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One Match Fire
A sexy, summer camp-set reunion romance from debut author Lissa Linden
When Amy left her beloved summer camp, heartbroken and ashamed, she swore she’d never return. Twelve years later, she’s desperate to unearth the person she was before turning into a workaholic. When her old camp advertises for a new director, Amy leaps at the chance to start over—only to find herself face-to-face with the very guy who broke her heart.
Paul hasn’t forgotten kissing Amy beneath a shooting star, or how she bolted from camp without saying goodbye. When she shows up to take the job he never thought he’d leave, Paul can hardly believe his luck. Amy is now a woman with killer curves and a sexual appetite to match. With serious vibes between them, and him nearly dead from the celibacy of life at camp, they strike a deal for a few days of sexy fun in the wilderness.
But when feelings that started long ago enter the mix and it becomes clear Amy will only trust him with her body—not her heart—Paul desperately wants to break through the armor she’s built to protect herself. And although Amy knows there’s something special about the way she reacts to Paul, something beyond skin on skin, the stakes are high enough to scare her.
With a past like theirs, they’ll either ignite a future…or burn out for good.
This book is approximately 78,000 words
One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!
Edited by Kerri Buckley
When Amy left her beloved summer camp, heartbroken and ashamed, she swore she’d never return. Twelve years later, she’s desperate to unearth the person she was before turning into a workaholic. When her old camp advertises for a new director, Amy leaps at the chance to start over—only to find herself face-to-face with the very guy who broke her heart.
Paul hasn’t forgotten kissing Amy beneath a shooting star, or how she bolted from camp without saying goodbye. When she shows up to take the job he never thought he’d leave, Paul can hardly believe his luck. Amy is now a woman with killer curves and a sexual appetite to match. With serious vibes between them, and him nearly dead from the celibacy of life at camp, they strike a deal for a few days of sexy fun in the wilderness.
But when feelings that started long ago enter the mix and it becomes clear Amy will only trust him with her body—not her heart—Paul desperately wants to break through the armor she’s built to protect herself. And although Amy knows there’s something special about the way she reacts to Paul, something beyond skin on skin, the stakes are high enough to scare her.
With a past like theirs, they’ll either ignite a future…or burn out for good.
This book is approximately 78,000 words
One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!
Edited by Kerri Buckley
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2018
5 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 6, 2018
5 stars for a great romance! 10 stars for STEAM FACTOR! I received an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review. Linden gives us all we need and then some in One Match Fire. As a former camp counsellor myself, this one was a particularly special read for me. But you don't need to have that background to get into this story. If great writing and fun lovable characters ( hello adorable, hot and sweet hero) with major chemistry is what you want in a romance, you get that in spades here.
February 7, 2018
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
Take my advice and don’t make the same mistake that I made. Do not – I repeat, DO NOT – think that it’s a good idea to read ONE MATCH FIRE by Lissa Linden during downtime at work. Not unless you want to explain to your coworkers while you’re blushing or fanning your flushed face. Read this contemporary romance in the privacy of your own home.
ONE MATCH FIRE is Lissa Linden’s debut novel, and it is due to be published on March, 1, 2018 by Carina Press. The novel is about Amy and Paul their reconnection at a summer camp that they both attended as teenagers. Amy and Paul were best friends for two weeks every summer when they both attended summer camp. That is, they were best friends until Paul broke Amy’s heart and she never came back. Until now. Paul has been working as the director of the camp for the past five years, and now it’s time for him to move on. To return to civilization and a social life that doesn’t involve hanging out with the local wildlife. Amy has turned into a workaholic and she suddenly realizes that she needs a break. So she accepts the job as the new camp director, hoping that returning to where she was happiest will help her find herself. She certainly doesn’t expect to find Paul there. During the two weeks they have together before the kids arrive for camp, Paul and Amy reconnect. And they keep reconnecting. Paul wants to remain at camp and see if he and Amy can make their budding relationship to work. Amy wants Paul to leave because she doesn’t want to risk losing herself in a relationship when all she wants to do is find herself at camp. Paul has to show Amy that she can have both.
ONE MATCH FIRE is a fun, steamy romance that does not lack on the, well, “romance.” The second-chance romance between Paul and Amy is very sweet, and readers will find themselves cheering these two on. Linden tells the story from both of their perspectives, alternating chapters between Amy and Paul. Getting into both of their heads shows the internal battles that they are both facing in this relationship. The novel is well-written, the characters are full developed, and the plot is captivating.
I had no idea that summer camps could be so life changing. Makes me wish I had attended some when I was a kid. After reading ONE MATCH FIRE, you’ll never look at summer camp the same way again.
Take my advice and don’t make the same mistake that I made. Do not – I repeat, DO NOT – think that it’s a good idea to read ONE MATCH FIRE by Lissa Linden during downtime at work. Not unless you want to explain to your coworkers while you’re blushing or fanning your flushed face. Read this contemporary romance in the privacy of your own home.
ONE MATCH FIRE is Lissa Linden’s debut novel, and it is due to be published on March, 1, 2018 by Carina Press. The novel is about Amy and Paul their reconnection at a summer camp that they both attended as teenagers. Amy and Paul were best friends for two weeks every summer when they both attended summer camp. That is, they were best friends until Paul broke Amy’s heart and she never came back. Until now. Paul has been working as the director of the camp for the past five years, and now it’s time for him to move on. To return to civilization and a social life that doesn’t involve hanging out with the local wildlife. Amy has turned into a workaholic and she suddenly realizes that she needs a break. So she accepts the job as the new camp director, hoping that returning to where she was happiest will help her find herself. She certainly doesn’t expect to find Paul there. During the two weeks they have together before the kids arrive for camp, Paul and Amy reconnect. And they keep reconnecting. Paul wants to remain at camp and see if he and Amy can make their budding relationship to work. Amy wants Paul to leave because she doesn’t want to risk losing herself in a relationship when all she wants to do is find herself at camp. Paul has to show Amy that she can have both.
ONE MATCH FIRE is a fun, steamy romance that does not lack on the, well, “romance.” The second-chance romance between Paul and Amy is very sweet, and readers will find themselves cheering these two on. Linden tells the story from both of their perspectives, alternating chapters between Amy and Paul. Getting into both of their heads shows the internal battles that they are both facing in this relationship. The novel is well-written, the characters are full developed, and the plot is captivating.
I had no idea that summer camps could be so life changing. Makes me wish I had attended some when I was a kid. After reading ONE MATCH FIRE, you’ll never look at summer camp the same way again.
January 1, 2019
You'll never think of summer camp in the same way again. Two old friends meet at a summer camp as camp counselors and their passion reignites. This is a great New Adult novel. Written in a very sexy language (move over Fifty Shades of Grey) from the first chapter. If you like New Adult, move this to the top of the list.
January 29, 2018
Lissa Linden gives us all a summer-camp romance to enjoy in these cold, dark months. If you're a fan of second-chance romance and two grown ups alone in the woods, you'll have fun with this sweet and sexy novel. Alternating POVs make sure that you get the full experience--from both sides!
July 19, 2018
One Match Fire caught my attention because it has a second chance romance and it's set at a summer camp. It had all the ingredients for a perfect swoony romance, but I wound up not being all that into the story. I liked Amy and Paul's character individually. They were both in the process of trying to figure out their lives. I just didn't get the connection I was looking for between two. Like I mentioned, they had a shared history together tied to the summer camp, but I didn't find that their history was explored in a compelling way. They also got back together fairly quickly. I was hoping for more angst, more waiting, and more of an emotional connection between the two. However, most of the book wound up being a whole lot of sex. I'm a fan of the sexy times in books too, but I do think with a romance there is something as too much and One Match Fire ventured into that zone for me. All that being said, I enjoyed the camp elements to the story. They made for a unique romance, in my opinion. I also thought the writing was pretty strong here so I will certainly be reading more from this author in the future.
August 23, 2022
One Match Fire was recommended to me by a friend, and although I don't normally gravitate towards the romance genre, I am glad I read this book. I feel like setting this story in a summer camp makes it unique in comparison to it's contemporaries. The basic gist of the plot is that Amy and Paul were camp sweethearts in their youth. Now as grown ups they are reunited through chance and circumstance at camp once more... and the outcome is both steamy and entertaining. Lissa does a really great job of transporting Amy and Paul from the past to the present, and back to camp under plausible circumstances. It is an enjoyable read all around, and I was pleasantly surprised a few times while reading the book.
I really appreciated the alternating narratives. I thought it was refreshing to have both a male and female perspective. And I really liked that Amy was assertive and strong in what she wanted. She did not give in to love easily, and she was not willing to sacrifice herself or her career in pursuit of Paul. Likewise, Paul ultimately won Amy over by being respectful. I don't know what I was expecting, but I found myself happily rooting for both characters... so well done Lissa!
I also liked the pace of the book. The first half is more carnal and the second half feels more romantic. There is a good balance between the racier bits and the plot advancement, so as a reader you're never bored. And as other reviewers have commented, the risqué elements of this book are not to be underestimated...
Overall, I found this book fun, sexy, and entertaining to read. I felt invested in the characters, and I appreciated that some of the nostalgic tropes of the genre were addressed, yet there were also some really fresh twists and surprises. The ending was satisfying, and I was sorry when I finished the book. An excellent summer read!
I really appreciated the alternating narratives. I thought it was refreshing to have both a male and female perspective. And I really liked that Amy was assertive and strong in what she wanted. She did not give in to love easily, and she was not willing to sacrifice herself or her career in pursuit of Paul. Likewise, Paul ultimately won Amy over by being respectful. I don't know what I was expecting, but I found myself happily rooting for both characters... so well done Lissa!
I also liked the pace of the book. The first half is more carnal and the second half feels more romantic. There is a good balance between the racier bits and the plot advancement, so as a reader you're never bored. And as other reviewers have commented, the risqué elements of this book are not to be underestimated...
Overall, I found this book fun, sexy, and entertaining to read. I felt invested in the characters, and I appreciated that some of the nostalgic tropes of the genre were addressed, yet there were also some really fresh twists and surprises. The ending was satisfying, and I was sorry when I finished the book. An excellent summer read!
September 1, 2018
So good! Think about your favorite summer camp experience and the super cute guy who gave you a kiss. Yes, that guy! He's the one you've been pining over. He seems to like you, protects you from those typical boys who try to pop your bra. This guy is cute and funny and cool. He kisses you and then he talks in his sleep and ruins everything. You leave, running, and don’t see each other for years and years. Now, you have career burnout and are looking for a change. You head back to camp and he's there, sexier than ever and still confused about why you bolted. This is that story. It’s fresh, heartfelt and, yes, hotter than a one match fire in some places. I loved every, I can almost taste the HEA, moment.
I received an ARC of this book, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received an ARC of this book, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
March 9, 2018
A light-hearted, sexy read about adults who fall for each other a second time around in summer camp.
March 12, 2018
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
I usually love all the feels in a good summer camp story but while this one had some very sweet and sexually charged moments, it didn’t entirely work for me.
I think my big issue is with the characters. Amy and Paul seem to have both been emotionally frozen at the age of sixteen. They both carry an unbelievable amount of emotional baggage from their teenage camp romance. Honestly, the angst in this story feels totally disproportionate to Amy and Paul’s previous relationship and neither Amy or Paul seems to have done any genuine adulting in the decade since they last met. I found Amy’s lack of self confidence and her need for perpetual self reinvention annoying and I hated the way Paul just seemed to coast through life, insulated by his inheritance in a fluffy bubble of white boy privilege.
There are some great camp scenes of hiking, canoeing, and shelter building - but camp romances are usually about young adult/new adult characters and with older characters, much of the self-discovery magic is missing.
I usually love all the feels in a good summer camp story but while this one had some very sweet and sexually charged moments, it didn’t entirely work for me.
I think my big issue is with the characters. Amy and Paul seem to have both been emotionally frozen at the age of sixteen. They both carry an unbelievable amount of emotional baggage from their teenage camp romance. Honestly, the angst in this story feels totally disproportionate to Amy and Paul’s previous relationship and neither Amy or Paul seems to have done any genuine adulting in the decade since they last met. I found Amy’s lack of self confidence and her need for perpetual self reinvention annoying and I hated the way Paul just seemed to coast through life, insulated by his inheritance in a fluffy bubble of white boy privilege.
There are some great camp scenes of hiking, canoeing, and shelter building - but camp romances are usually about young adult/new adult characters and with older characters, much of the self-discovery magic is missing.
April 5, 2018
Who knew summer camp as an adult could be so much fun! The romance in this book is the perfect amount of spice with steamy and passionate encounters that kept me flipping through the pages. This novel was certainly worth the few bucks from amazon!
Some thoughts:
- This book combined some of my favourite things. The outdoors, teenage memories, a dog, and a steamy romance that only gets hotter as you read.
- I found the dual POV to be fresh and original for this genre and the male and female characters were developed equally.
- I also really enjoyed how refreshing Amy was and how confident she was in her sexuality. It is nice to see strong, awesome women who are not afraid to be in-tune with their own wants and needs.
- Both main characters are searching for change in their lives, I enjoyed watching two adults in their late 20's tackle the fact that you NEVER stop growing as a person and it is ok to make changes and take risks at any age.
In summary,
If the things above appeal to you, I suggest you read this book.
Some thoughts:
- This book combined some of my favourite things. The outdoors, teenage memories, a dog, and a steamy romance that only gets hotter as you read.
- I found the dual POV to be fresh and original for this genre and the male and female characters were developed equally.
- I also really enjoyed how refreshing Amy was and how confident she was in her sexuality. It is nice to see strong, awesome women who are not afraid to be in-tune with their own wants and needs.
- Both main characters are searching for change in their lives, I enjoyed watching two adults in their late 20's tackle the fact that you NEVER stop growing as a person and it is ok to make changes and take risks at any age.
In summary,
If the things above appeal to you, I suggest you read this book.
April 4, 2018
I really enjoyed this book!! The storyline and writing were fantastic, not to mention the STEAMY romance scenes! Definitely recommend this book, you will not be disappointed.
August 17, 2018
C- at AAR, so 2.5 stars As a reviewer, I have all kinds of thoughts when I pick up a book for the first time. Sometimes I’m eager to see what an author I admire is doing next, or I’m curious about an author whose works I’ve never read. And then there are the plot descriptions that call me like catnip. One Match Fire definitely fell into that last category. I love second chance at love stories as well as friends to lovers stories, so the idea of a summer camp reunion called out to me big time. I still love the idea, but this book didn’t quite do it for me.
The leads in this tale are now in their late twenties, but are apparently still pretty scarred by what went on between them at summer camp twelve years earlier. This seems especially true of the heroine and it becomes obvious the moment she and the hero meet up again. Amy is on the hunt for a new start, and eagerly jumps on board when the director’s position opens up at her old summer camp. However, when she shows up to settle in before the campers arrive, she discovers the old director still in residence. And who is this prior director? None other than Paul Harding, the boy Amy hung out with for several blissful summers. They shared an unforgettable kiss – and then everything came tumbling down.
At first Paul and Amy aren’t exactly thrilled to see each other, but they settle into an odd rapport. On the one hand, there is some unnamed Big Event hanging between them that seems to taint everything. Since they seem to know what happened and we readers initially have no clue, this makes for a reading experience that can make the reader feel like quite the outsider. On the other hand, the old compatibility and sparks of attraction are still there. And now that Paul and Amy are adults, they’re both more open to discussing the idea of having some no-feelings-involved, no-strings-attached sexy times.
In terms of descriptions, this story is pretty steamy; even before these two start a physical relationship, there are plenty of discussions of mental lusting and fantasies. The book is told in alternating viewpoints between Paul and Amy, so we get to spend plenty of time in both of their heads. On the positive side, this helps the reader understand each character’s larger struggles. Paul has reached a point where he has come to realize that he’s basically hiding out at the summer camp and he needs to move on with his life. However, he’s not entirely sure what that next step would be. For Amy’s part, she has lived the workaholic life and now lack of fulfillment is setting in, so she is trying to find herself.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text at All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
The leads in this tale are now in their late twenties, but are apparently still pretty scarred by what went on between them at summer camp twelve years earlier. This seems especially true of the heroine and it becomes obvious the moment she and the hero meet up again. Amy is on the hunt for a new start, and eagerly jumps on board when the director’s position opens up at her old summer camp. However, when she shows up to settle in before the campers arrive, she discovers the old director still in residence. And who is this prior director? None other than Paul Harding, the boy Amy hung out with for several blissful summers. They shared an unforgettable kiss – and then everything came tumbling down.
At first Paul and Amy aren’t exactly thrilled to see each other, but they settle into an odd rapport. On the one hand, there is some unnamed Big Event hanging between them that seems to taint everything. Since they seem to know what happened and we readers initially have no clue, this makes for a reading experience that can make the reader feel like quite the outsider. On the other hand, the old compatibility and sparks of attraction are still there. And now that Paul and Amy are adults, they’re both more open to discussing the idea of having some no-feelings-involved, no-strings-attached sexy times.
In terms of descriptions, this story is pretty steamy; even before these two start a physical relationship, there are plenty of discussions of mental lusting and fantasies. The book is told in alternating viewpoints between Paul and Amy, so we get to spend plenty of time in both of their heads. On the positive side, this helps the reader understand each character’s larger struggles. Paul has reached a point where he has come to realize that he’s basically hiding out at the summer camp and he needs to move on with his life. However, he’s not entirely sure what that next step would be. For Amy’s part, she has lived the workaholic life and now lack of fulfillment is setting in, so she is trying to find herself.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text at All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
August 17, 2018
My Review:
I had no idea what I was getting into when I started this book. I also didn't realize until I was about a quarter of the way into it that this was the author's debut book. Wow...bravo, Lissa Linden. This book is amazing!
This book is a second chance at love story for two characters who fell for one another throughout their growing up years while they attended summer camp. That all fell to pieces the summer of their 16th year when both of them got their hearts broken.
But regardless of how it ended between the two of them, they both still desperately love this camp where everything made sense.
So, for Amy, when her world ceases to make sense, she searches out the camp online, only to discover they need a new director. She applies for the job and gets it. When she arrives at the camp, she finds out that she's replacing Paul, the guy for her best and worst memories from camp.
Paul has been the director for 5 years. He loves the job and the camp. What he doesn't love is the loneliness of it. There's no way to meet anyone and he wants a family someday, too. So, he makes the gut-wrenching decision to quit the camp to see if he can find some fulfillment in the other areas of his life.
He never knew what happened with Amy. He just knew that she completely disappeared without a trace or warning from his life just when things were getting interesting. So, he's really happy when it's Amy that shows up. But this isn't the same Amy he knew from before. She's harder and has very high walls around herself that he finds it almost impossible to breach, but he's not going to give up. They have two weeks together while he trains her. He fully plans to reach her in that time.
I loved this book so, so much!! The camp is such an amazing setting for romance, especially since they're there alone for most of the book. I loved everything about it. The setup worked for me. Both Paul and Amy are great characters. I wanted them to make it together in the worst possible way.
And you should note...the cover of this book gives the impression that it's going to be a sweet, lighthearted read...which it is to a certain extent. BUT it is also incredibly hot...like hotter than most other contemporary romances out there. Although I wouldn't classify it as erotic, the amount of very hot sex in the book definitely takes it close to that ledge. Second note...the sexy times are all wonderfully, sensually written. It's HAWT!!
I definitely recommend this book. It was a GREAT read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It would be a great way for you to finish out the summer...take an imaginary adventure to summer camp!
I received a complimentary copy of this book as a gift from the publisher.
I had no idea what I was getting into when I started this book. I also didn't realize until I was about a quarter of the way into it that this was the author's debut book. Wow...bravo, Lissa Linden. This book is amazing!
This book is a second chance at love story for two characters who fell for one another throughout their growing up years while they attended summer camp. That all fell to pieces the summer of their 16th year when both of them got their hearts broken.
But regardless of how it ended between the two of them, they both still desperately love this camp where everything made sense.
So, for Amy, when her world ceases to make sense, she searches out the camp online, only to discover they need a new director. She applies for the job and gets it. When she arrives at the camp, she finds out that she's replacing Paul, the guy for her best and worst memories from camp.
Paul has been the director for 5 years. He loves the job and the camp. What he doesn't love is the loneliness of it. There's no way to meet anyone and he wants a family someday, too. So, he makes the gut-wrenching decision to quit the camp to see if he can find some fulfillment in the other areas of his life.
He never knew what happened with Amy. He just knew that she completely disappeared without a trace or warning from his life just when things were getting interesting. So, he's really happy when it's Amy that shows up. But this isn't the same Amy he knew from before. She's harder and has very high walls around herself that he finds it almost impossible to breach, but he's not going to give up. They have two weeks together while he trains her. He fully plans to reach her in that time.
I loved this book so, so much!! The camp is such an amazing setting for romance, especially since they're there alone for most of the book. I loved everything about it. The setup worked for me. Both Paul and Amy are great characters. I wanted them to make it together in the worst possible way.
And you should note...the cover of this book gives the impression that it's going to be a sweet, lighthearted read...which it is to a certain extent. BUT it is also incredibly hot...like hotter than most other contemporary romances out there. Although I wouldn't classify it as erotic, the amount of very hot sex in the book definitely takes it close to that ledge. Second note...the sexy times are all wonderfully, sensually written. It's HAWT!!
I definitely recommend this book. It was a GREAT read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It would be a great way for you to finish out the summer...take an imaginary adventure to summer camp!
I received a complimentary copy of this book as a gift from the publisher.
October 5, 2018
"Ropes of come hit my chest and paint the shower walls."
I purchased this book specifically because I'm looking for a literary agent and this was one of the titles under her care. Let's not even judge it too harshly that the incorrect spelling of 'cum' didn't come to the attention of everyone who was involved with getting this ready for publication. What's really problematic is the imagery. It is so disgusting, unrealistic and childish that it's vomit inducing. This single sentence is a very mild example of the cringe-worthy sex talk that this story is teeming with.
The two characters are constantly thinking about rubbing up against each other, and the story (???) is a thin, diaphanous layer vainly covering these thoughts. THE WHOLE TIME. Nowhere in this very thin story can you not see junk and moist slits rubbing up against it.
I'm sorry I paid for it. I can't finish it.
I purchased this book specifically because I'm looking for a literary agent and this was one of the titles under her care. Let's not even judge it too harshly that the incorrect spelling of 'cum' didn't come to the attention of everyone who was involved with getting this ready for publication. What's really problematic is the imagery. It is so disgusting, unrealistic and childish that it's vomit inducing. This single sentence is a very mild example of the cringe-worthy sex talk that this story is teeming with.
The two characters are constantly thinking about rubbing up against each other, and the story (???) is a thin, diaphanous layer vainly covering these thoughts. THE WHOLE TIME. Nowhere in this very thin story can you not see junk and moist slits rubbing up against it.
I'm sorry I paid for it. I can't finish it.
March 4, 2018
One Match Fire by Lissa Linden
3 stars
M/F Romance - second chance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
First off, I would categorize this more as a YA coming of age story, but you only really get to see the grown up version of the characters, so it was somewhat strange.
Amy and Paul grew up seeing each other for one week increments during the summer. However, for that one week, they were the best of friends and as they got older, they became more...or at least Amy thought so. However, when Paul's secret is revealed, Amy leaves and never looks back.
Paul didn't know why Amy had left like she had and for several year, he has pined over her. He was able to live his dream, but now realizes that something is lost or missing in his life. He decides, kind of on a whim, that he needs a drastic change.
Amy is going through the motions of life but isn't living. When her eyes are sprung open to that, she knows that she needs to find a place that makes her happy. That place where she can dream again and not worry about someone else's dreams.
Amy heads back to the place that she was once the happiest in her life and there, she finds Paul. This is where the story takes on a much different feel. For me, it went from a second chance romance beginning to a YA story. Amy was emotionally stunted and Paul as well. Neither was really past their young selves enough to know or act like mature adults.
And, despite the emotional twists and turns on this story and the truth reveals, despite the sexual chemistry between the two characters, they had very poor communication and had to learn what a relationship was throughout the story.
So, while it was a sweet second chance romance, it was more young than I was expecting.
3 stars
M/F Romance - second chance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
First off, I would categorize this more as a YA coming of age story, but you only really get to see the grown up version of the characters, so it was somewhat strange.
Amy and Paul grew up seeing each other for one week increments during the summer. However, for that one week, they were the best of friends and as they got older, they became more...or at least Amy thought so. However, when Paul's secret is revealed, Amy leaves and never looks back.
Paul didn't know why Amy had left like she had and for several year, he has pined over her. He was able to live his dream, but now realizes that something is lost or missing in his life. He decides, kind of on a whim, that he needs a drastic change.
Amy is going through the motions of life but isn't living. When her eyes are sprung open to that, she knows that she needs to find a place that makes her happy. That place where she can dream again and not worry about someone else's dreams.
Amy heads back to the place that she was once the happiest in her life and there, she finds Paul. This is where the story takes on a much different feel. For me, it went from a second chance romance beginning to a YA story. Amy was emotionally stunted and Paul as well. Neither was really past their young selves enough to know or act like mature adults.
And, despite the emotional twists and turns on this story and the truth reveals, despite the sexual chemistry between the two characters, they had very poor communication and had to learn what a relationship was throughout the story.
So, while it was a sweet second chance romance, it was more young than I was expecting.
April 30, 2018
One Match Fire is the perfect blend of sweet and sexy. I've never been to a summer camp before (we don't tend to have those in NZ) but I felt like I was there, and now I'm totally envious of those who get to enjoy going to summer camp. Well worth picking up this debut!
November 6, 2018
DNF at 11%.
Three chapters in and the characters are already passing sexual comments to each other. Five chapters in, and I think they're about to have a "friends with benefits" situation going on. Erotica straight off the bat. This is a big no for me. I don't even get to know the characters first, get to explore what they're all about, before they start jumping each other's bones. Completely pathetic and I cannot stand to read another word of this book. I am utterly sick of books like One Match Fire; just unimaginative bullshit with no substance.
I raise my middle finger to this book.
Three chapters in and the characters are already passing sexual comments to each other. Five chapters in, and I think they're about to have a "friends with benefits" situation going on. Erotica straight off the bat. This is a big no for me. I don't even get to know the characters first, get to explore what they're all about, before they start jumping each other's bones. Completely pathetic and I cannot stand to read another word of this book. I am utterly sick of books like One Match Fire; just unimaginative bullshit with no substance.
I raise my middle finger to this book.
April 4, 2019
I *loved* this book. Paul and Amy had my heart from the get-go. I adore a second-chance romance, and this hit all my buttons. Soon-to-be-former Camp Director Paul realizes he'll never couple up if he remains in the job that he loves. It just so happens that his one-time crush, Amy, has shucked her wedding planner job to return to the place where she was happiest--summer camp, where she's taking the reins as the new camp director. The two rekindle their crush, and lots of steamy sex ensues. I won't spoil anything about how--or if--they reach their happily-ever-after, but you'll love the ride!
November 27, 2018
I adored this book. I thought Paul and Amy had amazing chemistry and I love that it's a summer camp romance. It was a really fun read and the sex scenes were quite. The only thing that gave me pause was Amy's body-image issues. I wish she loved her body a little more and also didn't see her breasts as something for others to enjoy instead of just a part of her. But other than that, I really adored.
September 3, 2018
Super steamy second chance at love story set at an off-season summer camp. If only the great out doors could be this much fun!
April 5, 2018
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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Avid Reader – ☆☆☆
M/F Romance – Second chance
First off, I would categorize this more as a young adult, coming of age story, but you only really get to see the grown up version of the characters, so it was somewhat strange.
Amy and Paul grew up seeing each other for one-week increments during the summer. However, for that one week, they were the best of friends and as they got older, they became more... or at least Amy thought so. However, when Paul's secret is revealed, Amy leaves and never looks back.
Paul didn't know why Amy had left like she had and for several years, he has pined over her. He was able to live his dream, but now realizes that something is lost or missing in his life. He decides, kind of on a whim, that he needs a drastic change.
Amy is going through the motions of life but isn't living. When her eyes are sprung open to that, she knows that she needs to find a place that makes her happy. That place where she can dream again and not worry about someone else's dreams.
Amy heads back to the place that she was once the happiest in her life and there, she finds Paul. This is where the story takes on a much different feel. For me, it went from a second chance romance beginning to a young adult story. Amy was emotionally stunted and Paul as well. Neither was really past their young selves enough to know or act like mature adults.
And despite the emotional twists and turns in this story and the truth reveals, despite the sexual chemistry between the two characters, they had very poor communication and had to learn what a relationship was throughout the story.
So, while it was a sweet second chance romance, it was more young adult than I was expecting.
Sarah – ☆☆☆
I usually love all the feels in a good summer camp story, but while this one had some very sweet and sexually charged moments, it didn’t entirely work for me.
I think my big issue is with the characters. Amy and Paul seem to have both been emotionally frozen at the age of sixteen. They both carry an unbelievable amount of emotional baggage from their teenage camp romance. Honestly, the angst in this story feels totally disproportionate to Amy and Paul’s previous relationship and neither Amy nor Paul seems to have done any genuine adulting in the decade since they last met. I found Amy’s lack of self-confidence and her need for perpetual self-reinvention annoying, and I hated the way Paul just seemed to coast through life, insulated by his inheritance in a fluffy bubble of white boy privilege.
There are some great camp scenes of hiking, canoeing, and shelter building – but camp romances are usually about young adult/new adult characters and with older characters, much of the self-discovery magic is missing.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Avid Reader – ☆☆☆
M/F Romance – Second chance
First off, I would categorize this more as a young adult, coming of age story, but you only really get to see the grown up version of the characters, so it was somewhat strange.
Amy and Paul grew up seeing each other for one-week increments during the summer. However, for that one week, they were the best of friends and as they got older, they became more... or at least Amy thought so. However, when Paul's secret is revealed, Amy leaves and never looks back.
Paul didn't know why Amy had left like she had and for several years, he has pined over her. He was able to live his dream, but now realizes that something is lost or missing in his life. He decides, kind of on a whim, that he needs a drastic change.
Amy is going through the motions of life but isn't living. When her eyes are sprung open to that, she knows that she needs to find a place that makes her happy. That place where she can dream again and not worry about someone else's dreams.
Amy heads back to the place that she was once the happiest in her life and there, she finds Paul. This is where the story takes on a much different feel. For me, it went from a second chance romance beginning to a young adult story. Amy was emotionally stunted and Paul as well. Neither was really past their young selves enough to know or act like mature adults.
And despite the emotional twists and turns in this story and the truth reveals, despite the sexual chemistry between the two characters, they had very poor communication and had to learn what a relationship was throughout the story.
So, while it was a sweet second chance romance, it was more young adult than I was expecting.
Sarah – ☆☆☆
I usually love all the feels in a good summer camp story, but while this one had some very sweet and sexually charged moments, it didn’t entirely work for me.
I think my big issue is with the characters. Amy and Paul seem to have both been emotionally frozen at the age of sixteen. They both carry an unbelievable amount of emotional baggage from their teenage camp romance. Honestly, the angst in this story feels totally disproportionate to Amy and Paul’s previous relationship and neither Amy nor Paul seems to have done any genuine adulting in the decade since they last met. I found Amy’s lack of self-confidence and her need for perpetual self-reinvention annoying, and I hated the way Paul just seemed to coast through life, insulated by his inheritance in a fluffy bubble of white boy privilege.
There are some great camp scenes of hiking, canoeing, and shelter building – but camp romances are usually about young adult/new adult characters and with older characters, much of the self-discovery magic is missing.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
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