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Summer Fling #1
Second Chance Summer
2018 RITA ® Award Winner for Best Short Contemporary Romance
Professor Audrey Graham shouldn't be alive. But she didn't walk away from the accident that should've taken her life. She shouldn't have ever walked again according to the doctors. But after two years of physical therapy and countless surgeries, she's got a second lease on life. First stop? Camp Firefly Falls to try and catch up on some of the living she never did before her accident.
Firefighter Hudson Lowell shouldn't be alive. In the wake of losing two members of his team in a structure fire gone wrong, he's been unable to work, unable to pull himself out of the survivor's guilt. In a last ditch effort to snap him out of it, his family surprises him with a 2 week reunion session at Camp Firefly Falls, reminder of a simpler, better time. The last thing he expects to find is the woman he helped cut out of a snarled up wreck of a car two years before.
As sparks ignite between rescuer and rescuee, Audrey finally gets the chance to repay her hero. But can she convince this proud, stubborn man that life is still worth living? Or will Hudson let this chance at happiness slip through his fingers?
Professor Audrey Graham shouldn't be alive. But she didn't walk away from the accident that should've taken her life. She shouldn't have ever walked again according to the doctors. But after two years of physical therapy and countless surgeries, she's got a second lease on life. First stop? Camp Firefly Falls to try and catch up on some of the living she never did before her accident.
Firefighter Hudson Lowell shouldn't be alive. In the wake of losing two members of his team in a structure fire gone wrong, he's been unable to work, unable to pull himself out of the survivor's guilt. In a last ditch effort to snap him out of it, his family surprises him with a 2 week reunion session at Camp Firefly Falls, reminder of a simpler, better time. The last thing he expects to find is the woman he helped cut out of a snarled up wreck of a car two years before.
As sparks ignite between rescuer and rescuee, Audrey finally gets the chance to repay her hero. But can she convince this proud, stubborn man that life is still worth living? Or will Hudson let this chance at happiness slip through his fingers?
Paperback
First published May 26, 2017
634 people are currently reading
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About the author
Kait Nolan
164 books1,369 followersKait 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
September 1, 2024
I liked the story. It was a cute summer romance with a little spice mixed in.
May 2, 2022
I picked this up as afreebie bc it was called second chance summer and I like second chance anything. Turns out this was a different kind of second chance featuring a firefighter and a car accident survivor
And a summer camp.
Which may be more if a selling point than anything.
Anyway, it was good. Shalvis vibe, I think, which doesn't always work and not really perfect here either. But diverting. Because a firefighter @ summer camp.
And a summer camp.
Which may be more if a selling point than anything.
Anyway, it was good. Shalvis vibe, I think, which doesn't always work and not really perfect here either. But diverting. Because a firefighter @ summer camp.
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October 9, 2023Available in eBook, print, and audio: https://books2read.com/secondchancesu...
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January 30, 2021
1/29/2021: It’s on audio!!!!! Only $5 on Authors Direct (hit Nolan’s website for info on all the places)
1/30/2021: I admit to getting totally distracted when a new audio is waved in front of my face. Despite having laid out my reading/listening plan for the coming two weeks – yup, one little email from Kait Nolan saying this hit audio and I immediately downloaded it and started listening. Not sorry.
Second Chance Summer is a stand alone romance featuring the unexpected reunification of a firefighter and a woman he previously rescued. I always appreciate Nolan’s ability to evoke feelings by truly connecting me with her characters. This one had more tears than usual, but I still loved every moment of it.
Hudson is dealing with PTS and survivor’s guilt related to a fairly recent death and severe injury of fellow firefighters. Audrey is finally getting out in the world after years of academia and then recovering from a car accident that nearly destroyed her legs. They are both battered in a myriad of ways – but finding each other helps them both heal. That said, I appreciate the way that Nolan handled the flashbacks and for not treating love as an instant cure for either of their traumatic experiences.
While the majority of this is set over the two weeks of “Summer Camp”, Nolan includes a lovely epilogue that firmly places it as an HEA. I also can’t help but hope we’ll see some of the delightful secondary characters get their own stories at some point.
Note: While there’s sort of a mention of the town featured in the Misfit Inn series – I didn’t recognize Audrey’s friend Sam from any of those stories. Granted, it’s been almost a year since I listened. All that to say that while there might be little “nods” to Nolan’s other books, this truly does stand alone.
Narration: Oh Amy McFadden! I feel guilty that I don’t have anything more original to say, other than I continue to adore her narration of Kait Nolan’s stories. I’m not sure how she keeps from breaking out in tears or laughter constantly while recording – but I appreciate her ability to amplify Nolan’s emotional writing for me.
1/30/2021: I admit to getting totally distracted when a new audio is waved in front of my face. Despite having laid out my reading/listening plan for the coming two weeks – yup, one little email from Kait Nolan saying this hit audio and I immediately downloaded it and started listening. Not sorry.
Second Chance Summer is a stand alone romance featuring the unexpected reunification of a firefighter and a woman he previously rescued. I always appreciate Nolan’s ability to evoke feelings by truly connecting me with her characters. This one had more tears than usual, but I still loved every moment of it.
Hudson is dealing with PTS and survivor’s guilt related to a fairly recent death and severe injury of fellow firefighters. Audrey is finally getting out in the world after years of academia and then recovering from a car accident that nearly destroyed her legs. They are both battered in a myriad of ways – but finding each other helps them both heal. That said, I appreciate the way that Nolan handled the flashbacks and for not treating love as an instant cure for either of their traumatic experiences.
While the majority of this is set over the two weeks of “Summer Camp”, Nolan includes a lovely epilogue that firmly places it as an HEA. I also can’t help but hope we’ll see some of the delightful secondary characters get their own stories at some point.
Note: While there’s sort of a mention of the town featured in the Misfit Inn series – I didn’t recognize Audrey’s friend Sam from any of those stories. Granted, it’s been almost a year since I listened. All that to say that while there might be little “nods” to Nolan’s other books, this truly does stand alone.
Narration: Oh Amy McFadden! I feel guilty that I don’t have anything more original to say, other than I continue to adore her narration of Kait Nolan’s stories. I’m not sure how she keeps from breaking out in tears or laughter constantly while recording – but I appreciate her ability to amplify Nolan’s emotional writing for me.
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February 14, 2022FREE today (February 3, 2022) on Amazon.
June 16, 2022
This book was very good. The story was quite sad in moments and sweet and quite emotional. This was about a firefighter named Hudson Lowell and a female professor named Audrey Graham.
Hudson rescued Audrey Graham in a accident she had in her car. They meet up some time later at a Summer camp for adults called Camp Firefly Falls. Audrey hears his voice as she arrives at camp and she instantly knows that it’s the firefighter who rescued her from her car. She bumps into Hudson and they start spending time together at camp. Audrey and Hudson are both dealing with issues in their lives. She is still recovering from her injuries and he is dealing with one of his buddies getting injured in a fire that they both worked at. Hudson’s buddy is in the hospital and he is dealing with how he is feeling about it all. Audrey and Hudson were great together as a couple. I liked Hudson and Audrey. This book ended perfectly in my opinion.
Hudson rescued Audrey Graham in a accident she had in her car. They meet up some time later at a Summer camp for adults called Camp Firefly Falls. Audrey hears his voice as she arrives at camp and she instantly knows that it’s the firefighter who rescued her from her car. She bumps into Hudson and they start spending time together at camp. Audrey and Hudson are both dealing with issues in their lives. She is still recovering from her injuries and he is dealing with one of his buddies getting injured in a fire that they both worked at. Hudson’s buddy is in the hospital and he is dealing with how he is feeling about it all. Audrey and Hudson were great together as a couple. I liked Hudson and Audrey. This book ended perfectly in my opinion.
March 30, 2022
This is a first time read for me with this author. This was such a sweet story of acceptability. To love someone despite their scars, whether they be physical or emotional. It was certainly a nice break between a couple of heavy reads. It was light and airy, and a super quick read with very lovable characters. I only wish it were a bit longer and had a bit more depth. I will definitely look for more from this author.
September 24, 2024
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.
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.
February 6, 2022
Made me want to visit Camp Firefly Falls myself.
January 16, 2025
Cute story 3.75☆
December 28, 2017
Audrey Graham would know that voice anywhere. It’s no exaggeration to say it kept her alive as the firemen worked to get her out of her car. He talked about Camp Firefly Falls and that’s the reason why, two years later and after extensive operations and physical therapy, she walked in to camp on her own two legs.
She didn’t even know his name but it seems like fate that he’s there.
Hudson Lowell is struggling with survivor guilt after an awful incident; one firefighter dead, one in a coma and they weren’t just his work colleagues, they were his best friends. In an attempt to forget, he’s gone back to camp.
But then he meets Audrey.
Can they have two weeks together, or will their weighty lives hold them back?
***
Audrey is a professor in behavioural science but she obtained it very young; she knows the theory not the practise.
It’s almost a perfect meet cute.
Hudson is just awesome. He’s incredibly solicitous of her fears about how ugly her legs are with their scars. He anticipates when she needs to get out of a scene, and he helps her through her attempts to be reckless and brave. *winks*
He’s just wonderful and his freakout is perfectly understandable.
No, Audrey, don’t walk away.
5 stars
She didn’t even know his name but it seems like fate that he’s there.
Hudson Lowell is struggling with survivor guilt after an awful incident; one firefighter dead, one in a coma and they weren’t just his work colleagues, they were his best friends. In an attempt to forget, he’s gone back to camp.
But then he meets Audrey.
Can they have two weeks together, or will their weighty lives hold them back?
***
Audrey is a professor in behavioural science but she obtained it very young; she knows the theory not the practise.
Well , okay , that wasn’t entirely fair . They meant well . They’d always meant well . But it was her life , and she was finally going to live it . Going to camp was just the latest in a long line of small rebellions . Who knew that she , of all people , would develop a taste for defiance at the ripe old age of twenty - seven ? But was it enough to change her life over ? That was part of what she was here to figure out . Maybe , by the end of session , she’d finally know what she wanted . (Kindle Locations 53-56).
It’s almost a perfect meet cute.
Hudson is just awesome. He’s incredibly solicitous of her fears about how ugly her legs are with their scars. He anticipates when she needs to get out of a scene, and he helps her through her attempts to be reckless and brave. *winks*
He’s just wonderful and his freakout is perfectly understandable.
How could she ever walk away from this man ? The hero of her heart . (Kindle Locations 1403-1404).
No, Audrey, don’t walk away.
5 stars
May 27, 2017
Nolan hit the jackpot with these characters. However, a few issues have me giving this excellent story 4.4 out of five stars.
Audrey and Hudson tugged at my heart strings from the very beginning. Both of them had baggage and issues. Audrey hoped camp would help her forget and give her a place to try out her new confidence. Hudson was there under duress.
Hudson was a great rescuer, but it was hard for me to believe that he would open his heart even a crack to Audrey. Or it happened too fast. But camp is short and this is fiction. My inability to suspend my disbelief about this is what makes this a four-star book.
The other issue I had with it was about a decision Audrey made. The chapter before she was convinced it was totally the wrong decision for her and then the next time we see her, she's going ahead with it. What? Completely threw me out of the story. Later, the author explained the switch but by then the damage was done in my mind.
This book made me laugh, and I cried buckets. My heart twisted for the plight of these characters (Nolan knows how to bring her characters to life which is why I never miss a book by her).
It was a unique take on the summer/camp romance, too. I enjoyed the book and nearly read it in one sitting. Of course, I wanted to slap the characters a few times. Which is par for the course in any well-crafted romance.
You need this book on your summer reading list.
Audrey and Hudson tugged at my heart strings from the very beginning. Both of them had baggage and issues. Audrey hoped camp would help her forget and give her a place to try out her new confidence. Hudson was there under duress.
Hudson was a great rescuer, but it was hard for me to believe that he would open his heart even a crack to Audrey. Or it happened too fast. But camp is short and this is fiction. My inability to suspend my disbelief about this is what makes this a four-star book.
The other issue I had with it was about a decision Audrey made. The chapter before she was convinced it was totally the wrong decision for her and then the next time we see her, she's going ahead with it. What? Completely threw me out of the story. Later, the author explained the switch but by then the damage was done in my mind.
This book made me laugh, and I cried buckets. My heart twisted for the plight of these characters (Nolan knows how to bring her characters to life which is why I never miss a book by her).
It was a unique take on the summer/camp romance, too. I enjoyed the book and nearly read it in one sitting. Of course, I wanted to slap the characters a few times. Which is par for the course in any well-crafted romance.
You need this book on your summer reading list.
May 20, 2018
This was my first time reading Kait Nolan. This book was suggested in a Facebook group and I really loved the premise of a summer camp for adults. I really liked the characters, especially Audrey and Hudson. The backstory for both of them was really emotional. I loved that they both had their own issues but that they were able to work through them together throughout the course of the book. Their romance was really sweet and intense, but there was a good level of heat with some really well written love scenes. I loved the ending of the book. I'm a big sucker for a happy ending for what might seem like an impossible or unlikely romance. I felt the book as a whole was very well written. It flowed really well and kept me interested all of the way through. There was nothing that I could find lacking with this book. I really enjoyed reading this and I'm looking forward to reading more from Kait Nolan. I'm especially looking forward to learning what's next for Sam, Rachel, and Charlie.
March 29, 2024
Big sigh! That was just so darned sweet, but there was a whole lot of tears getting me there. Be prepared, you will probably need a box of tissues before you finish the book. I loved Hudson and Audrey! I loved them together and I loved them as individuals. Audrey is so strong and brave, I admire her courage to really LIVE after her accident. Hudson may not think he's worthy of love anymore, but he shows how much he has to give with just about every word and action with Audrey. The emotional turmoil these two put themselves and each other through was heart breaking to watch. But I was so very invested in their happily-ever-after I couldn't turn away. I hope we'll be able to read more about these characters in future releases because I am not even close to being ready for it to end.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book
July 9, 2022
3.5 stars
A sweet novella about two people connecting at adult summer camp several years after he rescued her from an automobile accident. This time she 'rescues' him from his deep grief after a tragic loss. Perhaps a little too sweet for me, but still enjoyable. And I liked how the author handled the ending. So often you encounter rushed endings, especially in novellas, but she took the time to explore various aspects of their relationship and their situation, and I thought that was well done.
Audiobook from hoopla, narrated by Amy McFadden
A sweet novella about two people connecting at adult summer camp several years after he rescued her from an automobile accident. This time she 'rescues' him from his deep grief after a tragic loss. Perhaps a little too sweet for me, but still enjoyable. And I liked how the author handled the ending. So often you encounter rushed endings, especially in novellas, but she took the time to explore various aspects of their relationship and their situation, and I thought that was well done.
Audiobook from hoopla, narrated by Amy McFadden
Want to read
September 1, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/17/2022)! 🎁
May 27, 2017
Once again, I hold Kait Nolan responsible for my lack of sleep.
Something that struck me about this book was that the characters were real, flawed and imperfect. The male lead, Hudson is in the grips of grief-induced depression and Audrey suffers from anxiety following a car accident. Naturally, Hudson was the firefighter who pulled Audrey from the wreckage of her car and they find themselves reunited a few years down the track at Camp Firefly Falls, a summer camp for adults.
I live in Australia, so I have never been to a summer camp, but I found the setting to be interesting and fun. The love story was sweet and compelling, with just the right balance of "will they/won't they?" about their coupling and as the title of this review suggests, I tend to read before bed and I had difficulty putting this one down.
Most importantly, it leaves me keen to read more stories of Camp Firefly Falls, undoubtedly the aim of the group of authors who have put the series together.
Summary, a sweet story of love, healing and strength of spirit, well worth a read.
Review based on an author provided ARC.
Something that struck me about this book was that the characters were real, flawed and imperfect. The male lead, Hudson is in the grips of grief-induced depression and Audrey suffers from anxiety following a car accident. Naturally, Hudson was the firefighter who pulled Audrey from the wreckage of her car and they find themselves reunited a few years down the track at Camp Firefly Falls, a summer camp for adults.
I live in Australia, so I have never been to a summer camp, but I found the setting to be interesting and fun. The love story was sweet and compelling, with just the right balance of "will they/won't they?" about their coupling and as the title of this review suggests, I tend to read before bed and I had difficulty putting this one down.
Most importantly, it leaves me keen to read more stories of Camp Firefly Falls, undoubtedly the aim of the group of authors who have put the series together.
Summary, a sweet story of love, healing and strength of spirit, well worth a read.
Review based on an author provided ARC.
June 2, 2017
rcvd an advanced reader copy from the author for giving my two cents. we meet Audrey, professor, genius and victim of a horrific car accident. after 2 yrs she is ready to take on the world and starts at going to an adult camp with her friend. we then meet Hudson, firefighter who has been benched due to injury and loss. He can't believe he is back at camp and really doesn't want to adult with others. Audrey is at the 1st day gathering when she hears a voice....a voice that kept her alive when the jaws of life were trying to get her out. she has to see if it's true so she follows the handsome stranger and low and behold it is her hero. Hudson doesnt know what to think of the red haired beauty that just thanked him but he is amazed that she beat the odds and is walking. Audrey is determined to do things she never had to do growing up being an academic and Hudson has volunteered to help her take the leap by what he didnt count on was how wonderful Audrey is. a kiss leads to do much more but will it be enough to calm each other's sadness? will a camp romance be enough? can they get past all the pain?
May 26, 2017
I am definitely a Kait Nolan fan. She writes wonderful books. Whenever I get a new Kait Nolan book I stop what ever I am reading to read her books. Second Chance Summer is no exception. You just can't put it down. The characters are well developed. You are rooting for both for Hudson and Audrey. It was a wonderful read.
Hudson is a firefighter who lost dear childhood friends during a fire and is morning their loss and feeling responsible for their loss. He is concerned about Rachel the wife and the children of one of his firefighter buddies that was the last to die from his injuries sustained during the fire. Rachel also seems to be a cousin to Hudson. Audrey is a woman that was saved during an accident a number of years earlier. They meet again at Camp Firefly Falls. She was injured during the accident. She is a survivor and she has fought to walk again despite being told she wouldn't. She also had other issues as a Gifted Student that earned her Ph.D at 23.
I received this book for free from the author. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
Hudson is a firefighter who lost dear childhood friends during a fire and is morning their loss and feeling responsible for their loss. He is concerned about Rachel the wife and the children of one of his firefighter buddies that was the last to die from his injuries sustained during the fire. Rachel also seems to be a cousin to Hudson. Audrey is a woman that was saved during an accident a number of years earlier. They meet again at Camp Firefly Falls. She was injured during the accident. She is a survivor and she has fought to walk again despite being told she wouldn't. She also had other issues as a Gifted Student that earned her Ph.D at 23.
I received this book for free from the author. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
September 23, 2024
Wow! I absolutely loved this book. Amazing characters and wonderful plot. Very beautifully written and easy to read.
Professor Audrey Graham was in an accident two years ago and she miraculously survived. Two years of countless surgeries and physical therapy, and she can walk despite the first diagnosis.
She wants to live her life like she never lived it before the accident and she goes to Camp Firefly Falls for adults to do that. There she bumps into Hudson Lowell, the firefighter who cut out her of her car.
Hudson is going through his own issues. He suffers a survivor’s guilt at the wake of losing two members of his team. His family surprised him with a two week reunion at this camp.
As Audrey and Hudson start spending time together, she shows him that it’s still worth living, that life still has its beauty. But Hudson is a stubborn man and he might lose her if he doesn’t get out of his own head.
Overall I loved this book very much. If you’re looking for a friends to lovers, grumpy/sunshine romance then you’re going to love it.
Professor Audrey Graham was in an accident two years ago and she miraculously survived. Two years of countless surgeries and physical therapy, and she can walk despite the first diagnosis.
She wants to live her life like she never lived it before the accident and she goes to Camp Firefly Falls for adults to do that. There she bumps into Hudson Lowell, the firefighter who cut out her of her car.
Hudson is going through his own issues. He suffers a survivor’s guilt at the wake of losing two members of his team. His family surprised him with a two week reunion at this camp.
As Audrey and Hudson start spending time together, she shows him that it’s still worth living, that life still has its beauty. But Hudson is a stubborn man and he might lose her if he doesn’t get out of his own head.
Overall I loved this book very much. If you’re looking for a friends to lovers, grumpy/sunshine romance then you’re going to love it.
May 17, 2017
This is a good, sweet book. It has such a good storyline, a camp for adults! Most of the book takes place at Camp Firefly Falls. Audrey and Sam go to the camp together as Audrey has never b n to one. Audrey was in a car accident two years ago and they didn't know if she was going to live. She made it and then they told her she wouldn't walk again, but she proved then wrong. Kismet has Hudson returning to the camp and he is the fireman that saved her in the car wreck. Hudson has been trying to get over losing one of his best friends in a fire. His other best friend went back to save Hudson and was hurt and has been in a coma for three months. This is such a wonderful story about two people who have had struggles in their life, and one helps the other to cope. It was such a good story and I strongly encourage you to read the book. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.
March 27, 2022
At first glance, this might seem like one of a thousand other books that are out there. But this one was actually different. The female MC was in a horrifying car accident a couple of years ago and have to be saved using the jaws of life. Since then, she has had many surgeries to rebuild her legs and thousands of hours of PT. She still doesn't walk at 100%, but when she heard that the overnight camp that she attended as a child was reopening for adults, she thought that it would be a fun way to test herself.
Turns out the firefighter that saved her that day hasn't been doing that well. In another large burning building soon after, one of his team mates didn't make it out and another has been in a coma ever since. He also attended that camp as a child and decides that he could use a break from the firehouse.
Can these two broken people fix each other? Can physical issues overtake emotional ones, or would it be the other way around. Read and find out.
Turns out the firefighter that saved her that day hasn't been doing that well. In another large burning building soon after, one of his team mates didn't make it out and another has been in a coma ever since. He also attended that camp as a child and decides that he could use a break from the firehouse.
Can these two broken people fix each other? Can physical issues overtake emotional ones, or would it be the other way around. Read and find out.
April 1, 2022
Love this story about second chances at life
This is a new author for me and one I will continue reading. This book is about Audrey and Hudson who are at an adult summer camp. Each are there for different reasons. Audrey is still recovering from an auto accident and trying out new experiences and reevaluating her life. Hudson is there because it is somewhere he and his two best friends never shared together, and he is hoping the one friend wakes up from his coma. For Audrey, meeting Hudson is a prayer answered, because he is the firefighter who stayed with her while they got her out after a horrific car accident. Can she now help Hudson heal from his feeling of guilt over the death of one friend and the fact the other is in a coma from saving him in a fire. This story is great in showing the strength of not only surviving a crippling injury but learning to love life again and also learning to get beyond survivors guilt
This is a new author for me and one I will continue reading. This book is about Audrey and Hudson who are at an adult summer camp. Each are there for different reasons. Audrey is still recovering from an auto accident and trying out new experiences and reevaluating her life. Hudson is there because it is somewhere he and his two best friends never shared together, and he is hoping the one friend wakes up from his coma. For Audrey, meeting Hudson is a prayer answered, because he is the firefighter who stayed with her while they got her out after a horrific car accident. Can she now help Hudson heal from his feeling of guilt over the death of one friend and the fact the other is in a coma from saving him in a fire. This story is great in showing the strength of not only surviving a crippling injury but learning to love life again and also learning to get beyond survivors guilt
April 15, 2022
3.25
Surviving a horrific car accident, Audrey was lucky to be alive. Told she would likely never walk again, she endured countless surgeries and physical therapy and proved them wrong. With a second lease on life, she decides to attempt a nostalgic summer camp for adults. Coincidentally, it’s there she meets Hudson, the firefighter who pulled her from the wreckage two years ago. Hudson is dealing with a heavy dose of survivor’s guilt, having lost two members of his team in a structure fire.
This was a sweet story of two people providing unconditional support and acceptance to one another and understanding each other’s trauma in a way that others could not. Audrey’s optimism and joie de vivre was the perfect antidote to Hudson’s grief and guilt. At barely 200 pages there wasn’t a lot of time to develop the relationship, and everything seemed to happen very quickly, but this was still a satisfying tale of healing and leaving the past behind.
Surviving a horrific car accident, Audrey was lucky to be alive. Told she would likely never walk again, she endured countless surgeries and physical therapy and proved them wrong. With a second lease on life, she decides to attempt a nostalgic summer camp for adults. Coincidentally, it’s there she meets Hudson, the firefighter who pulled her from the wreckage two years ago. Hudson is dealing with a heavy dose of survivor’s guilt, having lost two members of his team in a structure fire.
This was a sweet story of two people providing unconditional support and acceptance to one another and understanding each other’s trauma in a way that others could not. Audrey’s optimism and joie de vivre was the perfect antidote to Hudson’s grief and guilt. At barely 200 pages there wasn’t a lot of time to develop the relationship, and everything seemed to happen very quickly, but this was still a satisfying tale of healing and leaving the past behind.
May 26, 2017
Kait Nolan has done it again an extremely emotional love story about a second chance at life. This book evokes so many emotions from childhood memories to make the most of every day you have. This book is part 9 of a series of books called “Camp Firefly Falls”. This is the first book I have read in the series but after reading this one I want to go take a look at the others. I received a free copy of the book and have voluntarily written an honest review. Kait Nolan characters are just so lovable and her writing makes you feel like you are right there in the story with them. They cry, you cry, they are laughing, and so are you, once I pick up one of her books I don’t want to put it down until I have lived the story with them.
Read my full review coming to readingfortheloveofbooks.com
Read my full review coming to readingfortheloveofbooks.com
May 26, 2017
Kait Nolan has once again exceeded my expectations of her book. It is a romance, but so much more!! Audrey not only survives the car crash, but also walks....and has the grit to go for a camp holiday. She is a gutsy, strong woman who not only has to overcome her physical handicap, but also the handicap of being a child prodigy and having missed out on the normal childhood activities. Hudson is a macho firefighter,but we see his vulnerable side as well, as he struggles to overcome the grief of losing his two best friends and the guilt of still being alive. A beautiful story of their lives interweaving and crossing- once when she was in trouble and had that fatal accident, and now when he is at his lowest. And how they are there for each other.And the stronger because of it. This is my first book of the Camp Firefly Falls series and i will definitely be reading more of them.
February 15, 2018
As always, Nolan excels at crafting characters that complement each other. Hudson and Audrey were no exception, and I found their fast-paced, intense romance believable, sweet, and often moving. Neither his PTSD nor her limited mobility were treated lightly or dismissively.
The shorter format of the CFF novels (they're so short they're almost novellas) didn't do her any favors, though, because I would have liked to see them have more time to truly work out their issues. I also don't think sharing a setting with other authors as part of a series plays to Nolan's strengths. Part of what I love about her Wishful romance series is the depth of setting as well as the complex web of interconnected characters, and we simply can't get that here.
That being said, it was still a great, if short read, and I'm glad I picked it up.
The shorter format of the CFF novels (they're so short they're almost novellas) didn't do her any favors, though, because I would have liked to see them have more time to truly work out their issues. I also don't think sharing a setting with other authors as part of a series plays to Nolan's strengths. Part of what I love about her Wishful romance series is the depth of setting as well as the complex web of interconnected characters, and we simply can't get that here.
That being said, it was still a great, if short read, and I'm glad I picked it up.
March 8, 2022
A lovely story (mostly)
I really enjoyed this story. Two broken people met again and healed each other. As a fireman, he had rescued her from a terrible car crash where her legs were very badly damaged. In fact, it was predicted that she would never walk again. She was a fighter though. She pushed past her pain barriers, determined to walk, as well as to continue her brilliant academic studies.
He was struggling with survivor's guilt.
I gave the story four stars out of five because I worried about some very serious red flags in his behaviour.
His cruelty to her twice was totally unacceptable, despite her understanding of where it was coming from.
No-one should excuse such treatment, and girls reading this story should know where their boundaries are. Stories excusing such ill-treatment set them up for future abusive behaviour.
I really enjoyed this story. Two broken people met again and healed each other. As a fireman, he had rescued her from a terrible car crash where her legs were very badly damaged. In fact, it was predicted that she would never walk again. She was a fighter though. She pushed past her pain barriers, determined to walk, as well as to continue her brilliant academic studies.
He was struggling with survivor's guilt.
I gave the story four stars out of five because I worried about some very serious red flags in his behaviour.
His cruelty to her twice was totally unacceptable, despite her understanding of where it was coming from.
No-one should excuse such treatment, and girls reading this story should know where their boundaries are. Stories excusing such ill-treatment set them up for future abusive behaviour.
January 4, 2025
Hudson and Audrey have their fates entertwined when they meet again at a retro summer camp for adults two years after Hudson rescues Audrey from an accident that nearly caused her to never walk again. Both must face mental adversaries before accepting that they are indeed deserving of love, healing, and second chances.
In true Kait Nolan fashion, this was such a sweet story that makes you believe love is true and real. The character arcs were on point per usual, you fall in love with our FMC and our MMC, you feel for both as you learn about the struggles in life they are facing. I love Audrey's strength in everything she does, and how simply intelligent she is. Genius but never obnoxious or in your face about it. If you ever need a feel good romance, kait Nolan is an author I'll always recommend!
In true Kait Nolan fashion, this was such a sweet story that makes you believe love is true and real. The character arcs were on point per usual, you fall in love with our FMC and our MMC, you feel for both as you learn about the struggles in life they are facing. I love Audrey's strength in everything she does, and how simply intelligent she is. Genius but never obnoxious or in your face about it. If you ever need a feel good romance, kait Nolan is an author I'll always recommend!
May 26, 2017
I loved this story. Audrey and Hudson have baggage but it isn't the usual bad relationship making them wary of romance. That was refreshing. How they originally met and how they ended up at Camp Firefly Falls is also different and interesting. There was physical attraction between Audrey and Hudson but that isn't the main focus of their relationship. They are truly interested in each other on so many levels. Without giving anything away, the nature of their relationship makes the depth of their feelings, after such a short time, believable.
If you are looking for a well-written story with interesting characters that will make you laugh and cry, look no further. Second Chance Summer is a fabulous book by a talented author.
If you are looking for a well-written story with interesting characters that will make you laugh and cry, look no further. Second Chance Summer is a fabulous book by a talented author.
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