Once Upon A Campfire

Meet Cute Romance #5

by Kait Nolan

It was a terrible idea.

But that doesn’t stop Sarah Meadows from saying yes to covering for her identical twin sister at staff orientation week at Camp Firefly Falls. It’s just a few days and she'll be back to finishing her master's thesis, right? But when her sexy, ex-park ranger partner figures out her secret, she’s got her work cut out convincing him not to turn her in.

Beckett Hayes knows he should report Sarah to the boss, but instead, he finds himself agreeing to train her. There’s just something about those big, doe eyes and all that sass. But when Sarah starts to matter more than he planned, the pressure's on. Can he convince her to take the road less traveled or will this one week have to be enough?

A novelette of approximately 16k words. This story is a crossover introduction to the Camp Firefly Falls series. Check out my full novel in the series, Second Chance Summer.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Short Stories, Audiobook, Fiction, Chick Lit

ebook

First published June 26, 2017

About the author

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

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Reviews

[E-Reader Addict · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were plot holes the size of the Grand Canyon in this one. Well, at least until the end when the hero and heroine were all “there’s no way this plan is gonna actually work”.

But the narrator managed to pull this one out for me. Amy McFadden is always fantastic!

[Christine · Rating 1 out of 5]

From the blurb, I understood what I was getting into. I just didn't think I'd have a problem suspending my belief over the idea that what our heroine gets up to is essentially identity fraud and, you know, COMPLETELY ILLEGAL. I thought I could do it. I underestimated my rationality.

Maybe had the book been a little better (or even longer), I'd have felt better overlooking it. While the characters had some cute moments together, I felt the romance was rushed. I know, what the heck did I expect in 50 pages? My bad. But that and the fact that the hero was willing to risk his job and the reputation of others over something (someone?) so... stupid. Listen here, bud. You don't know this lady. You've known her two days. And the owners of the camp are supposed to be his friends?! It's even pointed out how majorly reckless these shenanigans are from an insurance perspective and the fact that Mr. Rugged Hero doesn't even think of the implications for his FRIEND'S BUSINESS is disgusting. But don't worry, there's a HEA for everyone. Because of course.

[Coco.V]

💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/19/2017)! 💝

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been provided with a copy of Once Upon a Campfire by the author for an impartial review. This book is a part of the Meet Cute Romance and Camp Firefly Falls series. It was too short I wanted more. It was extremely easy to read and I was dreading turning the last page. In this book you get to return to Camp Firefly Falls and see Sarah and Beckett find their way. I fell in love with these characters and I hope it’s not the last time we see them. It was a truly beautiful story and I can’t wait to read more by Kait Nolan she is a fantastic author that just has a way with words to draw you in.

[Ed Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second book in this series and I enjoyed it more than the first. Sarah ends up at Camp Firefly Falls because she is always bailing her twin out of difficulty situations and filling in for her for two weeks is just the latest one. Little does she know she’ll meet Beckett and fall in love. This is just such a sweet fell good story. I can’t wait to read the next one. Having Amy McFadden narrate the audiobook just makes it that much better.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introduction to the Camp Firefly Falls series!

This book is a terrific fast read! I loved getting to know some of the staff of Camp Firefly Falls. It's fun, quirky, and definitely a "meet cute" story.

I highly recommend this book as a quick summer read...or to just anyone that loves a good story!

Please note: I received an eBook copy for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review, all conclusions are my own.

[The Story Girl (Serenity) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute little novella about one twin who takes the other's job at a summer camp. It took me a bit to get into, but once they started getting more into nature and rock climbing, I enjoyed it.

This is my second (quick) read I finished for Dewey's Readathon!

[Kate McMurry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute, enjoyable, G-rated, romantic short story with an HFN ending.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little bit “Parent Trap” and all kinds of fun. Sigh. So sweet. So adorable. I didn't want it to ever end. As a raving Type-A perfectionist, it was so easy for me to connect with Sarah and all the pressures she put on herself. Even Beckett’s sudden new career after an unexpected downsizing felt familiar. I loved how this story gave this pair the opportunity to view their lives in new ways and to re-evaluate what was most important to them. I thought it was incredibly cute to see these two get blindsided by their attraction to each other and it was so much fun watching them come to terms with it. I’m in no way ready for summer camp to be over and I’m not prepared to let go of any of these characters just yet.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.

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

4 Stars!

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

I can totally recommend this entire series y'all.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was cute

[SOS · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Sarah’s identical twin sister, Taylor, finds herself in a bind and having to remain at her current job for another week, Sarah steps in and pretends to be Taylor during training at a summer camp for adults. Sarah can do almost everything required, except for anything involved in rock climbing. Beckett is in charge of rock climbing, and he quickly figures out that something’s going on. He puts his neck on the line to help Sarah, but as he does, other things develop between them.

**I just think the universe tends to set us on the right path, if we’re paying attention. But it’s easy to get distracted by other stuff instead of listening.**

Sarah and Beckett might be on the right path to a change in their lives, but will it be together? And what will happen when Taylor shows up?

This is a fun, short story that will keep you entertained and rooting for things to work out. It’s a quick read and perfect for when you don’t have a lot of time. I enjoyed this grown-up variation on the movie The Parent Trap.

[Timothy Hendricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book thoroughly. I wished it could have been longer. I would like to know how things go beyond Camp.

This is another excellent book by Kait Nolan. What a wonderful storyteller she is. I look forward to reading more from this author.

I like how Beckett Hayes maintains his integrity; but finds a way to help Sarah help her sister Taylor too. I also like how he is able to talk about important subjects with Sarah; but at the same time supports her in the decisions she makes. He doesn't try to make decisions for her.

I like how Sarah supports and tries to back up her sister, Taylor. I have worked as an Academic Advisor and currently work in the Office of the Registrar at a major university and I have known of students like Sarah.

Kait Nolan says at the end of her books that she likes writing about strong women; but she does an equally good job of writing about strong men. Men with integrity. It is one of the reasons I enjoy her books so much.

[Nickole · Rating 5 out of 5]

rcvd an advanced reader copy from the author for giving my two cents. we meet Sarah, grad student who is asked by her twin sister Taylor to fill in for her at camp for one week. sarah reluctantly agrees bc she knows her sister is trying to be a grown-up. Beckett, a former park ranger is working at the camp after being let go from his job. thank God Michael had an opening perfect for him. he notices a leggy blonde getting ready from the swim and perks up being there. after the swim race, heather n Michael tell Beckett and "taylor" they are in charge of rock climbing. sarah isn't thrilled and Beckett seems to notice the fear in her and calls her out on it. over coffee away from camp sarah fills Beckett in on the situation with her sister and he is determined to teach sarah the ropes. spending time together leads to closeness, telling of dreams and lots of kisses. what will happen when taylor shows and sarah has to leave? will Beckett let sarah walk away from camp and him?

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet romance with a lot of story packed into a few pages.I really liked the idea of an identical twin impersonating her sister. I would have been upset if Taylor didn't pass the certification tests herself because people could get hurt if she wasn't really capable but that didn't happen.

Beck is swoon worthy. *sigh* He was all man without being an egotistical macho man. He was passionate about his job, he wanted everyone to succeed, he wasn't intimidated by a smart woman..the list goes on. Sarah was intelligent, capable, and not intimidated by a strong, smart man. They made an ideal couple.

I can empathize with the dilemma Sarah faced. It can be scary to take a leap of faith and leave behind what you know for the unknown. I am glad love won.

Definitely read Once Upon A Campfire. It is a terrific story and part of the delightful Camp Firefly Falls Series.

[A.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Camp Firefly Falls has a week to train all it’s camp staff and make sure they pass all the tests before they let them be around guests.
Beckett Hayes is an old college friend of the owner. He’s an ex National Park ranger who is out of a job after he ran the rogue twitter account arguing that climate change exists. [woot. I like him already.]
Sarah Meadows is impersonating her twin. She can do all the other stuff but needs some coaching on the climbing equipment.
She and Beckett eye each other off day one but he picks up that she needs some help and offers both to cover for her, and to give her extra training.
***
About 15k - a cute novella. Leaving aside insurance fraud and the completely illegal actions, I enjoyed it.
Beckett is all in quickly and desperate for Sarah to be with him longer term. She just has to listen to what the universe is telling her.
4 stars

[Rebecca Donkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once Upon a Campfire by Kait Nolan is a short sweet story set at Camp Firefly Falls. Sarah starts her journey trying to help out her identical twin sister Taylor and ends up discovering that there is more to life than studying. She finally steps out side of her comfort zone at Camp Firefly Falls and ends up finding her perfect match in Beckett, who pushes her discover what she really wants to do with her life. He's kind, competitive and supportive, a true gentleman who also has made some of his own discoveries whilst working at the adult camp. Take the leap and enjoy this short sweet story.
As part of Kait Nolan's launch team. I received an Advanced reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review posted within a week of release.

[Becky Claxon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute novella that takes place at Camp Firefly, a camp for adults. Taylor and Sarah are twins that have traded places when they were younger. Taylor asks Sarah to go to the first week for counselor training as Taylor can't get away from her last job. Sarah doesn't want to do it, but relents. She meets Beckett there and they are attracted to each other. You will need to read to see what happens.

This is a good, short story. I love Camp Firefly and all the adults that end up falling in love there. This is a great series to read, and I encourage you to read the book. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC for honest review with no compensation

Once Upon a Campfire (A Camp Firefly Falls Meet Cute Romance) is about Sarah and Beckett and what comes next in their lives……

Sarah comes to the camp acting as her identical twin sister Taylor (what you will do for family) hoping she can get by undetected until her sister shows up at the end of the week….

Beckett is at the camp to decide what the next step in his life is when he meets Sarah/Taylor and he discovers the deception….
Will Beckett blow the whistle on Sarah or train her and keep it under wraps????

This book was a cute, sassy, short read and looking forward to reading more about Camp Firefly…

[Taryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!! I wish it were longer so it could go into more detail about everything, but there was still a lot packed into a short story. I love how Kait Nolan writes romance. She does such an amazing job describing how characters feel conflicted, unsure, struggle, self-consciousness, all leading to the reason why they do what they do. And the romantic tension is incredible. This story, as are all of her stories, was beautiful and sweet. I loved it.

I received an advanced copy of this book and have left a review voluntarily.

[Birgit · Rating 4 out of 5]

When her twin Taylor asks her - again - to fill in for her, Sarah knows it is a bad idea, but as usual, agrees to pretend being Taylor at Camp Firefly Falls for orientation week. Beckett, who's partnered with her during this week, soon finds out the secret, and is determined to help her make it through the week ... and perhaps longer judging by the sparks flying between them.
A really cute little story, quite charming, and just the right thing to read during a lazy afternoon. Likeable characters, good narration style and an interesting plot - all you need!

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet. So adorable. I didn't want it to ever end. I love how both Sarah and Beckett are at a point in their lives where they're looking for new meaning and they happen to find one another. It was a joy to watch Sarah learn and Beckett excelled as a teacher. Neither one expected to get blindsided by their attraction to each other and it was so much fun to see them come to terms with it. I badly want to see more of Beckett, Sarah, and Taylor in future books.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Kait Nolan's books, and Once Upon a Campfire is no exception. It always amazes me how Kait's characters are so relatable, and Beckett and Sarah are no exception! This is a short, easy read-which is great for those of us juggling work, kids, and trying to find the time for something for ourselves. This book is a stand alone novella, but also part of the Camp Firefly Falls series. Definitely a fun book to read!

[Sharon Hughson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nolan nails these characters, and the camp setting was fun to revisit. This short story earns 4.1 stars.
It seemed like too fast for these characters to fall together, and although the epilogue gives us the end of the summer, it still seemed like an awful lot of commitment for what obviously began as sexual attraction.
A great way to distract myself from work, though. A must for fans of Nolan's writing style and kick-butt sheroes.

[Rob. C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read, too short to really be able to connect with the characters. Twins swapping lives is an entertaining plot, but I felt that the truth was revealed too soon in the book (most probably because of its length) so it wasn't as much fun as I thought it would be. The characters acted too soon on their attraction but, again, it might be because it is a short book so everything had to happen fast.
It's in a series of books set in a summer camp, but it can be read as a standalone.

[Susanne M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and Sweet

Beckett and Sarah meeting at Camp Firefly having an instant spark and able to work so well together made this short story interesting and fun. It's sweet for there's implied intimacy, clean language and Ms. Nolan makes sure there's a happy ending. Overall quality of writing was wonderful along with really good proofreading, no cheating or cliffhanger either. Enjoy!

[Stephanie Corbett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous short 'cute meet' story, a great pre-read (although not required) to give you a taste of camp firefly falls and Second Chance Summer (also an excellent read). This story is short and sweet, but I love the great twin substitution... Which unlike so many is totally believable as no-one knew either of them. Totally recommend a little escapism to summer camp!!

[Nicki Conroy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kait Nolan has done marvelous things with this novella. In just under 60 pages, she has written great life lessons, a love story and a meet cute that is totally on point. Do yourself a favor and give this a read.

First, the setting in the Berkshires is one that is close to my heart. Add in the life lessons - and there are a whole bunch here - and I wanted this to go on and on.

[Neera Sawhney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another lovely book by Kait Nolan...the Camp Firefly Falls series just keeps getting more interesting. Sarah's impersonation of her identical twin, and the equation between them is dealt with in an interesting manner. And then there is Beckett, a man one will definitely root for, macho, caring, with a strong moral compass. A beautiful, sweet romance.....A not to be missed book!!

[Alethia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Camping meet cute

Super sweet story about Sarah and Beckett. They meet up at a camp for grown ups when Sarah agrees to stand in for her twin, Taylor, for a week. I loved how things worked out for these two and how Beckett helps Sarah out with figuring things out. Loved these two and really enjoyed the author's writing.