Come for the s’mores, stay for the rivalry in this spicy adult summer camp romcom. Leilani Walker loathed Hudson Pratt the moment he opened his mouth at Evergreen Adventure Camp four years ago. Every summer since, she’s attended the week-long camp for adults with the same goal in win the Capture the Flag trophy, collect on the bet she’s made with her cocky camp rival, and humiliate him in the process. This year, she’s bringing her recently divorced bestie to camp, which means her attention will be divided. But that won’t keep her from upping the ante to ensure her nemesis gets exactly what he deserves. Hudson would be the first to admit he used to be an insufferable corporate jerk. Frankly, he’s not surprised Leilani can’t stand him. But after a wake-up call back home motivates him to reevaluate his priorities, he’ll return to camp a changed man (for the most part). He’s still desperate to beat Leilani at Capture the Flag, but this time his desperation for victory has more to do with his secret feelings for her and less to do with the usual bragging rights. Join Leilani and Hudson and find out why everyone calls it Camp Clandestine.
K. L. Parsons writes swoony, adventure romances set in the Pacific Northwest. When she isn't writing she can be found reading, playing board games, climbing, hiking, and generally exploring the great outdoors. She lives with her husband, son, and doodle mutt, Frank, in the lush PNW.
Oh, jeez. How much fun would it be for one week a year to let go of all your adult responsibilities, and attend summer camp? That’s what you get with Capture My Flag. Leilani has loathed Hudson from the first time she met him 4 summers ago. Arrogant and cocky, his first impression is all Wall street bro, and she becomes obsessed with taking him down a notch during their summer games. Leilani’s competitive spirit was both a turn on to Hudson, he’s been looking each year on a way to take their rivalry to a new level. And a curse because he’s just as competitive as her. Their back and forth was funny. The banter and the “will they/won’t they” tension was written to draw you into their games, and it did. My husband still brings up the fact I was so in the zone during a tense game of air hockey, against my 4 year old at the time, that I made him cry. The spirit took over! I thought it was fun they used the games each year as some sort of slow foreplay, without even realizing it, while the whole camp knew. There are 2 other friends Leilani goes with who have their own camp fun going on, I’m sure we’ll have their books in the future, and the set up for both of their romances will be fun. No OM/OW drama. The drama is low, though there’s the tension taking its place. Really was just pure fun the whole read. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinions. I say check it out.
This is one of those books that I think I might enjoy more as an audiobook. But overall, this was cute and a solid 3.5 star read.
❤️ What to Expect • Adult summer camp • Enemies to lovers • Camp competitions • Forced proximity • Spicy romcom
⭐ Final Rating: 3.5 Stars 📅 Pub Date: April 14, 2026 📝 Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
You guys, this reminded me of being a girl scout and going to camps where I ALSO played capture the flag in alllll the best ways. This was so sweet and nostalgic!!
It’s a perfect light, cozy yet funny and steamy read for in between. I really liked the idea of all these characters being in their early forties, but I will say that sometimes didn’t resonate quite like I expected it to? Summer camp should bring out the inner child, but I kept forgetting I wasn’t reading about people in their mid- to late twenties. It didn’t exactly bother me, but the random reminders were a little jarring at times? I loved how into the camp everyone was though, how well-fleshed out the rivalry between our MC’s was and I especially loved how the author gave us little crumbs of the other couples.
The varied cast of characters and all their antics came together in a comforting blend of true authenticity and happy go lucky, laugh out loud romcom vibes. What it lacked for me, however, was the character and relationship development I need to get that satisfying final get-together moment. The ending felt rushed, both Hudson and Leilani’s growth skimmed over and the epilogue a little too easy to feel fulfilling for me. I was pretty invested in them up to that point, especially with how down bad Hudson was and just reverted to his dorky teenage self around Leilani. With just a feeew more chapters going beyond the surface level relationship between them, that probably would have been fixed BUT I did still have a great time reading this! I’m really glad to have stumbled upon this author and I’m very much looking forward to seeing more of the other couples in this series!!
TL;DR I now also want to go to an adult-only summer camp, play all the games and have a dumb little childish crush/rivalry going on. Where can I sign up??
Big thanks to Victory Editing and NetGalley for the advanced reader’s copy!
4.75!! Thank you to K.L. Parsons for an ARC for Capture My Flag. I loved being whisked away to Camp Clandestine with Leilani and Hudson and their shenanigans. This book had me laughing out loud, clutching my pearls and kicking my feet with glee. The minor characters were a hoot and added to the complete enjoyment of my read. An excellent beginning to another wonderful series! Already itching for book 2! 😊
Capture My Flag by K.L. Parsons was such a fun read! I absolutely loved the playful energy throughout. It made the whole story feel light, engaging, and impossible to put down.
The rivals-to-lovers dynamic was great. The tension, the banter, the slow shift in feelings (especially with Leilani) all landed for me. And the spice was HOT! Definitely brought the chemistry to life in the best way.
Hudson’s character arc felt really believable. Watching him go from all business (mainly in the flashbacks) to someone willing to put another person first added such a satisfying emotional layer to the story. I loved him as an MMC—he completely won me over.
The friendships among the secondary characters added so much depth, too. They weren’t just background—they helped shape the emotional journey and gave more insight into who the main characters were and how they grew.
I really hope we get to see more of them in future books!
Capture My Flag is a quick, easy read that still delivers on humor, wit, and heart. Funny, charming, and full of personality. I’d definitely recommend this one if you’re in the mood for something light, flirty, and feel-good.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.
I really enjoyed Capture My Flag by KL Parsons! It was fun, lighthearted and for me, contained just the right amount of spice.
Our two main characters started off on the wrong foot at adult summer camp (what a fun setting, btw!) four years ago and we see their rivalry grow throughout the years.
This rivalry is super well written and the banter between the two characters is witty and sharp and made me smile and laugh out loud several times.
In the current year we see things start to shift between our main characters and I was here for it. The plot outweighed the spice (just the way I like it) but I found the spice to be well placed in the story where it felt like it fit and wasn’t just being thrown in to have spice or spice’s sake.
I liked all the characters in the story, and am looking forward to the next installment of this series as a result.
Thanks to Netgalley and KL Parsons for the advanced copy! 5 out of 5 stars from me!!!
"Capture My Flag" was a fun read, exactly what you'd expect from a story about an adult summer camp! Honestly, it sounds like a blast. Campfires, s'mores, unplugged time to not have to worry about work responsibilities, a lake, arts and crafts, foraging, oh my! Sign me up!
Leilani is ultra competitive, and she loves camp because she's finally celebrated as a winner. Being in the middle of the pack of a bunch of siblings, where she doesn't stand out at home, she loves the capture the flag tournament that she shines in. "...here at camp, I stand out... The persona I project sets me squarely in a category of winners. Here, I'm successful. And I... eat it up every year." She's been the team captain of one of the squads for five years, but is not a team player. She's mostly in it for herself, as her competitive nature takes over her entire personality. "He looks up to me expectantly because, oh right, I'm the team captain." Get yourself together, girl! I needed the character growth that our FMC finally shows toward the end. She finally gets out of her head with her projected trauma and starts to listen to her heart and show some empathy. Grow, girl!
Hudson, our MMC and the opposing team's captain for five years and Leilani's apparent nemesis, is a reformed business-obsessed bro, who's buried under his rotten-attitude first impression at camp. Hudson comes across as a golden retriever who's totally down bad for our girl and trying so hard to get her to see him for who he really is, not living in the past from five years ago. Maybe he was written as too cute? LOL, sometimes I was rolling my eyes at the FMC on his behalf. How dare she treat our sweet Hudson so poorly?
It wasn't easy for me to buy into the rivals/enemies/nemesis aspect and I think that was the point? A lot of it is written that it's Leilani's lingering trauma from a past relationship that she's holding against Hudson, so she simply can't believe that he's truly working on bettering himself. I was skeptical until the author gives us a scene showing that even her friends don't get the animosity. "...you say he's your enemy and all, but I don't think you've ever given me the reasons for the clash." And Leilani's inner monologue is tinged in denial: "For whatever reason, neither of my friends understands my loathing of Hudson, nor my inability to separate the current version of him from the douchey first impression four years ago..." Not just your friends, Lei Lei. Poor thing was blind to what was right in front of her. It happens, especially in romcom land.
I really enjoyed that we got flashback chapters interspersed that gave us a glimpse into the main's shared pasts at camp and the different side bets over who won the tournament. The poem had me giggling.
The action scenes portraying the competitions were well done. I could picture exactly what was happening. The pacing in general is fantastic, and the dialogue witty. Kept me engaged the whole time.
"But enough small changes add up to real growth." Yes, we love to see it!
"...I want you to want me too." Swoon... Golden. Retriever.
Overall, this is a fun romcom romp at an adult summer camp that I actually need to look into if these things exist IRL. Humor, spice, and excellent writing combine to form a wonderful story. I will absoLUTELY be reading more from the author, especially the interconnected standalones coming with the side characters in this novel. The sneak peek at the end had me grinning ear-to-ear. Can't wait! More camp shenanigans, please!
Also, I'd be remiss if I didn't point out this gem in the author's acknowledgments: "Don't worry... my shifter romance is coming... eventually." As someone who has an author bestie and is always pestering them to write paranormal romance and add vampires and werewolves, this made me immensely happy. Soooo relatable :)
What would you expect to happen if, once a year, you let go of all your adult responsibilities and attend summer camp? In K.L. Parson’s 4.5⭐️ perfect light, cozy yet funny and steamy read, you get your answer!
"Adult summer camp" is not a romance subgenre I ever thought I'd be into, but there’s something about a romance built on years of rivalry that just hits different! Leilani and Hudson have been going to the same adult summer camp for one week every year for half a decade. The first time they met, Hudson reminded Lelani so much of her “chad/brad frat boy finance bro” ex that her ultra-competitive nature and disdain for Hudson manifested into a full-blown camp rivalry. As captains of opposite capture the flag teams, they trade off wins every year, and make bets that get more and more elaborate. However, unbeknownst to Leilani, Hudson has done some serious reflection and self-growth over the past year, and his well-hidden crush on her has not gone away. The now reformed Hudson reminded me of a big, happy, yellow lab - following Leilani around and occasionally making some chaos to bring them closer together. On that note, Leilani gave the black cat energy - she knows what she wants, she doesn’t take BS, and she warmed up to Hudson once he SHOWED her how he changed.
I’ve really been loving plots that center around main characters who are a bit older than your mainstream romance leads. I think one of the most whimsical parts of this novel was the age of the main characters and the dichotomy of still being young and carefree, finding joy in being back at a place they love with their close friends. It also really helps regarding emotional maturity and avoiding the miscommunication trope. I saw a review that pointed out how the ending felt rushed, as if there wasn’t enough relationship-building or character growth to make the final pairing make sense. I would push back slightly: these are two ADULTS (early forties), who have known each other, even if begrudingly, for 5 years. Maybe this is my optimistic perspective, but relationships and actual growth don’t need to be written as complicated and complex teenage drama.
To start, the author did a wonderful job of including trigger warnings for ANY type of reader, which I think is very compassionate. Overall, this is a fun romcom - seriously like reading your fav comfort movie within that genre - which sparks my interest in whether adult summer camps *actually* exist. The character growth, capture-the-flag action scenes, and spicy scenes were wonderfully written. I will definitely be returning to Camp Clandestine to read more of the antics from the side characters in this novel!
🏕️ Adult Summer Camp 🏕️ Capture the Flag Tournament 🏕️ Rivals-to-Lovers 🏕️ Dual POV 🏕️ 🌶️ Shower Scenes
A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing, and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinions - can’t wait to see y’all at camp!
"Adult summer camp" is not a romance sub genre I ever thought I'd be into, but I've read several of them now and I must say, they hit every single time! This one was no different.
Leilani and Hudson have been going to the same adult summer camp for one week every year for the past few years. The first time they met, Hudson was a dudebro in every sense of the word and it immediately rubbed Leilani the wrong way. So much so that they became camp rivals, which manifested itself into opposing capture the flag teams. They trade off wins every year, and make bets that get more and more elaborate.
But things are different this year. Hudson made some much needed changes in his life and is not the same person he was when they first met all those years ago. He's still actively working on himself, and trying to show that he's a better person for it. Being back at camp though, he gets sucked back into the rivalry, even as his crush on Leilani (obvious to everyone but her) continues to grow.
I know adult camps exist in real life and as much as I want to go to one, books like these build up the fantasy so much I'm good with sticking to reading about them in romance novels (for now lol) because real life can't possibly compare! The chemistry between Leilani and Hudson was so good, and the dual POV works so well here.
I also love that they're both a bit older than your general romance leads but that being back at camp brings back the competitive streak in them- you can still be young and carefree at adult summer camp in your 40s! It never comes off as juvenile, it's just two people finding the joy in being back at a place they love with their close friends.
And speaking of close friends, I can't wait to read the next book in the series that focuses on Melody's story! We were teased just enough in this one to build up the hype for it and I'm so looking forward to reading it!
There’s something about a romance built on years of rivalry that just hits differently—and Capture My Flag absolutely delivers on that delicious, tension-filled premise.
Leilani and Hudson have history, and you feel it in every single interaction. Their banter is sharp, competitive, and laced with just enough bite to keep things entertaining—but underneath it all is this simmering undercurrent of something neither of them has quite been willing to face. The annual return to Evergreen Adventure Camp creates the perfect pressure cooker: same place, same rivalry, but very different people.
What makes this story stand out is Hudson’s growth. He’s not just the cocky rival anymore—he’s someone actively trying to be better, and that shift adds so much depth to their dynamic. It makes every interaction with Leilani feel layered, because while she’s still playing by the old rules, he’s quietly rewriting them.
Leilani, on the other hand, is driven, stubborn, and completely committed to winning—not just the game, but the years-long emotional scoreboard between them. Watching her navigate divided attention (especially with her best friend in the mix) adds another layer of realism and warmth to the story.
And the camp itself? It’s basically a character. The Capture the Flag competition, the traditions, the chaos—it all feeds into the stakes and makes the romance feel playful while still emotionally grounded.
This is a story about rivalry turning into recognition—about realizing the person you’ve been trying to beat might actually be the one who understands you best. Flirty, competitive, and full of heart, it’s the kind of romance that sneaks up on you and then refuses to let go.
Book Review – Capture My Flag by K. L. Parsons Pub Date: 14 April 2026 If you’re looking for a fun, flirty, and addictive read to kick off your summer TBR, Capture My Flag absolutely delivers. Set in the chaotic, competitive world of an adult summer camp, this story blends classic enemies-to-lovers tension with laugh-out-loud moments and just the right amount of heat. Leilani and Hudson’s rivalry is electric from the very first page—sharp, witty, and packed with years of unresolved tension that makes every interaction feel like a battle… or foreplay. What really stood out for me was the character growth. Hudson isn’t just your typical cocky rival—there’s real development there, and watching his shift in priorities adds depth to the story. Leilani is equally compelling: determined, competitive, and fiercely independent, yet layered in a way that keeps you fully invested in her journey. The camp setting is such a refreshing backdrop. It brings a nostalgic, playful energy while still keeping things very much adult, with high stakes (emotionally and competitively). The Capture the Flag element adds a brilliant edge—turning romance into strategy, tension into action, and every interaction into something meaningful. Overall, this is a light, spicy romcom with heart, humour, and just enough emotional weight to keep you hooked. Perfect for readers who love enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity vibes, and a competitive edge in their romance. A seriously enjoyable read that will leave you smiling—and maybe wishing Camp Clandestine was real.
Okay wait… adult summer camp as a romance setting?? I did NOT think I’d be into it, but Capture My Flag by KL Parsons was actually so fun. 😭 The whole enemies-to-lovers/rivalry thing between Leilani and Hudson had me hooked immediately. They’ve been competing against each other at the same summer camp for years, leading opposite capture-the-flag teams, making chaotic bets, and basically trying to outdo each other nonstop.
Leilani originally hated Hudson because he reminded her of her annoying finance-bro ex, but meanwhile this man has been secretly crushing on her the ENTIRE time. And after spending the last year working on himself?? Hudson was giving major golden retriever energy while Leilani was 100% black cat energy. Their dynamic was honestly everything — the banter was sharp, funny, and super entertaining.
One thing I really loved was that the characters are older (in their early forties), which made the relationship feel more mature and refreshing. There wasn’t a bunch of unnecessary drama or miscommunication, and honestly it made the romance feel more believable. The story focused more on the emotional connection, rivalry, and friendships than just spice, which I personally liked. And when the spicy scenes did happen, they actually fit naturally into the story instead of feeling forced.
Overall, this was such a fun, lighthearted romance with great chemistry, hilarious camp chaos, and characters that genuinely grew on me. Definitely a 5-star read for me. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
First of all thank you so much NetGalley and Victory Editing for letting me review your book!
I absolutely loved this novel by K. L. Parsons, and she has definitely become an auto-buy author for me.
Capture the Flag made me want to attend an adult summer camp and relive all the things I loved doing as a child, while bringing out my competitive side in a fun environment. It honestly made me want to plan a girls’ holiday so badly!
The chemistry between the two main characters, Leilani and Hudson, was brilliant. I really appreciated that their relationship wasn’t insta-love but instead developed slowly over time. Their rivalry and competition were hilarious, and I loved the flashbacks to previous years at camp, which showed how their relationship had grown and matured leading up to this year’s camp. The side characters were also incredibly loveable, and I’m excited about how the story has clearly been set up so we can hear more from them in future books, with some of them getting their own stories.
Another big plus for me was that the characters had real life experience. Not everyone was in their early twenties—some had gone through failed relationships, while others were married with children. It’s so refreshing to read about characters who feel relatable to my stage of life.
I would 100 percent recommend this as a fun, feel-good read. I also loved that it was under 300 pages, making it an easy book to pick up and enjoy around busy family life.
**★★★★☆ | Fun, Flirty, and Packed with Playful Tension**
*Capture My Flag* by K. L. Parsons is a lively, entertaining read that blends humor, romance, and a competitive edge into something genuinely fun. From the start, there’s an infectious energy that makes it easy to get swept up in the story.
The premise adds a playful twist, creating plenty of opportunities for banter, rivalry, and those perfectly timed moments of tension that keep things interesting. The competitive element gives the story a unique spark, making the romance feel even more dynamic as the characters push and challenge each other.
The characters are engaging and full of personality, with a natural chemistry that shines through their interactions. Their connection builds in a way that feels both fun and meaningful, balancing lighthearted moments with emotional depth.
The pacing is quick and easy, making this a great binge-worthy read. While there are a few moments where additional depth could have enhanced certain emotional beats, the story maintains a strong sense of momentum throughout.
Overall, *Capture My Flag* is a charming and feel-good romance that delivers humor, heart, and just the right amount of tension. It’s perfect for readers looking for something playful, engaging, and easy to fall into.
**Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
Thank you K. L. Parsons for this arc and for having me on your street team. This is my honest review.
Hudson Pratt and Leilani Walker have been rivals at their adult summer camp for four straight years. This year the stakes are even higher. Hudson has been harboring a secret crush on Leilani. Leilani sees him as everything she doesn't want in a man. Can Hudson prove to Leilani that he is a changed man? Will these two rivals ever stop bickering to see what is right in front of them?
My goodness! What a good time this was! First of all, adult summer camp?! What a fun idea! I love that these characters are middle aged and that they still know how to have fun. This story is a dual POV with flashbacks so you really get to know the characters.
Leilani is my girl! She is a sassy, independent woman who loves to compete and doesn't take any crap from anyone. I'm all about a strong FMC. Hudson is also a great competitor but really he just wants Leilani. Honestly, I can't blame the man. These two know exactly how to push each others buttons and its so fun to see it played out. The sexual tension and banter is top notch. The spice is chef's kiss. The shower scene? You have to go read it yourself. If you love true rivals to lovers, banter, he falls first, all the feels, then this is for you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5 stars
✨✨Coming 4/14/26✨✨
Tropes:
🌲Rivals to Lovers ☀️Adult Summer Camp 🌲Capture the Flag Tournament ☀️Spicy 🌲Secret Crush ☀️Banter 🌲Mid-life Charaacters ☀️Yearly Bet 🌲PNW Setting
ARC review book 1 of the series Antecdotal thoughts while reading Adult summer camp...sign me up as long as my friends are there, or is it a dating summer camp? Leilani - middle child of athletic siblings, impulse to win and play hard Um, no, stick to the no electronics rule. Get back to a time when we did not have the world's knowledge and distractions at our fingertips. Go back to face to face interactions. 😞 Melody - recent divorce, friend of Leilani Bianca - friends with Leilani and Melody, longtime summer camper Hudson - former breaker of the electronic rule. Wonder if he does it again. Goes head to head with Leilani? Charles - Hudson’s friend and longtime summer camper; love a LQBTQIA+ couple with kids! Eddie - possibly Bianca's summer camp love Oh, secret crush happening Prediction = something between arts and craft counselor and Melody will develop and help her heal from her divorce?? Oh Leilani, it's just a sign up sheet. I guess you will try to 🐐 him at any chance. Storyline goes back and forth in the timeline. Do you think the anonymous donation is from Hudson? Sounds like some swamp a$$ happening there dude. Hudson.. you have a good ❤️ even if it is burried under childish summer camp snark and teasing. Nanny-nanny-boo-boo 😆 😳 🪵 What happened to elicit this big change that Charles is talking about? 🧜♂️ 🎣 😁 🌕
The most fun I’ve had in a long while. I'm happy I got the ARC last minute and was able to read this bad boy.
It's pretty much everything I like in a book. Light and fun writing style? Check. Lots of banter, yearning, and tension? Check. The quality and amount of spice? Check.
The shenanigans were incredibly fun to read about and the chapters being so short made the whole experience more dynamic.
There were solid reasons for being enemies at first and it made sense that Leilani kept up her front for a long time even when Hudson developed more positive feelings. I like that it took her most of the book to see him in a different light and she didn't magically fall in love in a second after years of rivalry.
And Hudson himself - the small gestures, the consent, the way the last bet went down - was *chef's kiss* top tier book boyfriend, in my opinion. I adore that man.
I also really liked the side characters and the whole setting. It was so lively and unserious. I'd love to see what else goes down there in future parts of the series.
There's nothing I disliked about it. Every issue I had was fixed by the book itself, so I come empty handed this time.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for letting me read the ARC!
Capture My Flag was a real fun time - I read this book in two days! It had some heart, a decent helping of spice, and was funny. Chapter 40 had me literally laughing out loud to the point I had to put down my Kindle until I could collect myself and continue. I need a camp getaway this summer!
Hudson Pratt and Leilani Walker meet at an adults summer camp through friends and immediately butt heads and rub each other the wrong way. So why do they keep thinking about the other one and looking forward to their rivalry year after year? Hudson has it bad for Leilani but can't figure out how to change the dynamic of their relationship to something year round but it seems like it's going to be this summer or never.
I like that each of our main characters - and even the side characters of this book - are all older with established lives. Hudson is on the back end of a major life overhual but overall, I like that they are adults but still creating their lives and pursuing happiness.
Can't wait for the next in the series!
Thank you to the author for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
Capture My Flag is so much fun! It gave me all the best camp memories (as a former Girl Scout camp attendee!!) and all the best in spicy romance.
We follow Leilani and Hudson, during their fifth adult camp season, picking up a years long intense rivalry that is highlighted in the camp capture the flag contest each summer. This year, Leilani has brought her friend Mel, and this is the catalyst for a summer like no other (dun, dun, DUN!!).
The rivalry and enemies to lovers dynamic between Leilani and Hudson is delicious, it’s somehow both instant attraction, and slow burn, and it worked really well for the abbreviated timeline of a camp session. We manage to get a lot of character backstory sprinkled throughout, and this really adds depth to the core relationship. The side characters are also really great, and have plenty of depth, really rounding out the story well.
Overall I really enjoyed this, and I can’t wait to go back to camp! Major thank you to the author for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this. This brought back all of the summer memories. Camp starts out with a group of girl friends and guy friends who come back to an adult summer camp for one week a year. Everyone is going through a little something different which made it easy to relate and empathize with so many of the characters. The parts that I think could have been better had to do with the pacing. The beginning is too fast paced with us getting the camp information and so many different characters. It took a while to really catch up but after that the pacing was better.
It is a quick read since it takes place over 6 days with some fun flash backs to previous years. A little more backstory for both our MMC and FMC would have been great but I enjoyed the information we got. The book is a great summer read especially for people in their early twenties because while it isn’t a YA it does seem more geared to a younger audience.
Thank you to K. L. Parsons for my ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
Leilani and her friend attend an adult summer camp for one week each summer. Her first summer there she meets Hudson. Hudson is a typical all about himself type of guy, talks smack about his girlfriend, has a high paying job. Ya know the type. Well Leilani can't stand him and she bets him the first summer that she will win the Capture the flag contest against his team.
Every year they come back and compete with each other and every year they make a bet. On their 5th year at camp, Hudson is different. Leilani doesn't notice at first but as time goes on she sees subtle changes in him. He decides to up the stakes of their bet and take things real life, if he wins she goes on a date with him. She makes him make a deal that if she wins, he never comes back to camp again. Who will win?
For five years straight Hudson and Leilani have been summer camp rivals, and have been competing with each other over a game of capture the flag - with the loser doing a dare of the winner’s choice with the stakes getting higher each year.
I love the setting of this book - an adult summer camp! And this book was so much fun to read.The banter, the teasing, the tension, and the spice were absolutely A-tier. The dialogue made me chuckle out loud more than once.
The dynamic of Leilani and Hudson was also something I enjoyed. The competitive rivals with a little will-they-won’t-they. They can’t stand each other, but deep down, is that how they really felt?
The side characters are also interesting, andI’d love to read more about them in the nextCamp Clandestine books.
Thank you to K. L. Parsons for an advanced copy of this book
Hudson and Leilani attend a week long summer camp every year with their friends and are long time rivals (5 years running). They place bets each year on who will win the team events, as they are always on opposing teams. This year is different though. The stakes have changed.
In my opinion, this was an average book but the characters were a little flat for me. Hudson's character arc was more like telling the reader he changed but not really showing with actions. He was still kind of a dick but now he's a dick with a crush on a girl. Maybe it's also because the entire book is set at the camp which is literally only the span of 6 days but that's why I docked some stars. Normally, I wouldn't be so set on seeing something like that but because that's the whole premise of why they get together, I just wanted to feel it more.
Thank You K.L. Parsons for an advanced copy of Capture My Flag. All thoughts & opinions included in this review are my own
“Look at that. It’s fuck- you- o’clock. Appears I’m right on time.”
Hudson & Leilani's story takes place at Evergreen Adventure Camp aka Camp Clandestine and man on man was it both hilarious and hot. I love Leilani's competitive nature and fiery attitude. Honestly at the start of the story I was team Leilani and had her back for her dislike of Hudson but as the story went on Hudson was by far my favorite character. Between his growth as a person from the first time he met Leilani to the moment he finally let Leilani know how he felt about her he steadily grew on me.
I loved the banter & the tension between Hudson & Leilani, it just fueled the perfectness of the rivals to lovers trope.
The fact that K.L. Parsons decided to have Capture My Flag take place at an adult summer camp was perfect because it was a lot different than a lot of the settings used for romance novels and honestly it was a lot of fun.
I'm beyond excited to see where K.L. Parsons takes us with the rest of the Camp Clandestine stories and to dive into our next set of MCs!
I think the overall premise of this book was really clever. I loved the humour and idea of going back to when we were kids and having the characters act like children in parts I think that was really well done.
At the beginning I think the book was a little too fast paced. I felt like there were a lot of characters and not enough description. I felt confused as to who was who and really struggled with the small dips into back story that I think could have been elaborated further.
I think the book focused on the friends in a way that set up other books but often took over from the main plot.
Overall, I think the book was light hearted, funny, and had.a good balance of enemies to lovers, he falls first and a MMC who pined after his FMC well.
This book had me intrigued with its premise and I was not disappointed in the slightest. It was unique and it was entertaining and made me want to go to summer camp as an adult. I was so invested in the story from start to finish. This story was so fun and entertaining. There was romance and spice and silliness and banter. I couldn’t put it down once I started reading. Leilani and Hudson might have had a bumpy start to their connection, but watching things grow and change between them had me giggling and swooning at the same time. Things between them heat up and it was so endearing to see where things go for them. And the ending was exactly what I wanted for them and everything they deserved.
Capture My Flag by K.L. Parsons is basically adult summer camp chaos + spice + romcom energy and I ate that up 😌💛 the camp aesthetic??? immaculate. I could literally feel the sunshine, the games, the nostalgia 🥹
that said… the age range of the characters kinda threw me off a bit 🤏 it didn’t fully click for me, which is why it’s not a higher rating. BUT it was still super cute, fun, and easy to get lost in 💕
overall: messy, flirty summer fun with a cozy camp twist 🌿🔥
Thank you K.L. Parsons for this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts. Releases April 14, 2026
I liked the storyline of this book.
A summer camp for adults!
So fun!
With that being said it was hard to read this keeping in mind they were in fact adults.
The writing was very well done, I was able to picture what was happening, especially during the competitions. Gave me a few good laughs!
I loved Hudson & Leilani’s story. The flashbacks of their rivalry throughout the years was a great addition. I wish we had more of their story at the end!
Read if you like: ✨️secret crush ✨️summer romance ✨️adult summer camp ✨️rivals to lovers ✨️he falls first ✨️spice
I finished this book in less than 24 hours. From chapter one, I was hooked. I loved the banter between Leilani and Hudson. I loved that they both secretly had feelings for one another but I'm not wanting to give in. I love that the backstory about how they got to be rivals was included. I was constantly waiting for these two to just give into temptation... And when they finally did...🥵🥵🥵🥵 This is a MUST read if you love spicy rom coms!
This was a fun summery read as it takes place at a summer camp with our older MCs Hudson and Leilani. It’s giving nostalgia as our MCs sleep in cabins, play capture the flag, and try not to get caught sneaking off to hook up.
Though the tension and banter between our MCs was enjoyable and spicy at times, the rivalry felt so childish and didn’t need to run that deep. Like the team name “Hudson sucks”…really?
The story overall fell a little flat for me because I didn’t feel any depth or connection between the character.
Thank you K.L Parsons for the advanced copy in exchange for a honest review.