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Camp Rewind
Alice Wu is at Camp Rewind only because her therapist thinks it’ll help her overcome the social anxiety she’s battled since childhood. She’s not sure she believes that theory, but will try anything to make a real friend. A casual fling would also be nice, but she’s not holding her breath.
Rosa Salazar hopes camp will be an escape from a life permanently altered. Eviscerated online for her feminist critique of a popular video game, Rosa has endured months of anonymous threats over social media, doxxing, and, worst of all, the posting of graphic, sexually explicit material stolen from her cloud storage—including a dirty video she made for an ex. Using a fake name, she enrolls in camp craving a return to a simpler time, before the shame.
Alice and Rosa soon discover that at Camp Rewind, anything is possible. Even an unlikely friendship that swiftly becomes something more.
Rosa Salazar hopes camp will be an escape from a life permanently altered. Eviscerated online for her feminist critique of a popular video game, Rosa has endured months of anonymous threats over social media, doxxing, and, worst of all, the posting of graphic, sexually explicit material stolen from her cloud storage—including a dirty video she made for an ex. Using a fake name, she enrolls in camp craving a return to a simpler time, before the shame.
Alice and Rosa soon discover that at Camp Rewind, anything is possible. Even an unlikely friendship that swiftly becomes something more.
264 pages, Paperback
First published October 18, 2016
46 people are currently reading
678 people want to read
About the author
Meghan O'Brien
44 books1,145 followersBorn in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan, Meghan O’Brien relocated to Northern California in 2005. As a transplant, she enjoys the moderate weather and gorgeous scenery of the Bay Area. Meghan lives with her wife, their son, three cats, three dogs, two snakes and several tarantulas. Yes, it can be just as chaotic as it sounds.
Meghan’s day job is as a software developer, but her real passion is writing. From her humble beginnings creating numerous “books” out of construction paper and crayons as soon as she learned to write, to her several published novels and various anthology contributions, writing is what makes her feel most complete. (from the author's website)
Meghan’s day job is as a software developer, but her real passion is writing. From her humble beginnings creating numerous “books” out of construction paper and crayons as soon as she learned to write, to her several published novels and various anthology contributions, writing is what makes her feel most complete. (from the author's website)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
September 8, 2016
I first heard about this book on June 3rd, and have been impatiently waiting to read it ever since. As an O'Brien fan, I had high expectations for this book, and it did not disappoint. This book easily jumped to one of my favorites, by O'Brien.
The story is about Alice, a painfully shy and anxiety filled, person. Her therapist thinks going away to a summer camp for adults, would be a great way for Alice to overcome her social anxiety and maybe even make a friend. At the camp Alice meets Rosa, who has her own reasons for being at the camp. Rosa is going through an internet scandal that has ruined her life and many people around her. With daily death threats and worse, Rosa hopes to have a fun few days, where no one knows who she is. When the two form an immediate connection, Rosa worries, that shy Alice, could never handle the infamy she is under. And that a relationship, between the two, would never work in the real world. Can they have a chance at true love, or are they doomed from the start?
I have actually been hearing about these camps lately. Were grown-ups can go and remember what it's like to be a kid again. I thought this was the perfect setting for this book. At times I actually thought I was reading about two teenagers meeting at summer camp, with Alice being so shy and inexperienced. This book was absolutely sweet at times. But then it would go from sweet, to sexy, to darn right hot. O'Brien writes some of the best sex scenes in Lesfic, period.
The characters where great. I loved Alice and thought she was so well written. Painfully shy, but desperately knew what she wanted for her life. And Rosa, who works so hard to care for Alice, they were just so wonderful together. The romance was great, sexy, and enjoyable. I absolutely loved this book, and have no complaints.
This book is an easy recommendation for me to make. Romance fans, who want a great connection and a sexy, steamy love story, this book is for you.
An ARC was given to me from Bold Strokes Books, for a honest review.
The story is about Alice, a painfully shy and anxiety filled, person. Her therapist thinks going away to a summer camp for adults, would be a great way for Alice to overcome her social anxiety and maybe even make a friend. At the camp Alice meets Rosa, who has her own reasons for being at the camp. Rosa is going through an internet scandal that has ruined her life and many people around her. With daily death threats and worse, Rosa hopes to have a fun few days, where no one knows who she is. When the two form an immediate connection, Rosa worries, that shy Alice, could never handle the infamy she is under. And that a relationship, between the two, would never work in the real world. Can they have a chance at true love, or are they doomed from the start?
I have actually been hearing about these camps lately. Were grown-ups can go and remember what it's like to be a kid again. I thought this was the perfect setting for this book. At times I actually thought I was reading about two teenagers meeting at summer camp, with Alice being so shy and inexperienced. This book was absolutely sweet at times. But then it would go from sweet, to sexy, to darn right hot. O'Brien writes some of the best sex scenes in Lesfic, period.
The characters where great. I loved Alice and thought she was so well written. Painfully shy, but desperately knew what she wanted for her life. And Rosa, who works so hard to care for Alice, they were just so wonderful together. The romance was great, sexy, and enjoyable. I absolutely loved this book, and have no complaints.
This book is an easy recommendation for me to make. Romance fans, who want a great connection and a sexy, steamy love story, this book is for you.
An ARC was given to me from Bold Strokes Books, for a honest review.
December 27, 2018
Camp Rewind reminds me of my least favorite book by O'Brien -- Thirteen Hours (I have not read The Muse yet). To much sex in so little time and too little plot.
The setting, a summer camp for adults, was kind of silly. Who wants in their late thirties to have sex in a bunk in shared quarters while someone is snoring, or on the floor of a boathouse with a snake slithering around. My back started to hurt just from reading that. Maybe I am too old for this kind of fun, but I appreciated at least some comfort even when I was twenty-something. But joking aside, the plot was weak, the conflict even weaker (full of common tropes -- It's not you, it's me; I can't watch you suffer because of me; Nobody would want someone like me...). Alice Wu is shown as socially awkward, but smart and essentially strong person (I liked her), and Rosa Salazar is shown as brave but stupid (I pitied her). She was brave enough to criticize a bestselling video game as sexist and racist with sexually violent imagery toward women, in the online article with her own name and picture, and foolish enough to shoot a dirty video for her boyfriend and after it was sent to him, she stores it online with some of her other sexually explicit material. How stupid can you get...
The unfortunate events after her critique article are the best/smartest part of the story as a vivid demonstration of possible cyberstalking and very aggressive online harassment of people (and their relatives and friends) who think and dare to speak differently, with special attention here on women who dare to point out sexism and unnecessary violence against women in video games. This is unfortunately still a man's world.
Overall, hot but uncomfortable sex, a weak plot, and a serious and well-formulated message(s) for all of us online dwellers.
3 stars
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
PS
some interesting links: --> Content Warning: This educational episode contains graphic sexual and violent game footage.
Women as Background Decoration: Part 1 - Tropes vs Women in Video Games
Women as Background Decoration: Part 2 - Tropes vs Women in Video Games
The Problem With 'The Casual Cruelty' Against Women in Video Games
The setting, a summer camp for adults, was kind of silly. Who wants in their late thirties to have sex in a bunk in shared quarters while someone is snoring, or on the floor of a boathouse with a snake slithering around. My back started to hurt just from reading that. Maybe I am too old for this kind of fun, but I appreciated at least some comfort even when I was twenty-something. But joking aside, the plot was weak, the conflict even weaker (full of common tropes -- It's not you, it's me; I can't watch you suffer because of me; Nobody would want someone like me...). Alice Wu is shown as socially awkward, but smart and essentially strong person (I liked her), and Rosa Salazar is shown as brave but stupid (I pitied her). She was brave enough to criticize a bestselling video game as sexist and racist with sexually violent imagery toward women, in the online article with her own name and picture, and foolish enough to shoot a dirty video for her boyfriend and after it was sent to him, she stores it online with some of her other sexually explicit material. How stupid can you get...
The unfortunate events after her critique article are the best/smartest part of the story as a vivid demonstration of possible cyberstalking and very aggressive online harassment of people (and their relatives and friends) who think and dare to speak differently, with special attention here on women who dare to point out sexism and unnecessary violence against women in video games. This is unfortunately still a man's world.
Overall, hot but uncomfortable sex, a weak plot, and a serious and well-formulated message(s) for all of us online dwellers.
3 stars
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
PS
some interesting links: --> Content Warning: This educational episode contains graphic sexual and violent game footage.
Women as Background Decoration: Part 1 - Tropes vs Women in Video Games
Women as Background Decoration: Part 2 - Tropes vs Women in Video Games
The Problem With 'The Casual Cruelty' Against Women in Video Games
May 21, 2019
I did not expect to like this book so much. I’d really enjoyed Infinite Loop (even though I’ve no idea what it’s about, since I’m so good at forgetting, which I’ve just proven once more as I just realized I’d given 3 * so I might have to read it again soon to check) but I’d been rather disappointed with Her Best Friend's Sister. Sure, the sex scenes were hot but I never felt any connection to the characters, didn’t much care about the story (insofar as there was a story between the sex), so I was a bit wary about this one, despite the mostly raving reviews. Which is why it took me a long time to get to it.
I was SO wrong. Yes, the sex is still steamy but there’s so much more to this novel. The depiction of social anxiety, for one, is spot on. Also, any other story where the MCs fall in love in less than 48 hours would have me groan (not in pleasure) but here I believed it. I liked the complexity of the characters, I loved secondary character Bree, I liked the pace of the story, the atmosphere etc.
In conclusion, don’t make the same mistake, just read this book. It’s fun, it’s romantic and, yes, it’s sexy.
I was SO wrong. Yes, the sex is still steamy but there’s so much more to this novel. The depiction of social anxiety, for one, is spot on. Also, any other story where the MCs fall in love in less than 48 hours would have me groan (not in pleasure) but here I believed it. I liked the complexity of the characters, I loved secondary character Bree, I liked the pace of the story, the atmosphere etc.
In conclusion, don’t make the same mistake, just read this book. It’s fun, it’s romantic and, yes, it’s sexy.
October 5, 2016
ARC received through Netgalley for an honest review.
Okay, this author has long been the standard by which I judge all other Lesfic erotic writing. However, recently I have really struggled with her writing and DNF her last full novel the Muse.
When I received this novel it was with a certain amount of trepidation that I approached reading and committing to reviewing the book. However, I was more than pleasantly surprised by really enjoying the ups and downs (and in's and out's :D) of this simple premise novel.
Full disclosure, I don't get the American system of Summer Camps and the idea that as an adult you would want to try and recreate the halcyon days of being a teenager leaves me bewildered. But apparently they are a thing. Who am I to judge.
Things I liked about the plot were the back stories of the main characters. Both had interesting motivations for being there and while I might question them, both were internally consistent and honest within the context of story.
I liked and rooted for the characters to overcome their challenges and find each other.... and make wild, passionate monkey love.
Naturally everything happens incredibly quickly and barriers are broken down in the course of a couple of days. Unrealistic, yes - but I didn't care.
This book is an hedonistic joy. The writing flows well and the passion and happiness carry you through to the HEA.
Could have done without the last bit of drama which felt slightly forced, but I suppose it's written into the contracts of Bold Strokes authors that the path of true love (or lust) cannot be smooth.
This is a sinfully delicious dessert of a novel that should not be read at work or in company - unless that's your 'thing' ;)).
Okay, this author has long been the standard by which I judge all other Lesfic erotic writing. However, recently I have really struggled with her writing and DNF her last full novel the Muse.
When I received this novel it was with a certain amount of trepidation that I approached reading and committing to reviewing the book. However, I was more than pleasantly surprised by really enjoying the ups and downs (and in's and out's :D) of this simple premise novel.
Full disclosure, I don't get the American system of Summer Camps and the idea that as an adult you would want to try and recreate the halcyon days of being a teenager leaves me bewildered. But apparently they are a thing. Who am I to judge.
Things I liked about the plot were the back stories of the main characters. Both had interesting motivations for being there and while I might question them, both were internally consistent and honest within the context of story.
I liked and rooted for the characters to overcome their challenges and find each other.... and make wild, passionate monkey love.
Naturally everything happens incredibly quickly and barriers are broken down in the course of a couple of days. Unrealistic, yes - but I didn't care.
This book is an hedonistic joy. The writing flows well and the passion and happiness carry you through to the HEA.
Could have done without the last bit of drama which felt slightly forced, but I suppose it's written into the contracts of Bold Strokes authors that the path of true love (or lust) cannot be smooth.
This is a sinfully delicious dessert of a novel that should not be read at work or in company - unless that's your 'thing' ;)).
February 10, 2017
I've gotta be honest, this isn't my favourite book by O'Brien. I've read most of her books and loved them, this was good but not great.
I liked Alice and Rosa, I thought they made a cute couple but it all just seemed too fast, maybe a little too fast.
I found some parts a little hard to believe, considering Alice' crippling shyness, the fact that she struggled even to think about going to the camp, then her anxiety over getting out of her car. It felt like she seemed to get over it rather quickly. I mean, good for her and everything but I found myself thinking 'really?'. I think I might have found it more believable if it happened over a longer period of time.
Also there is just tons of sex. While that doesn't usually bother me but it was like all the time, everyone at camp was either getting bevied or hooking up or both. If they weren't having sex they were talking about sex. It got a bit much. Like everyone just went to camp to get laid, I thought it was supposed to be about capturing parts off their youth or whatever.
I did like it, though I wouldn't reread it - I've reread a few of her others - it was an easy read that only took me a day. I'd still read more books by this author, for sure.
I liked Alice and Rosa, I thought they made a cute couple but it all just seemed too fast, maybe a little too fast.
I found some parts a little hard to believe, considering Alice' crippling shyness, the fact that she struggled even to think about going to the camp, then her anxiety over getting out of her car. It felt like she seemed to get over it rather quickly. I mean, good for her and everything but I found myself thinking 'really?'. I think I might have found it more believable if it happened over a longer period of time.
Also there is just tons of sex. While that doesn't usually bother me but it was like all the time, everyone at camp was either getting bevied or hooking up or both. If they weren't having sex they were talking about sex. It got a bit much. Like everyone just went to camp to get laid, I thought it was supposed to be about capturing parts off their youth or whatever.
I did like it, though I wouldn't reread it - I've reread a few of her others - it was an easy read that only took me a day. I'd still read more books by this author, for sure.
February 8, 2017
ARC provide details by NetGalley in return for a fair review.
I couldn't get into this one, which is a shame, since I was looking forward to it. I couldn't relate to Rosa at all, so that was a big problem to overcome. Alice was an interesting character, and very sweet but she wasn't enough to carry the whole book. I also can't think of anything I'd rather do less than spend time at a sleep away camp with a bunch of people I don't know (and even less so if I already suffered from social anxiety), so the setting didn't do much for me either.
Meghan writes detailed love scenes, so if that's what you're after, you should find enough here to keep you interested. Unfortunately I was in the mood for a bit more plot, and the back and forth of their combined angst didn't do it for me. It's not her best book, but it does get points for highlighting topics we don't usually see, so kudos for that.
I couldn't get into this one, which is a shame, since I was looking forward to it. I couldn't relate to Rosa at all, so that was a big problem to overcome. Alice was an interesting character, and very sweet but she wasn't enough to carry the whole book. I also can't think of anything I'd rather do less than spend time at a sleep away camp with a bunch of people I don't know (and even less so if I already suffered from social anxiety), so the setting didn't do much for me either.
Meghan writes detailed love scenes, so if that's what you're after, you should find enough here to keep you interested. Unfortunately I was in the mood for a bit more plot, and the back and forth of their combined angst didn't do it for me. It's not her best book, but it does get points for highlighting topics we don't usually see, so kudos for that.
August 22, 2019
I originally read this almost 3 years ago. Recently I was out of fanfic to listen to and checked my audible matchmaker link on Amazon. I saw this and figured why not, I’d give it another chance. Maybe I was having a bad day and just freaked out unnecessarily back then. I even remember where I DNF’d it, heh.
It’s bad enough that the het’s have control over TV and Movie media. The ‘DLT’ or ‘Dead Lesbian Trope’ has existed for years. https://womenwords.org/2017/05/12/fan... So it’s not a stretch that queer readers search out healthy representation in the media type created by queer authors. (Generally, there are obvious outliers). So to see that the trend in the last 5 years or so that there *MUST* include a break up in every lesfic book we read instead of an eventual healthy queer relationship boggles my mind. But whatever. This isn’t a new opinion of mine. It just has a piece of the pie that is my thoughts on this book.
To be clear. I *love* Meghan O’Brien’s books. I’ve read. Every. Single. One.
To start off with, MC Rosa identifies as Pansexual. After reading this I was HUGELY pissed off. In case you don’t know one, Pan’s tend to be very very empathetic. We’re very sensitive as well. Not in a door mat kind of way, but in an empathy way. And MC Rosa is the antithesis of this standard. I felt massively misrepresented here.
Then we have MC Alice. A cripplingly shy questioning queer. Extremely intelligent, but socially and at times emotionally immature. A fantastic MC, as I personally can see a little bit of myself in her thus making her an intensely relatable MC. She’s the kind of MC where if I knew her IRL I’d want to take her under wing and beat up anyone who hurt her :)
Spoiler…. If that’s not going to bother you read on, if it does, just click off.
Rosa basically seduces Alice pretty soon after just meeting her. Tells her how much she wants to be her friend, that she has feelings for her, etc. Then shags Alice, and promptly dumps her in the first light of day. Seriously. It was the most bullsh!t dude thing I’ve ever seen. Callous is a descriptor that barely scratches the surface. Tell someone you’re reaaaaaaally into them to get in their pants. Accomplish that. Then dump them within hours. The original expectation here was that at least they would have each other for the duration of the camp but Rosa was like, nope, I got mine. Piss off.
The dumping scene was the longest dumping I’ve ever read in my life, it had to have exceeded 10K words at least. It was completely unnecessary and BS. And if that’s ok with you? If you 5 or 4 starred this and thought to yourself, that’s ok, really. It’s ok to do that. Then unfriend me now please. Cause I don’t want to read your unhealthy opinions on books/situations.
The first time through this I DNF’d it after the break up scene. I thought if I listened to the audio version I can disconnect easier and make my way through it. But is that the point? Should I have to disconnect from your book in order to survive the BS angst you write? Books are meant to be immersive.
I finished it this time on the audio version, but like I said, after the break up the author/reader trust I had was broken and I couldn���t deal anymore with the story. This will remain a very rare one star review.
The new light bulb moment I had was at GCLS this year and attended the Conflict panel hosted by several that we all know, mainly the head of BSB publishing. It was her opinion that this type of conflict is *mandatory* in any manuscript she signs off on. I honestly feel sorry for any of the authors under her umbrella.
It’s bad enough that the het’s have control over TV and Movie media. The ‘DLT’ or ‘Dead Lesbian Trope’ has existed for years. https://womenwords.org/2017/05/12/fan... So it’s not a stretch that queer readers search out healthy representation in the media type created by queer authors. (Generally, there are obvious outliers). So to see that the trend in the last 5 years or so that there *MUST* include a break up in every lesfic book we read instead of an eventual healthy queer relationship boggles my mind. But whatever. This isn’t a new opinion of mine. It just has a piece of the pie that is my thoughts on this book.
To be clear. I *love* Meghan O’Brien’s books. I’ve read. Every. Single. One.
To start off with, MC Rosa identifies as Pansexual. After reading this I was HUGELY pissed off. In case you don’t know one, Pan’s tend to be very very empathetic. We’re very sensitive as well. Not in a door mat kind of way, but in an empathy way. And MC Rosa is the antithesis of this standard. I felt massively misrepresented here.
Then we have MC Alice. A cripplingly shy questioning queer. Extremely intelligent, but socially and at times emotionally immature. A fantastic MC, as I personally can see a little bit of myself in her thus making her an intensely relatable MC. She’s the kind of MC where if I knew her IRL I’d want to take her under wing and beat up anyone who hurt her :)
Spoiler…. If that’s not going to bother you read on, if it does, just click off.
Rosa basically seduces Alice pretty soon after just meeting her. Tells her how much she wants to be her friend, that she has feelings for her, etc. Then shags Alice, and promptly dumps her in the first light of day. Seriously. It was the most bullsh!t dude thing I’ve ever seen. Callous is a descriptor that barely scratches the surface. Tell someone you’re reaaaaaaally into them to get in their pants. Accomplish that. Then dump them within hours. The original expectation here was that at least they would have each other for the duration of the camp but Rosa was like, nope, I got mine. Piss off.
The dumping scene was the longest dumping I’ve ever read in my life, it had to have exceeded 10K words at least. It was completely unnecessary and BS. And if that’s ok with you? If you 5 or 4 starred this and thought to yourself, that’s ok, really. It’s ok to do that. Then unfriend me now please. Cause I don’t want to read your unhealthy opinions on books/situations.
The first time through this I DNF’d it after the break up scene. I thought if I listened to the audio version I can disconnect easier and make my way through it. But is that the point? Should I have to disconnect from your book in order to survive the BS angst you write? Books are meant to be immersive.
I finished it this time on the audio version, but like I said, after the break up the author/reader trust I had was broken and I couldn���t deal anymore with the story. This will remain a very rare one star review.
The new light bulb moment I had was at GCLS this year and attended the Conflict panel hosted by several that we all know, mainly the head of BSB publishing. It was her opinion that this type of conflict is *mandatory* in any manuscript she signs off on. I honestly feel sorry for any of the authors under her umbrella.
May 21, 2017
What did I do on a well-deserved (hooky) day off? I dug into Meghan O'Brien's latest, of course! I couldn't fake that kind of excitement. I mean, lesbian romance and sex! What's not to love?
First and foremost: Alice Wu. All the yeses. All the awards. She is absolutely CRUSH-WORTHY. The nerdiness, the hiding, the timidity. God, even her crippling shyness reduced my heart to a puddle of sugary goo. Damn cute, that robot-making hottie.
Rosa was pretty neat, too. I sympathized with her plight. It's so easy to judge others on carelessness (regarding the cloud thing), but when a mass of vicious people want to belittle you for having an opinion, they'll go out of their way to uncover dirt. I can understand how violated and exposed she'd feel and O'Brien made a huge theme (consent) very clear.
BTW: THE SEX. Delightfully decadent and detailed, as expected. The buildup to Alice and Rosa's first time was worth it. So damn hot.
Despite the tastiness if this romance, a few things knocked this down to four stars:
*Bree: She was TOO MUCH. Her tired/gross commentary eclipsed what could be a cool character. Unfortunately, her brand of dirty jokes weren't my cup of tea. I love perv jokes as much as the next girl, but damn, reel it in.
*Longggggg explanations on stuff I couldn't care less about. Including monologuing and rehashing on issues we already know.
*The last chapter. Except for the sex scene and some they're-going-to-be-okay reveals, it didn't contribute enough for its length. Perhaps too much telling rather than showing there? And I didn't care about Trayvon hooking up with Jamal or Bree/Enid acting no different a year later. I almost wanted to see Alice back in Dawn's office; I had enjoyed those interactions.
Regardless, I really enjoyed this story. The camp angle is novel and quite a fun take on girl-meets-girl. I'm into the nostalgia aspect, even if I never camped myself as a child. O'Brien's writing style is always fluid for me to lose myself in her worlds of romance (and sex!). I'll impatiently wait for her next book!
First and foremost: Alice Wu. All the yeses. All the awards. She is absolutely CRUSH-WORTHY. The nerdiness, the hiding, the timidity. God, even her crippling shyness reduced my heart to a puddle of sugary goo. Damn cute, that robot-making hottie.
Rosa was pretty neat, too. I sympathized with her plight. It's so easy to judge others on carelessness (regarding the cloud thing), but when a mass of vicious people want to belittle you for having an opinion, they'll go out of their way to uncover dirt. I can understand how violated and exposed she'd feel and O'Brien made a huge theme (consent) very clear.
BTW: THE SEX. Delightfully decadent and detailed, as expected. The buildup to Alice and Rosa's first time was worth it. So damn hot.
Despite the tastiness if this romance, a few things knocked this down to four stars:
*Bree: She was TOO MUCH. Her tired/gross commentary eclipsed what could be a cool character. Unfortunately, her brand of dirty jokes weren't my cup of tea. I love perv jokes as much as the next girl, but damn, reel it in.
*Longggggg explanations on stuff I couldn't care less about. Including monologuing and rehashing on issues we already know.
*The last chapter. Except for the sex scene and some they're-going-to-be-okay reveals, it didn't contribute enough for its length. Perhaps too much telling rather than showing there? And I didn't care about Trayvon hooking up with Jamal or Bree/Enid acting no different a year later. I almost wanted to see Alice back in Dawn's office; I had enjoyed those interactions.
Regardless, I really enjoyed this story. The camp angle is novel and quite a fun take on girl-meets-girl. I'm into the nostalgia aspect, even if I never camped myself as a child. O'Brien's writing style is always fluid for me to lose myself in her worlds of romance (and sex!). I'll impatiently wait for her next book!
October 14, 2016
*Book received from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books, Inc. in return for a fair review*
So I guess I may have been a bit too generous with this rating but I really appreciated the effort made by the author in writing an original story something that goes beyond the the typical lesbian romance, with its typical scenarios and typical characters we are all so familiar with. So how this reason, this book is a breath of fresh air.
I loved some of the characters and while others may have need more work, I really enjoyed this story and the way the author could mix emotion, sex and humor.
So I guess I may have been a bit too generous with this rating but I really appreciated the effort made by the author in writing an original story something that goes beyond the the typical lesbian romance, with its typical scenarios and typical characters we are all so familiar with. So how this reason, this book is a breath of fresh air.
I loved some of the characters and while others may have need more work, I really enjoyed this story and the way the author could mix emotion, sex and humor.
September 13, 2016
ARC received from NetGalley & Bold Stroke Books in return for an honest review.
Camp Rewind was another great Read from Meghan O’Brien. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
My Synopsis
Alice Wu is beyond painfully Shy. Her life has become so introverted and she’s withdrawn from people in all settings in her life. A life she never created for herself but was forced on to Alice by her parents and her ex-husband. Alice’s only friend is her therapist who has convinced her to go to Camp Rewind.
At Camp Rewind it about setting the clocks back and becoming a child again. Embracing life and making friends… But is Alice ready for this?
Rosa Sanjez is living her life under the radar due to an article she writes about a misogynistic and sexist video game. The article has lead to, her computer being hacked and the contents being leaked, death and rape threats that make it hard for her to now live a normal life.
Rosa attends Camp Rewind under a pseudonym. She plans to have fun and maybe have a weekend fling but all incognito. She just doesn’t plan on Alice Wu… is Alice someone that she may want to reveal her true guise to?
My Review
This was a novel that opened by eyes to the horrible world of Internet trolling and also how intensely dangerous some of these video game cultures are.
After doing some research in between reading Camp Rewind I was quite saddened by the statistics on the negativity these games are creating in predominately young teenagers. So thank you Megan O’Brien for opening my eyes to the dangers of not only video gaming and trolling but also how our privacy is so easily invaded even when we think we are “Password Protected”!
They novel itself was great. I really loved Alice. She made me want her to befriend her. She was someone I wanted to protected but also let her explore the new world she was creating with her bravery and Courage.
The sex scenes were off the chart, which is normal for a Meghan O’Brien Novel. Boy does she know Lesbian sex and eroticism. I’m still blushing but how I love it!
4.5 stars and easily my second favourite Meghan O’Brien novel … 13 Hours is still my favourite!
Camp Rewind was another great Read from Meghan O’Brien. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
My Synopsis
Alice Wu is beyond painfully Shy. Her life has become so introverted and she’s withdrawn from people in all settings in her life. A life she never created for herself but was forced on to Alice by her parents and her ex-husband. Alice’s only friend is her therapist who has convinced her to go to Camp Rewind.
At Camp Rewind it about setting the clocks back and becoming a child again. Embracing life and making friends… But is Alice ready for this?
Rosa Sanjez is living her life under the radar due to an article she writes about a misogynistic and sexist video game. The article has lead to, her computer being hacked and the contents being leaked, death and rape threats that make it hard for her to now live a normal life.
Rosa attends Camp Rewind under a pseudonym. She plans to have fun and maybe have a weekend fling but all incognito. She just doesn’t plan on Alice Wu… is Alice someone that she may want to reveal her true guise to?
My Review
This was a novel that opened by eyes to the horrible world of Internet trolling and also how intensely dangerous some of these video game cultures are.
After doing some research in between reading Camp Rewind I was quite saddened by the statistics on the negativity these games are creating in predominately young teenagers. So thank you Megan O’Brien for opening my eyes to the dangers of not only video gaming and trolling but also how our privacy is so easily invaded even when we think we are “Password Protected”!
They novel itself was great. I really loved Alice. She made me want her to befriend her. She was someone I wanted to protected but also let her explore the new world she was creating with her bravery and Courage.
The sex scenes were off the chart, which is normal for a Meghan O’Brien Novel. Boy does she know Lesbian sex and eroticism. I’m still blushing but how I love it!
4.5 stars and easily my second favourite Meghan O’Brien novel … 13 Hours is still my favourite!
September 27, 2016
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I've read most of Meghan O'Brien's books and I have to say that for me she's an author that usually writes great sex scenes but lacks a bit in the plot department.
I found this book a bit repetitive (the characters spend a good part of the book second guessing themselves once and again about their conflicts) and a bit clichéd ("it's not you, it's me" breakup argument). Even the author seems a bit apologetic about the use of these clichés as she points them in the book. I've found the sex scenes hot and well described but the rest of the plot drag down a bit.
However, this book was good to raise my awareness in cyber bullying which is an issue that I've never paid much attention to. Now I think that I really should as I have two boys who love the internet and could be potentially victims without proper education and parents' advice.
For the sex scenes and the the cyber bullying awareness I give it 3 stars but I found that sometimes reading this book was slow and boring.
I've read most of Meghan O'Brien's books and I have to say that for me she's an author that usually writes great sex scenes but lacks a bit in the plot department.
I found this book a bit repetitive (the characters spend a good part of the book second guessing themselves once and again about their conflicts) and a bit clichéd ("it's not you, it's me" breakup argument). Even the author seems a bit apologetic about the use of these clichés as she points them in the book. I've found the sex scenes hot and well described but the rest of the plot drag down a bit.
However, this book was good to raise my awareness in cyber bullying which is an issue that I've never paid much attention to. Now I think that I really should as I have two boys who love the internet and could be potentially victims without proper education and parents' advice.
For the sex scenes and the the cyber bullying awareness I give it 3 stars but I found that sometimes reading this book was slow and boring.
June 3, 2017
Camp Rewind has some elements we’ve seen in Meghan O’Brien’s other books, arranged in a way that delivers something entirely fresh. The sex is hot and varied, as expected, with the overt, enthusiastic consent that is rarely seen elsewhere. More time is spent than usual on just making out, and wow, does that ever pay off when they hit the sheets (or the sleeping bag). Alice is actively seeing a therapist and Rosa is dealing with the trauma of her ongoing harassment, although I would hesitate to name it PTSD like Ray has in Battle Scars.
Full review (Curve Magazine): http://www.curvemag.com/Reviews/Conte...
Full review (The Lesbian Review): http://www.thelesbianreview.com/camp-...
Full review (Curve Magazine): http://www.curvemag.com/Reviews/Conte...
Full review (The Lesbian Review): http://www.thelesbianreview.com/camp-...
October 28, 2016
This was a well written story, as usual by Meghan O'Brien. But... sex was just too much, too sudden and too uncomfortable... and the plot was too thin.
October 3, 2016
Detailed score: 3.75
Due disclosure - I'm an O'Brien fan so I was predisposed to liking this book - and it didn't disappoint. This book was definitely on the more romantic / 'vanilla' side of things by O'Brien's standards - which I found an enjoyable change.
I think this is a 'read the preview' book: if the two leads are giving you the irrits after the preview then don't read on because we spend a lot of time in their heads as they work though their insecurities.
O'Brien writes really nice 'capable/intelligent but lonely/misunderstood' characters IMHO and we get another dose of them here.
Side note: any one else hoping for a Marcia spin off?!! ;)
Overall: it won't be for everyone but for me it was another enjoyable steamy romance from one of the queens of the (romantic) pwoarrr scene
Due disclosure - I'm an O'Brien fan so I was predisposed to liking this book - and it didn't disappoint. This book was definitely on the more romantic / 'vanilla' side of things by O'Brien's standards - which I found an enjoyable change.
I think this is a 'read the preview' book: if the two leads are giving you the irrits after the preview then don't read on because we spend a lot of time in their heads as they work though their insecurities.
O'Brien writes really nice 'capable/intelligent but lonely/misunderstood' characters IMHO and we get another dose of them here.
Side note: any one else hoping for a Marcia spin off?!! ;)
Overall: it won't be for everyone but for me it was another enjoyable steamy romance from one of the queens of the (romantic) pwoarrr scene
October 1, 2016
Alice Wu's therapist suggests she go to Camp Rewind to overcome her social anxiety and perhaps have a casual fling with someone. Meanwhile, Rosa Salazar goes to the camp under a fake name as a means to escape her current life as she's had to endure threats through social media due to her critique of a popular video game.
This is not the first book by Meghan O'Brien that I've read and sadly, it's not among my favourites but it still gets a solid 3 stars. I enjoyed reading about both characters, Alice Wu being painfully shy, whereas Rosa was brave enough to write an article that eventually caused her to receive death threats. Seeing Alice's character grow with confidence and being less shy throughout the story was nice but somewhat unbelievable given the time frame.
I thought that the time they spent at camp was too short to develop such strong feelings for each other or I would've liked to read more about their relationship and difficulties after camp.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed the bit of humor within the book as well as its various characters.
Review also posted here: http://wp.me/p4Pp9O-sS
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is not the first book by Meghan O'Brien that I've read and sadly, it's not among my favourites but it still gets a solid 3 stars. I enjoyed reading about both characters, Alice Wu being painfully shy, whereas Rosa was brave enough to write an article that eventually caused her to receive death threats. Seeing Alice's character grow with confidence and being less shy throughout the story was nice but somewhat unbelievable given the time frame.
I thought that the time they spent at camp was too short to develop such strong feelings for each other or I would've liked to read more about their relationship and difficulties after camp.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed the bit of humor within the book as well as its various characters.
Review also posted here: http://wp.me/p4Pp9O-sS
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2019
3.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
did-not-finish
September 1, 2020The second Meghan O'Brien audio I've DNF'd. The first one was actually a 'reread' of a book I had previously read and gave 5 stars to - but apparently couldn't get through the audio version (that being 'Wild'). Neither now nor then do I specifically blame the audio narrator (two different women). More the story. - looked at my notes for the other audio book - yeah, it was the narrator there who I couldn't stand, not the book. The narrator here for Camp Rewind is good, the story is super boring.
The two women were just a little too annoying in this book. And constantly reminding the reader of their 'special' issues. Yeah, I got it the first 8000 times you told me about your internet troubles; yeah I got it the first 3 times you told me about your social anxiety. Then . . . good grief, is there a story here beyond 'I'm a troubled person, let's obsess about sex now; I'm also a troubled person - let's watch two other people fuck out in the open while you fondle me, eek they are talking to us! *run away run away* Okay, let's have sex now. But not here. *oh yeah, sex is fun - eek* No! It's too open here! Let's have sex though, really.; *I really like her, she's great, perfect, I want to fuck her until she can't walk but there's no future for us, because she's so socially awkward that my infamy will kill her. So . . . it can just be a one time thing.* Let's fuck. Wait, I must take it slow. Wait you told me that you will tell me if I'm going too fast. Tell me all about the people you see fucking through the trees while I grope you.'
Again, is there a story? That's not really a story. More of an extended wet dream by a 16 year old. Course the two women involved are closer to . . . um, well one is . . okay I forget now. I thought they might be around 36 but the last time I said that I was wrong.
Quite frankly I'm bored out of my eyeballs and, glancing at the reviews, it doesn't get better. So many reviews note how the best parts, maybe the only good parts, were the sex parts and the mention of internet bullying. But . . . internet bullying isn't new to me - I knew of gamergate while it was happening - I watched it unfold. And many of the things that happened to the woman in this story happened to the woman involved in gamergate (well, women). Though there it was the ex-boyfriend who 'exposed' the woman. And she did gaming videos, not an online article. And stuff. But still . . .. Good to get the story out there but I already know it so it isn't exactly keeping my attention. Especially as it appears to be more of an excuse for one woman to keep moaning about herself (while also making side comments about how it isn't that bad now) and thinking of using it as an excuse to not pursue a longer term relationship with another woman.
Oh, and I found the erotic stuff, up to where I stopped, more icky than anything else (being groped while watching a man and a woman fuck? Being turned on by it? Yeah, eww).
Narrator - I liked what I was hearing from the narrator. I just couldn't continue the book.
---
Started: January 7 2017
Paused or DNF'd: January 10 2017
The two women were just a little too annoying in this book. And constantly reminding the reader of their 'special' issues. Yeah, I got it the first 8000 times you told me about your internet troubles; yeah I got it the first 3 times you told me about your social anxiety. Then . . . good grief, is there a story here beyond 'I'm a troubled person, let's obsess about sex now; I'm also a troubled person - let's watch two other people fuck out in the open while you fondle me, eek they are talking to us! *run away run away* Okay, let's have sex now. But not here. *oh yeah, sex is fun - eek* No! It's too open here! Let's have sex though, really.; *I really like her, she's great, perfect, I want to fuck her until she can't walk but there's no future for us, because she's so socially awkward that my infamy will kill her. So . . . it can just be a one time thing.* Let's fuck. Wait, I must take it slow. Wait you told me that you will tell me if I'm going too fast. Tell me all about the people you see fucking through the trees while I grope you.'
Again, is there a story? That's not really a story. More of an extended wet dream by a 16 year old. Course the two women involved are closer to . . . um, well one is . . okay I forget now. I thought they might be around 36 but the last time I said that I was wrong.
Quite frankly I'm bored out of my eyeballs and, glancing at the reviews, it doesn't get better. So many reviews note how the best parts, maybe the only good parts, were the sex parts and the mention of internet bullying. But . . . internet bullying isn't new to me - I knew of gamergate while it was happening - I watched it unfold. And many of the things that happened to the woman in this story happened to the woman involved in gamergate (well, women). Though there it was the ex-boyfriend who 'exposed' the woman. And she did gaming videos, not an online article. And stuff. But still . . .. Good to get the story out there but I already know it so it isn't exactly keeping my attention. Especially as it appears to be more of an excuse for one woman to keep moaning about herself (while also making side comments about how it isn't that bad now) and thinking of using it as an excuse to not pursue a longer term relationship with another woman.
Oh, and I found the erotic stuff, up to where I stopped, more icky than anything else (being groped while watching a man and a woman fuck? Being turned on by it? Yeah, eww).
Narrator - I liked what I was hearing from the narrator. I just couldn't continue the book.
---
Started: January 7 2017
Paused or DNF'd: January 10 2017
March 4, 2017
This book surprised me. I really enjoyed several of Meghan O'Brien's other audiobooks (Thirteen Hours and The Night Off, especially, but also Infinite Loop and Wild), but I was apprehensive about this one, based upon the summary description. Extreme social anxiety? I have a close relative who was hospitalized because of it....and struggles daily to manage life. Internet trolls making life miserable for an honest person? Errr...ugh. Honestly, I nearly avoided this book completely because of the cognitive dissonance. How could I possibly enjoy steamy sex scenes between emotionally fragile, vulnerable and presumably suffering people?
I still don't know why I decided to even give the book a chance. WOW am I glad I did!
The characters are extremely likable. Extremely! Their emotional realities are not treated shallowly, but neither is the reader expected to experience emotional pain.
Actually, the book turned out to be one of the sweetest, lightest, romances I've yet read. I just erased a few extra sentences, because I don't want spoilers in this, my first, review.
I encourage anyone who likes wonderful main characters, fun supporting characters, romance, good sex, silly situations and a minimum of angst, misunderstandings and regrets...along with a really terrific narrator...to get this book on Audible!
I still don't know why I decided to even give the book a chance. WOW am I glad I did!
The characters are extremely likable. Extremely! Their emotional realities are not treated shallowly, but neither is the reader expected to experience emotional pain.
Actually, the book turned out to be one of the sweetest, lightest, romances I've yet read. I just erased a few extra sentences, because I don't want spoilers in this, my first, review.
I encourage anyone who likes wonderful main characters, fun supporting characters, romance, good sex, silly situations and a minimum of angst, misunderstandings and regrets...along with a really terrific narrator...to get this book on Audible!
December 24, 2016
So....I'm in the middle on this one. My fave O'Brien books were very admittedly because of the sex. Thirteen Hours and The Night Off (really PWP...porn without plot). But I didn't find the sex that great in this one. The build up was nice, but the actual sex was not O'Brien's usual.
The story was actually more established than I expected. It was an interesting premise and there were really interesting characters. I thought the author did a great job of character development very quickly which is really what saved the book.
Three stars.
I received this ARC for the piblisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story was actually more established than I expected. It was an interesting premise and there were really interesting characters. I thought the author did a great job of character development very quickly which is really what saved the book.
Three stars.
I received this ARC for the piblisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2017
Listened to the audible version. Narrator was very good. The book is hot and full of sex. Plot was just ok.
October 15, 2016
Meghan O'Brien has become one of my go-to authors. It seems like every book she writes just gets better and better. I would like to point out that, although I'm not sure she describes herself thusly, O'Brien is a writer of erotic romance. That means that her books have sex in them, and it's explicit. That's in case any of those considering whether or not to buy or try a book by her are not into reading about sex. Apparently, there are some readers out there like that. For me, not only am I happy to read it, but I'm happier reading it when O'Brien has written it. In this particular book, there's a scene where the two women, Alice and Rosa, get to about second base, i.e. kissing and heavy petting above the waist. This scene was so hot it had me squirming in just about as much frustration as the two characters. Absolutely wonderful.
As for the story, our two main characters are definitely interesting. Alice Wu is painfully shy, and prone to anxiety attacks in public when she has to interact with other people. Rosa Salazar is hoping to start her life over again after losing everything in the cyber-bullying attacks that followed her feminist critique of a popular video game. Hackers invaded and destroyed not only her life, but the lives of those close to her as well. The two women meet at Camp Rewind, a sleepaway camp for adults who want to nostalgically relive their youth, or in Alice's case, experience the things she missed out on as a kid. The chemistry and connection is quick and strong. They've only got three days at camp after all. And they decide at first to simply indulge in a casual affair. But the connection is stronger than all the warning signals clanging in their brains, and both of them start wishing for more. But there are some big hurdles to get over if anything more is going to happen. We don't really get to see them resolve these issues. Our story is more about their decision about whether or not to even try to resolve them. Along the way, we learn just as much about the two women as they learn about each other. It's a really sweet, really hot story. I recommend it to anyone who likes erotic romance. And if you've read previous books by Meghan O'Brien and enjoyed them, definitely pick this one up.
I requested a copy of this book from Netgalley in order to review it.
As for the story, our two main characters are definitely interesting. Alice Wu is painfully shy, and prone to anxiety attacks in public when she has to interact with other people. Rosa Salazar is hoping to start her life over again after losing everything in the cyber-bullying attacks that followed her feminist critique of a popular video game. Hackers invaded and destroyed not only her life, but the lives of those close to her as well. The two women meet at Camp Rewind, a sleepaway camp for adults who want to nostalgically relive their youth, or in Alice's case, experience the things she missed out on as a kid. The chemistry and connection is quick and strong. They've only got three days at camp after all. And they decide at first to simply indulge in a casual affair. But the connection is stronger than all the warning signals clanging in their brains, and both of them start wishing for more. But there are some big hurdles to get over if anything more is going to happen. We don't really get to see them resolve these issues. Our story is more about their decision about whether or not to even try to resolve them. Along the way, we learn just as much about the two women as they learn about each other. It's a really sweet, really hot story. I recommend it to anyone who likes erotic romance. And if you've read previous books by Meghan O'Brien and enjoyed them, definitely pick this one up.
I requested a copy of this book from Netgalley in order to review it.
September 7, 2016
*The copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
When it comes to erotic novels, Meghan O'Brien is one of the best authors in lesbian fiction. Those scenes are skillfully written, picturesque, detailed and they make you squirm. Still, her novels have believable plot, it's not just scenes that make the books a good read. I love the chemistry between Rosa and Alice, loved the idea of pairing two seemingly different characters, and yet so similar deep down.
When it comes to erotic novels, Meghan O'Brien is one of the best authors in lesbian fiction. Those scenes are skillfully written, picturesque, detailed and they make you squirm. Still, her novels have believable plot, it's not just scenes that make the books a good read. I love the chemistry between Rosa and Alice, loved the idea of pairing two seemingly different characters, and yet so similar deep down.
February 25, 2020
The martyrdom is strong in this one. With both characters.
Pros: the dirty talk. Phew. Bree and Enid.
Cons: I would have like to have seen this play out in more than 3(?) days. Alice’s turnaround happened soooo quickly. The camp setting was a little weird to me. Making it just like a summer camp for kids seemed like an odd choice. Maybe if it were more like a nature retreat or something like that? And I hate to say it, but I didn’t feel a ton of chemistry between the characters.
January 1, 2024
➬➱➫➩➪【1.5 Stars】
I picked this book up because I have been trying to read all of Meghan O’Brien’s work. I have read her more erotic books and this is on the lesser side of that (by a lot).
I really wasn’t too invested in the story early on with the camp. It does bring up forced proximity, which is always appreciated though. I didn’t really connect with any character, even the MCs. Maybe it was because of their development that I could not connect with. I did not feel like there were enough romantic scenes between both MCs for it to have felt like love. Therefore, I categorized this in insta-love.
This wasn’t the book for me, but I would have always wondered if I would have liked it. I am glad I read it. Can’t wait to read another O’Brien piece still.
➢Happy reading!
I picked this book up because I have been trying to read all of Meghan O’Brien’s work. I have read her more erotic books and this is on the lesser side of that (by a lot).
I really wasn’t too invested in the story early on with the camp. It does bring up forced proximity, which is always appreciated though. I didn’t really connect with any character, even the MCs. Maybe it was because of their development that I could not connect with. I did not feel like there were enough romantic scenes between both MCs for it to have felt like love. Therefore, I categorized this in insta-love.
This wasn’t the book for me, but I would have always wondered if I would have liked it. I am glad I read it. Can’t wait to read another O’Brien piece still.
➢Happy reading!
June 17, 2017
I'm not going to lie - when I pick up a Meghan O'Brien book, it's because I want to read some hot sex scenes. She tends to be very strong when it comes to writing them, but plot...well, not so much. Unfortunately, this book is more plot-driven, at least for the first half of it, and it was like slogging through mud trying to get myself to get through that part of the book.
I thought I'd like the characters more; I'm always up for some good hurt/comfort in stories (and there doesn't seem to be a TON of overly angsty lesbian romances out there - or if there are, I haven't been able to find them yet). Alice is riddled with anxiety, which I can definitely relate to (at least pre-living-in-Colorado LOL), and I did feel sorry for her character. Alice was married before, and her husband was a total asshole to her . Rosa was an okay character, but I never felt like I "got" her, and then she just threw in a lot of needlessly dramatic stuff toward the end of the book that I didn't care for, in an attempt to give them more obstacles to overcome, I guess. Meh.
The sex, when present, was super hot and almost all that I could want - but it suffered in my mind because I just didn't like the characters together as a couple.
I'll keep picking up books from Megan O'Brien, but this one just didn't do much for me.
I thought I'd like the characters more; I'm always up for some good hurt/comfort in stories (and there doesn't seem to be a TON of overly angsty lesbian romances out there - or if there are, I haven't been able to find them yet). Alice is riddled with anxiety, which I can definitely relate to (at least pre-living-in-Colorado LOL), and I did feel sorry for her character. Alice was married before, and her husband was a total asshole to her . Rosa was an okay character, but I never felt like I "got" her, and then she just threw in a lot of needlessly dramatic stuff toward the end of the book that I didn't care for, in an attempt to give them more obstacles to overcome, I guess. Meh.
The sex, when present, was super hot and almost all that I could want - but it suffered in my mind because I just didn't like the characters together as a couple.
I'll keep picking up books from Megan O'Brien, but this one just didn't do much for me.
May 16, 2019
Enjoyable book - a little too pat but aren't they all? - loved the secondary characters but too much sex for my liking. I don't mind a trip to the bedroom, but with this much felt voyeuristic rather than being entertained.
October 22, 2025
*** 3.75 ***
Another fun Les erotica/romance from Megan O'Brien, a lady who knows how to write a sexy times scene for her readers. The story itself was much more just a vehicle for the sexy times and the book didn't have any pretence at being anything else, which I totally appreciate! 😃😕👍
Another fun Les erotica/romance from Megan O'Brien, a lady who knows how to write a sexy times scene for her readers. The story itself was much more just a vehicle for the sexy times and the book didn't have any pretence at being anything else, which I totally appreciate! 😃😕👍
July 3, 2020
3.5/5 stars
I’m a little conflicted on this one. While I undeniably enjoyed the reading experience, I do think it was a much weaker book than the last O’Brien book I read (Wild).
Let’s start with the fun and the good stuff. I do want to stress that overall this was a really enjoyable read. While the romance was insanely fast (like the main plot of this book was set over four days of the camp), it did sizzle right off the page. O’Brien is obviously super talented at writing both emotional connection as well as diverse and creative sex scenes. As someone who has read hundreds of romance books, I am the first to admit that sex scenes can get very same-same after a while. This just wasn’t the case in this book, the sex scenes were fiery, suited the characters and were each different.
I also think that the general camp setting was really enjoyable for the story. It was a fun way to get to know Rosa and Alice, as well as some other side characters. I liked both Rosa and Alice as characters. They were both undeniably flawed (which was a major focus of the story), but they were also strong in their own way. As someone who suffers from social anxiety, reading about a painfully shy and anxious character like Alice has a special place in my heart. While I don’t necessarily think that throughout the book the social anxiety was represented the best (which I will touch on later), there were definitely moments that I really appreciated and felt that the author was encapsulating the struggle of someone like Alice. It is also always great to watch characters that you like grow, and the bonus for this book is that both Alice and Rosa grew so much both individually and together.
My main gripes can be summarised as just weakness in the overall plot. While I am willing to suspend my disbelief for the insta-love, it was much harder to do so when Alice was portrayed as being virtually unable to speak to someone at all on day one to being in a fully developed relationship by day four. This just felt like such a jump to me that I just couldn’t get my head behind it. Again, as someone who has social anxiety, the representation of this is definitely a soft point for me, so while I may be willing to overlook other plot holes for the sake of a good romance, I found it much harder to do so in this instance. I also think this book relied on some of the weakest romance tropes: like avoiding someone to protect them from yourself (insert serious eye roll here) and very much the ‘it’s not you it’s me’ coming from both sides. I guess this doesn’t really take away from the fun parts of the book, but it does add to my gripes with the plot.
I’m a little conflicted on this one. While I undeniably enjoyed the reading experience, I do think it was a much weaker book than the last O’Brien book I read (Wild).
Let’s start with the fun and the good stuff. I do want to stress that overall this was a really enjoyable read. While the romance was insanely fast (like the main plot of this book was set over four days of the camp), it did sizzle right off the page. O’Brien is obviously super talented at writing both emotional connection as well as diverse and creative sex scenes. As someone who has read hundreds of romance books, I am the first to admit that sex scenes can get very same-same after a while. This just wasn’t the case in this book, the sex scenes were fiery, suited the characters and were each different.
I also think that the general camp setting was really enjoyable for the story. It was a fun way to get to know Rosa and Alice, as well as some other side characters. I liked both Rosa and Alice as characters. They were both undeniably flawed (which was a major focus of the story), but they were also strong in their own way. As someone who suffers from social anxiety, reading about a painfully shy and anxious character like Alice has a special place in my heart. While I don’t necessarily think that throughout the book the social anxiety was represented the best (which I will touch on later), there were definitely moments that I really appreciated and felt that the author was encapsulating the struggle of someone like Alice. It is also always great to watch characters that you like grow, and the bonus for this book is that both Alice and Rosa grew so much both individually and together.
My main gripes can be summarised as just weakness in the overall plot. While I am willing to suspend my disbelief for the insta-love, it was much harder to do so when Alice was portrayed as being virtually unable to speak to someone at all on day one to being in a fully developed relationship by day four. This just felt like such a jump to me that I just couldn’t get my head behind it. Again, as someone who has social anxiety, the representation of this is definitely a soft point for me, so while I may be willing to overlook other plot holes for the sake of a good romance, I found it much harder to do so in this instance. I also think this book relied on some of the weakest romance tropes: like avoiding someone to protect them from yourself (insert serious eye roll here) and very much the ‘it’s not you it’s me’ coming from both sides. I guess this doesn’t really take away from the fun parts of the book, but it does add to my gripes with the plot.
September 9, 2016
I thought this was a very well-written and well-paced novel. The characters were believable and developed well. The book was sexy, funny, and entertaining. The chemistry was fantastic between Rosa and Alice. Personally, as someone that has some social anxiety, but nowhere near as severe as Alice's, it was refreshing to see a character that I could relate to easily. I would highly recommend this book to others. I think the only downside for me was that I wish a bit more was written in between the final two chapters.
ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for honest review
ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for honest review
September 20, 2024
I needed time for this. I bought my ebook copy 3 years ago and I read the first 2 chapters, now that was some crazy nervous-behaviour. I couldn't handle all those nerves. But 3 years later, here we are.
I loved it. The events that Rosa went through were really scary.
I loved it. The events that Rosa went through were really scary.
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