himself at Camp Firefly which includes a surprise reunion with Aspen that will have them pretending to be together.

Aspen and Brooks are there for each other when they both need someone the most. The attraction and the feelings between them were never in doubt but a secret has the power to destroy what they could have together.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer Camp Secret is a fake relationship romance featuring Aspen Fairchild (28) and Brooks Hennessey (31). She has her own business where she designs and customizes planners, calendars, and the like. On the other hand, he's a professional hockey player. They both know all too well what loss feels like, having lost their respective mothers, albeit Brooks lost his far more recently compared to Aspen whose mother passed away to breast cancer a decade prior. The connection between the two is strong, but while they have feelings for each other, Aspen is hesitant because an ongoing health scare could become all too real and she doesn't want Brooks to go through losing someone else in his life. Of the three books in the series, this one was my favorite. It was heartrending yet hopeful, and I was rooting for Aspen and Brooks from the get-go. This one gets five stars.

[Urvashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since the past 10 years, ever since she lost her mother, Aspen Fairchild has been living her life in fear. But a possible diagnosis, reminds her of her promise to her mom to live life to its fullest, and she decides to embark on an adventure.
Brooks Hennessey is struggling with grief after suddenly losing his Mom. In an attempt to help him, his friends book him a week long stay at Camp Firefly Falls. On the way he meets Aspen, who helps him get out of sticky situation with a fan. When the playful lie about their engagement goes viral and they land up in the same cabin at Camp Firefly Falls, continuing with the charade seems the best course of action.
This was a beautiful and emotional read. It made me laugh, cry, basically feel all the feels.
A beautiful romance.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, the characters written by Kait Nolan! I love them all. Throw in a plot that brings them together in bed and out and it is a recipe for just what the heart needs!

Aspen has no idea who famous football player Brooks is when she meets him. It makes it even more touching when she "saves him" at a bar (use your imagination there). Brooks falls and falls hard, even if he has to have his teammates point it out to him. They have both had some recent trauma in their lives and are able to support each other. They are just so good together, but you don't get Brooks full wonderful character until he needs to support Aspen for another reason. It will melt your heart!

I'm ready for the next in the series!

Thanks to Wildfire Marketing for the copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back in Camp Firefly Falls for Aspen Fairchild and Brooks Hennessey’s fake to real romance. This is a great multi author series and I highly recommend you check this book and the series out.
Brooks is a high profile hockey player and when he meets Aspen in NYC a connection is made and when she helps him out of a tight situation by pretending to be his fiancé neither thought the press would run with their engagement. So what happens when they need to spend more time together and more importantly what happens when feelings come into play and secrets are revealed……one click to find out.
I loved everything about this book, I fell hard and fast for Brooks and I adored Aspen but it was this authors writing skills that took this book to another level.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer Camp Secret


Oh my word! I could not put this book down!!! Talk about romance with a twist…it was all that plus so much more. With so many young people being diagnosed with cancer now, there is a timeliness to Aspen and Brooks’ story. While it starts as another Camp Firefly Falls adventure, this book manages to hit so many emotions on so many levels. Kait Nolan can tug at the heartstrings like none other and she certainly doesn’t hesitate to do it here. But keeping with her style, she leaves the reader with a happily ever after and a sigh! Can’t wait for the next book in this series.

I received an ARC from the author through BookFunnel in exchange for my honest review.

[Lisa Benison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Fake Relationship with Real? Feelings that Tugs at the Heartstrings

Wow! While this book had fun adventures, witty banter and a fake relationship to "fool the press", it also covered serious issues like cancer scares and parental death. I loved both of the main characters and how they opened up to each other (although they also kept some big secrets), and it was easy to tell that their feelings were becoming quite real. I laughed, cried, cheered for the HEA and did not want to put the book down. Enjoy!

I was sent an ARC by the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Christine Jalili · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fantastic book and I devoured it in a day. I couldn’t put the book down and was hooked from page one. Loved how Aspen and Brooks meet. It’s cute that she comes to his rescue by claiming to be his fiancée. They are great together and end up keeping up the ruse. But can Brooks convince her to make it real? She’s kept a secret from him and I actually cried at one point. Loved how Brooks is determined and they finally get their happy ever after. I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy and I highly recommend this book. Love the sense of family and this book is worth re reading.

[Angels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right from the moment we started turning the pages, we knew it was going to be an awesome read and it was. We loved how Brooks and Aspen that was one laugh-out-loud moment.

Brooks was our favorite character that man was loving and caring, a sweetheart of a man who made a girl's needs and wants more enjoyable. Brooks is the perfect boyfriend and everything a girl could want Aspen is one lucky lady.

Overall we loved everything about this story it gives you the feels was emotional, beautiful, heartfelt, and had a cast of characters that made falling in love easy. The story had a couple with beautiful chemistry who were destined to be soulmates from the moment they met.

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

We All Need Adult Summer Camp!!

Aspen has lived her life carefully after losing her mother to cancer. Her father remarrying sparks a need to break out of her mold. Brooks is a famous hockey player, currently in disgrace. Aspen doesn’t follow “sportsball” but sees a man who cannot avoid the advances of an insistent woman. Pretending to be his “fiance” to extricate him.

Mistaken rumors result in a proposal (fake). One of my very favorite tropes.

Two people who are at a crossroads. Tough times, camaraderie, romance and taking charge of your future. A wonderful read.

***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****

[Christyg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy books where the characters seem destined to meet. I loved how Aspen and Brooks met. Then even though they went their separate ways, met again! They were exactly what the other needed at this point in their lives. It seemed fated. As with all of Kait Nolan's books I get pulled into the story immediately. They always feel like they are over too quickly. I loved the setting of the Summer Camp for adults. It feels like a perfect escape for a vacation. The story hit the full spectrum of emotions, a little humor, a lot of heart. I received an advance copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alphas Do It Better Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

Summer Flings can lead to so much more…

And for Brooks and Aspen it leads to love. Two people, escaping their reality and difficult situations neither wants to dwell on. Aspen has decided to move out of her comfort zone in the face of fear and the unknown, not expected to cross paths with a gorgeous, professional athlete, who is working his way through a grieving process she is all too familiar with. These two were brought together by fate, or maybe some matchmakers watching over them, but either way, readers will love this quick moving, romantic story that includes enough reality to balance the sweetness perfectly!

Cara - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the original Camp series and was so excited that Kait was reviving and (slightly) reimagining her books to start a whole new stand-alone set. Aspen and Brooks have as much in common, sadly in this case, as they are different. The fact that she knows nothing about “sportsball” tickles my fancy (as does that phrase, one my oldest herself uses!)
Fake engagement, marriage, relationship tropes never were a favorite of mine until recently. They can be fraught with too much angst and misunderstandings. This one, though…total “chef’s kiss”. Ms. Nolan’s books are always a one-click buy for me…can’t wait to read book 3!