Superior Hearts: Summer: Paige & Connor's Story

by Olivia Hope McCarthy

Two wounded hearts.

One preteen filled Christian summer camp.

What could possibly go wrong?

When I happen to meet the man of my dreams while dressed like a vampire, I do what any sane woman would do — embarrass myself further and count myself lucky I’ll never see him again.

Imagine my surprise when that guy happens to be my boss for the summer. Even though there are strict rules about relationships among the camp counselors I start to have hope Connor wasn’t eternally scared off by my costume when he rescues me from the side of the road. As we spend more time together, our attraction is undeniable, just like the rules keeping us from really dating.

When the storm of the century collides with Connor’s past, our fledgling relationship falls apart and I’m left with the mustard seed of my faith and a broken heart. I’m not sure I’ll ever get over it, but love is as unpredictable as a Lake Superior summer storm.


Superior Hearts is a kisses only romantic comedy story with Catholic and Christian characters.

Genres: Clean Romance, Romance

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 13, 2025

Reviews

[Ursi Engebretsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do cougars (the animal), a faith-based summer camp, a curly-haired guy who looks like Heath Ledger, and "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" have in common? The answer is this delightful summery clean romance, Superior Hearts, by @oliviamccarthyauthor ! I got to read an ARC copy of this book and absolutely loved it!!!

Paige, the female main character, was incredibly relatable, and her interior struggles felt so real. Connor, the male main character, was so strong and steadfast and kind, while not being unrealistically perfect. I really enjoyed seeing him and Paige get to know each other, both in comedic and serious situations. Olivia did a fantastic job portraying a realistic, healthy relationship with good boundaries--so incredibly refreshing to find in fiction! The side characters, from the other summer camp counselors, to the mischievous Button triplets, to the kindly parish priest Fr. Matthi, were fantastic, and I hope to see a lot of them in Olivia's future books!

The faith elements in this story were compelling and were portrayed so naturally--I loved seeing Paige's journey towards God. The nature descriptions were fantastic--Olivia really brought out the beauty and wildness of Michigan, my beloved home state! 

If you're looking for a fun, summery book with depth, this is the book for you--coming June 13th!

[Audrey Colman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Camp… someone take me back. Because there’s nothing like it. Nothing compares.

And Connor and Paige get that. They get how camp can change your life. In all my years at camp, I saw so many camp romances occur. Which is exactly what happens for Connor and Paige.

I love watching them work through their feelings, and figuring out how to be a couple when they weren’t supposed to let the campers know they were a couple. I love reading about the camp shenanigans, and watching Paige learn that she was lovable — both to God and to Connor!

Olivia, thank you so much for my copy! I love it, and I can’t wait for the rest of the series, even though I’m still mad at Chet.

[Jocelyn (jocelyn.reads.books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: this book has Catholic elements, and I am Protestant.

This was such a nice summer read! I loved that it takes place at a Christian summer camp on Lake Superior. It was fun to escape to Michigan for a while, and it brought back fond memories of the camp I used to go to each summer in Colorado.

Connor and Paige's romance was so sweet. Connor was an absolute gentleman, and I loved that. It was nice to see a guy character who seemed overall mature and serious about a relationship (though like all of us, he had some faults/things he needed to work through). There were some genuinely swoony moments between the two of them.

Paige's story hit unexpectedly close to home for me, and I think I teared up at least once. Was not expecting that, but thankfully it wasn't too heavy for me at this point in my life. I appreciated that this romcom had substance and dealt with real-life issues. DM me if you want details regarding TWs.

The faith elements felt naturally woven into the story. Connor and Paige worked at a camp that welcomed both Protestant and Catholic preteens, and the main characters were Catholic. While I'm not Catholic myself, and therefore don't believe some of the things that were mentioned, I don't have a problem reading about it as long as I know up front that's the belief system. It was interesting to read about, and there was plenty that all Christians could relate to.

I was really mad at a certain side character at one point, and I'm glad that wasn't glossed over by the main characters. I can handle characters making mistakes as long as it's taken seriously.

There were some laugh-out-loud and goofy moments as well. And now I know that I need to try pickle slices on pizza!

⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Judith McNees · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute

The story was cute, and I loved Paige and Connor together. The romance was very chaste with just some kissing. I don't know if it is Catholic doctrine or a misunderstanding on Paige's part that she thought she couldn't receive grace from God until she confessed to her priest, but I did take issue with that. Otherwise, I enjoyed the faith content, and it was woven into the lives of the characters naturally.

Being from Michigan, I also enjoyed all of the information included about Lake Superior, shipwrecks, and even just the descriptions of various cities and places I've visited.

[Katie Zander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super sweet and wholesome!

[Britt Galbraith · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Don’t you dare say you’re not worth it, Paige.” He leans closer to me over the table, his eyes boring into mine as his hand finds mine and flips my palm up. His fingers trail circles on my palm and my wrist. “You are worth it. You are worth everything.” 🫠

💕Superior Hearts 💕 by @oliviamccarthyauthor is the sweetest Christian romcom.

Paige & Conner are working at a Christian summer camp for preteens. Sparks fly, but dating is forbidden. What could possibly go wrong?

Expect:
💕 Forbidden romance
💕 She has never been kissed before.
💕 Embarrassing meet cute
💕 He saves her life
💕 His brother is their boss
💕Faith themes & healing through God

✝️ The themes of faith & forgiveness are beautifully woven into the story as both Paige & Conner seek healing & guidance from God. It never comes across as preachy. Rather, it feels like a completely natural part of the story of characters’ lives & struggles.

My favorite parts:
💖 Her teddy bear 🧸 & his green flags
💖 Her roommates
💖 Tom (we all need someone like him!)
💖 Preteen shenanigans 😂
💖 Every part about Michigan & Lake Superior
💖 Welp (the classic Midwestern signal)
💖 He loves her red hair
💖 Their dates 🥰

This book had all the feels! The ups, the downs… I laughed out loud, I cried sad tears, and I cried happy tears.

Paige’s childhood trauma definitely hit me in the gut - it was so real & raw. Being abandoned by her mom made her feel unlovable and affected her feelings of worth. I love that Conner wanted her to know how worthy she was of love. (Their first date!!! Swoon!) 😍

If you want a sweet Christian summer romance that will leave you feeling warm & fuzzy inside, this book is for you! 🥰

NOTE: Definitely read the epilogue - it shows how deeply Paige’s happiness meant to Conner. It is so sweet! 😘

Content:
💋 Kisses only
🚫 No profanity
📚 Childhood trauma

This book made me miss Michigan!

[Moni · Rating 5 out of 5]

* While this is book 1 in the Superior Hearts Series, it can be read as a standalone.
* First person dual pov
* Spice: clean romance (kisses that don't get too heated)
* CW: read the author's note

While this isn't the author's debut, as she writes dystopian sci-fi, this is her romcom debut and I'm interested in reading more. From their first meeting, I was invested in Paige and Connor's story. I loved how they had an instant connection that grew the more time they spent with each other, even when they had to hide their attraction to each other. Aside from their romance, I really enjoyed the light Catholic and Christian faith elements and how it especially affected Paige as she accepted she was lovable. Whoever has been to camp and enjoyed it, will feel nostalgic but, even if you never went to camp, the author does a great job in making you feel as if you're there. So, this is a cute summer romance that is worth the try.

[Alicia (aliciasalwaysreading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.75, rounded up!)
GENRE
-contemporary romance with Christian (Catholic) themes

CONTENT
-🤬: none
-❤️: just kisses
-⚠️: maternal abandonment

This is a cute summer read! Paige and Connor have a pretty humorous meet-cute (or maybe meet-not-so-cute?). Despite that, they continue to think about each other and end up working at the same summer camp, where Connor is the boss. Dating between employees isn't allowed, so Connor and Paige have to tamp down their feelings to the best of their abilities.

They each had some things to work through—Paige had abandonment issues (and also seemed to have PTSD involving loud noises...though I didn't feel that that was really explained, and I would've liked to know) and Connor had deep embarrassment over a rejected proposal.

Although for a minute there I really wanted to whack Chet (Connor's brother) upside the head, I did end up satisfied with the ending.

Favorite Quotes:
-"I will never pressure you, but I will pursue you."
-"Aren't you two going for a run? Or has that type of cardio been replaced by staring at each other with goofy smiles?"

[Ceci Haarsma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia is my new favourite romcom author! I flew through this book in one day. I adored Paige and her character growth, and seeing her safe with Connor at the end was just too heartwarming. Connor is the greenest green flag I have ever seen and I'm HERE for that. I also loooved getting Catholic characters! (There's a light faith storyline but nothing so in-your-face that non-religious readers would be turned off, imo.) I can't recommend enough and I will be devouring everything Olivia writes. Quick disclosure that I designed the cover for and typeset this book, but this has no influence on my review. I read it because I wanted to!

[Andrea Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story reminded me of falling in love. It was sweet, not too fluffy, and very cozy. Connor was a wonderful MMC with lots of green flags - he never rushed Paige even when she was struggling with her past, he recognized when he was wrong and apologized. I loved watching their relationship unfold. A perfect summer beach read.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a cute love story!

This book is perfect for younger age group as well as the adult group! It’s has a Christian based love story and the kind of book I know is appropriate for not only me but my 16 daughter as well loved this story makes me remember when I went to church camp in my younger days!

[Heidi Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this sweet book! I loved how Conner and Paige meet, the twilight references were fun, and I was giggling and smiling while reading this book. I really enjoyed the faith themes and how both characters were healing. This is a great summer read, a cozy read by the campfire.

[Olivia McCarthy]

I have to be honest, this book was not what I expected it to be, but I love what it became.
Thank you so much for reading!

[Maisie Vine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
really enjoyed. soo sweet 🥹

[Eliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved those two together! Their romancing was cute and sweet.

[M.W. Nel · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you don’t like Christian based romances, this novel isn’t for you. If you like a sweet, no spice, gentle love story, jump right in. It was an easy read and I loved the summer camp storyline.
Wasn’t much a fan of Chet, especially in the end since I felt I needed to k ow môre about him as a person to understand his reaction. There were times where exposition was too much and I felt they could have been told more actively through dialogue and actions. There were moments I didn’t understand the main characters motivations, like why would a Connor want to pursue a relationship with Paige if he hasn’t dealt with his past relationship yet; and I would have liked more showing rather than telling when Paige kept saying she felt unloveable and leaveable.

[Amy Rietveld · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars!

This book was SO CUTE! I live in the northwoods of the upper midwest and have loved camp ever since I was little, so this felt like home.

Connor is the absolute greenest flag of all and I don't know how other fictional men are going to compare with him.

The one thing I would change is that their feelings for each other did progress really quickly. But that is not a deal breaker for me, and I would absolutely recommend this to anyone looking for a sweet summer romcom.