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Daddy Dearest #1
Family Camp
When Geo signs up for Family Camp, he envisions nature hikes, s’mores, and a chance to win over his recalcitrant new foster kids, Jayden and Lucy. He’s tried to become a dad for so long, and he hopes the three of them can be the family he’s always wanted. What he doesn’t anticipate is the prickly and gorgeous camp counselor who constantly comes to his rescue.
Travis spends a week every year at Camp Evermore, the camp his adoptive parents own. As a pro baseball player, his presence guarantees a full campground and excited campers. He has one rule: never, ever mess around with anyone at camp. His profession demands he stay in the closet. But one sweet and funny new dad is about to test all his resolve.
Sparks fly for Geo and Travis, and not because of the nightly campfire. Having been a foster kid himself, Travis is drawn to Geo’s sincerity and big heart and to his kids. The four of them just fit. But will this be a summer romance? Or can they find a way to be a family long after Family Camp is over?
Travis spends a week every year at Camp Evermore, the camp his adoptive parents own. As a pro baseball player, his presence guarantees a full campground and excited campers. He has one rule: never, ever mess around with anyone at camp. His profession demands he stay in the closet. But one sweet and funny new dad is about to test all his resolve.
Sparks fly for Geo and Travis, and not because of the nightly campfire. Having been a foster kid himself, Travis is drawn to Geo’s sincerity and big heart and to his kids. The four of them just fit. But will this be a summer romance? Or can they find a way to be a family long after Family Camp is over?
219 pages, ebook
First published March 28, 2019
255 people are currently reading
1260 people want to read
About the author
Eli Easton
83 books2,806 followersHaving been, at various times and under different names, a minister’s daughter, a computer programmer, the author of paranormal mysteries, a game designer, an organic farmer, an avid hiker, and a profound sleeper, Eli is happily embarking on yet another incarnation as a m/m romance author.
As an addicted reader of such, she is tinkled pink when an author manages to combine literary merit, vast stores of humor, melting hotness and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, three bulldogs, three cows and six chickens. All of them (except for the husband) are female, hence explaining the naked men that have taken up residence in her latest fiction writing.
Her website in www.elieaston.com
You can email her at eli@elieaston.com
COMING SOON:
See what's in the pipeline here: http://elieaston.com/work-in-progress/
As an addicted reader of such, she is tinkled pink when an author manages to combine literary merit, vast stores of humor, melting hotness and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, three bulldogs, three cows and six chickens. All of them (except for the husband) are female, hence explaining the naked men that have taken up residence in her latest fiction writing.
Her website in www.elieaston.com
You can email her at eli@elieaston.com
COMING SOON:
See what's in the pipeline here: http://elieaston.com/work-in-progress/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 508 reviews
March 23, 2019
~4.5~
When Eli Easton, one of my FAVE M/M authors EVER, announced she was writing a series about gay dads, I was ... skeptical.
Because. KIDS.
Disclaimer: I have kids.
And since I got 'em in real life, I don't really want them in my books.
But lo and behold, I freakin' loved the hell out of this story. It's CUTE. It's FUNNY. It's SEXY. It's HAPPY. It's all the FEELS.
Geo I loved from the get-go. He's trying so hard to be a good dad to his new foster kids: Lucy, who is tiny for her age and barely talks, seeking comfort in her imaginary world, and Jayden, an angsty adolescent, trying so hard to be cool and fit in, he's all awkward angles and posturing
Travis, on the other hands, was Mr. Judgy McJudgy Pants the second he met Geo. A foster kid himself, Travis immediately assumes that Geo won't do right by the kids.
Of course, he's wrong. SO, SO wrong.
Once Travis gets over himself, he and Geo can't get enough of each other. They kiss. Travis bonds with Lucy and Jayden. Lucy falls in love with Travis's dog. Travis can't stay away from Geo and the kids.
There's a three-legged race, cheesy camp songs (so insanely cheesy, I could only laugh), supportive families (three cheers for Travis's badass dad!), and, of course, an arsehole who just has to invade Travis's privacy. Travis is a baseball star and is most definitely not out—not to his family, not to his team, and certainly not to anyone else.
The angst is kept to a minimum, and the ending is sweeter than s'mores. I'm talkin' ooey-gooey marshmallows and melted chocolate.
As long as there's no baby mama drama (please god, NO), I'm totally down with this series. Apparently, Eli Easton can do no wrong.
When Eli Easton, one of my FAVE M/M authors EVER, announced she was writing a series about gay dads, I was ... skeptical.
Because. KIDS.
Disclaimer: I have kids.
And since I got 'em in real life, I don't really want them in my books.
But lo and behold, I freakin' loved the hell out of this story. It's CUTE. It's FUNNY. It's SEXY. It's HAPPY. It's all the FEELS.
Geo I loved from the get-go. He's trying so hard to be a good dad to his new foster kids: Lucy, who is tiny for her age and barely talks, seeking comfort in her imaginary world, and Jayden, an angsty adolescent, trying so hard to be cool and fit in, he's all awkward angles and posturing
Travis, on the other hands, was Mr. Judgy McJudgy Pants the second he met Geo. A foster kid himself, Travis immediately assumes that Geo won't do right by the kids.
Of course, he's wrong. SO, SO wrong.
Once Travis gets over himself, he and Geo can't get enough of each other. They kiss. Travis bonds with Lucy and Jayden. Lucy falls in love with Travis's dog. Travis can't stay away from Geo and the kids.
There's a three-legged race, cheesy camp songs (so insanely cheesy, I could only laugh), supportive families (three cheers for Travis's badass dad!), and, of course, an arsehole who just has to invade Travis's privacy. Travis is a baseball star and is most definitely not out—not to his family, not to his team, and certainly not to anyone else.
The angst is kept to a minimum, and the ending is sweeter than s'mores. I'm talkin' ooey-gooey marshmallows and melted chocolate.
As long as there's no baby mama drama (please god, NO), I'm totally down with this series. Apparently, Eli Easton can do no wrong.
July 4, 2019
Price drop to $0.99 at Amazon US right now! 7/3/19!
*4.5 stars*
I adored Family Camp by one of my favorite authors, Eli Easton, so much. I was in a bit of a book funk and I needed a winner and Eli Easton gave that to me on a silver platter.
It just so happens that I'm going to a family camp with my clan in a few weeks for spring break, so the timing on this book was perfection. Though I'm hoping my camp doesn't have as much "wake up at 7 am and do calisthenics..."
This story is classic Eli Easton, and it gave me all the right feels. Family Camp is a light book, though there are aspects that are more serious, but it's a very sweet, uplifting book overall (ya know, for when reality feels like a dumpster fire). I adored, ADORED Geo's sense of humor. He injected each scene with adorable, witty aplomb, and I wanted to kiss his face and be his best friend. His interactions with his foster children melted my heart, but it was his sense of humor that won me over. I'm a sucker for a goofball.
I also liked the more reticent Travis, and though this book isn't focused on sports, having a hot baseball player as an MC is never a bad thing. I really liked how his relationship with Geo evolved over time, and I found the relationship progress to be natural and perfectly staged.
Family Camp is one of those books that will just make you happy. It's an adorable story with not too much angst (but still a touch to keep it real-feeling), and it has a squishy, romance-y romance ending that will make your eyes tear up. A clear winner.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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*4.5 stars*
I adored Family Camp by one of my favorite authors, Eli Easton, so much. I was in a bit of a book funk and I needed a winner and Eli Easton gave that to me on a silver platter.
It just so happens that I'm going to a family camp with my clan in a few weeks for spring break, so the timing on this book was perfection. Though I'm hoping my camp doesn't have as much "wake up at 7 am and do calisthenics..."
This story is classic Eli Easton, and it gave me all the right feels. Family Camp is a light book, though there are aspects that are more serious, but it's a very sweet, uplifting book overall (ya know, for when reality feels like a dumpster fire). I adored, ADORED Geo's sense of humor. He injected each scene with adorable, witty aplomb, and I wanted to kiss his face and be his best friend. His interactions with his foster children melted my heart, but it was his sense of humor that won me over. I'm a sucker for a goofball.
I also liked the more reticent Travis, and though this book isn't focused on sports, having a hot baseball player as an MC is never a bad thing. I really liked how his relationship with Geo evolved over time, and I found the relationship progress to be natural and perfectly staged.
Family Camp is one of those books that will just make you happy. It's an adorable story with not too much angst (but still a touch to keep it real-feeling), and it has a squishy, romance-y romance ending that will make your eyes tear up. A clear winner.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
March 22, 2019
I love books with kids and this one was packed to the gills with semi-sappy goodness.
When I first saw the "Daddy Dearest" series title, I was all nope, nope, nopity NOPE, because... N-O-P-E!
However, after I was assured by my pal Cadiva that she'd found no adult references to "daddy", I immediately reached out for an ARC of the book. : )
As the story began, 32 y.o. middle school teacher Geo, had gotten custody of two foster kids only six weeks prior, with the kids still being very distant and distrustful of their new would-be dad.
[Geo:]
Yet when the kids met 32 y.o. professional baseball player Travis, he had an uncanny ability for them to lower their guards, at least a little bit more so than with Geo.
[Travis:]
The initial tension between the MC's arose from a small misunderstanding regarding the longer-term fate of the kids, but that was, thankfully, cleared up pretty quickly.
From that point until the end of their week at Family Camp, it was pretty much all sunshine, rainbows, and little floaty hearts swimming around Geo and Travis' heads as their mutual attractions gained hold.
But Travis, being a professional athlete, was still firmly in the closet, even with his own family, which meant a whole lot of sneaking around, avoiding prying eyes.
So I'm pretty sure you can guess where the drama toward the end of the book was derived? Yep, a malicious,
The drama was kept to a minimum and the steam was present, but no one was really in danger of being "Dicked to Death", so Easton hit the Goldilocks Spot for both of those aspects of the story.
My absolute favorite parts of the story were seeing how the kids came to both trust and rely on Geo, after keeping him at arm's length since coming into his care.
Also, the parts where 12 y.o. Jayden connected with Travis, who had also been a foster kid, in the system for over a decade by Jayden's age, those scenes were very heart-felt and touching. Sometimes it truly does "take one to know one" emotion-wise.
In regards to humor, the book had plenty of funny moments, but not side-splittingly so.
If I had to name a niggle, I guess I'd say that, maybe, the story was a bit too fluffy and sweet for the reading mood that I was in, but I'm pretty sure that was on me.
-- Except for the camp song and how the counselors were so OTT campy. That definitely was *not* on me. ;- )
I'd rate this one at around 3.75 stars and recommend it to readers looking for a lighter read.
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My ARC copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
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October 11, 2024
Update 2024:
I just re-read this book and gosh, how can a story be so perfect and all around well crafted?
I think I said it all in my previous review, but this book totally reignited my interest in the M/M romance genre. It is actually one of the selected few must-reads that people should grab when diving into this genre. It feels like we get the essence of romance with every line in this book. Geo and Travis are both wonderfully developed characters.
A deep, deep bow to Ms Easton for creating this masterpiece. It stayed in my memory for 5 years now and I'm glad I took the time to re-read it and find it just as mesmerizing as the first time I devoured it.
Review 2019:
Get ready for a tsunami of praise for this one, because it absolutely blew me away.
I’m a real sucker for rainbow family romances and while I usually love them all without being too picky, I really need to praise the kids and their character development in this one.
So often we see a dad character feeding kids, taking them to school or changing their diapers (depending on their age) and responding to their generic exclamations. Like props they’re being carried around and coddled and used to create a couple of “Aaaw, sweet” moments during the story.
But Jayden and Lucy? They are real characters, with a background, with motivations, with insecurities and fears. They’re actually on the same level as the MCs Geo and Travis – and that totally blew me away.
This wasn’t a romance for a guy with kids, it was a family developing a bond with a nice guy who may or may not end up as an addition to their family.
True perfection.
This book was actually amazing from the first to the last sentence. Even the plot was remarkable and without a single flaw, in my opinion. A truly amazing stage for truly amazing characters.
Geo is a history teacher (would have been fun if it was geography, LOL) who is also a single gay man who desperately wants to be a dad while he’s still in his 30s, so he can actively do things with his kids and participate in their lives. He tried many options, but as he would be a single parent, the only feasible way for him to become a dad is fostering children. So a couple weeks ago, he got 12 year old Jayden and 5 year old Lucy. Both kids come from difficult backgrounds and were already switched around quite a bit in the fostering system. Therefore, they’re withdrawn and insecure by the time the story begins.
Geo wants to strengthen their bond as a young family and decides to take the kids to Camp Evermore - a summer camp in the mountains that allows parents to participate in the activities with their kids.
The camp is run by the Mayhew family. James and Ida Mayhew have fostered many children themselves. One of them is Travis Mayhew who is now in his 30s and a famous baseball player in L.A. Famous enough to have a celebrity status and be one of those hot, muscled, eligible bachelors that the tabloids drool over.
However, one week in summer, Travis leaves his pro athlete life behind to join his family at Camp Evermore and be an instructor for the kids and their families there. Of course, his celebrity status isn’t bad for the camp’s enrolment numbers either, so win-win.
What nobody (not even his family) knows, however, is that Travis is gay. He cannot come out as an active baseball player, though, so he leads a rather solitary life that is also still influenced by his childhood trauma as foster kid who was passed around and never felt loved or accepted by anyone until he met the Mayhews.
When Travis meets the cute and funny dad Geo and his two kids, he tries his best to stick to his own rule of no private bonding at the camp, but Jayden and Lucy grow dear to him quickly, as they remind him of himself at that age. And their gorgeous dad isn’t too bad either.
I loved the story from the beginning to the end. Geo and Travis are perfectly drawn characters.
There was a little misunderstanding at first that caused a conflict in the story, but once it was resolved, the story was perfect bliss. However, the camp only lasts a week and Travis has a professional sports career. So their affair cannot last, or can it?
I seriously consider this another top 10 favorite this year. I always love Eli Easton’s character, but these two felt like masterpieces among the league of great Easton characters, LOL. A great romance with moments that are juicy, but never porny and a love that felt so real you could practically grab it with your hands. And not just the romantic kind, but also the love a family shares.
Please, please, please check it out!
5 stars!
I just re-read this book and gosh, how can a story be so perfect and all around well crafted?
I think I said it all in my previous review, but this book totally reignited my interest in the M/M romance genre. It is actually one of the selected few must-reads that people should grab when diving into this genre. It feels like we get the essence of romance with every line in this book. Geo and Travis are both wonderfully developed characters.
A deep, deep bow to Ms Easton for creating this masterpiece. It stayed in my memory for 5 years now and I'm glad I took the time to re-read it and find it just as mesmerizing as the first time I devoured it.
Review 2019:
Get ready for a tsunami of praise for this one, because it absolutely blew me away.
I’m a real sucker for rainbow family romances and while I usually love them all without being too picky, I really need to praise the kids and their character development in this one.
So often we see a dad character feeding kids, taking them to school or changing their diapers (depending on their age) and responding to their generic exclamations. Like props they’re being carried around and coddled and used to create a couple of “Aaaw, sweet” moments during the story.
But Jayden and Lucy? They are real characters, with a background, with motivations, with insecurities and fears. They’re actually on the same level as the MCs Geo and Travis – and that totally blew me away.
This wasn’t a romance for a guy with kids, it was a family developing a bond with a nice guy who may or may not end up as an addition to their family.
True perfection.
This book was actually amazing from the first to the last sentence. Even the plot was remarkable and without a single flaw, in my opinion. A truly amazing stage for truly amazing characters.
Geo is a history teacher (would have been fun if it was geography, LOL) who is also a single gay man who desperately wants to be a dad while he’s still in his 30s, so he can actively do things with his kids and participate in their lives. He tried many options, but as he would be a single parent, the only feasible way for him to become a dad is fostering children. So a couple weeks ago, he got 12 year old Jayden and 5 year old Lucy. Both kids come from difficult backgrounds and were already switched around quite a bit in the fostering system. Therefore, they’re withdrawn and insecure by the time the story begins.
Geo wants to strengthen their bond as a young family and decides to take the kids to Camp Evermore - a summer camp in the mountains that allows parents to participate in the activities with their kids.
The camp is run by the Mayhew family. James and Ida Mayhew have fostered many children themselves. One of them is Travis Mayhew who is now in his 30s and a famous baseball player in L.A. Famous enough to have a celebrity status and be one of those hot, muscled, eligible bachelors that the tabloids drool over.
However, one week in summer, Travis leaves his pro athlete life behind to join his family at Camp Evermore and be an instructor for the kids and their families there. Of course, his celebrity status isn’t bad for the camp’s enrolment numbers either, so win-win.
What nobody (not even his family) knows, however, is that Travis is gay. He cannot come out as an active baseball player, though, so he leads a rather solitary life that is also still influenced by his childhood trauma as foster kid who was passed around and never felt loved or accepted by anyone until he met the Mayhews.
When Travis meets the cute and funny dad Geo and his two kids, he tries his best to stick to his own rule of no private bonding at the camp, but Jayden and Lucy grow dear to him quickly, as they remind him of himself at that age. And their gorgeous dad isn’t too bad either.
I loved the story from the beginning to the end. Geo and Travis are perfectly drawn characters.
There was a little misunderstanding at first that caused a conflict in the story, but once it was resolved, the story was perfect bliss. However, the camp only lasts a week and Travis has a professional sports career. So their affair cannot last, or can it?
I seriously consider this another top 10 favorite this year. I always love Eli Easton’s character, but these two felt like masterpieces among the league of great Easton characters, LOL. A great romance with moments that are juicy, but never porny and a love that felt so real you could practically grab it with your hands. And not just the romantic kind, but also the love a family shares.
Please, please, please check it out!
5 stars!
April 8, 2019
Awwwww ... and awwwwwwwwwwwwww .. and awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww 😍😍😍 Damn, all the good feels in the world. 🥰 Eli Easton has been one of my favorite authors since my very first book of hers and there’s definitely a legit reason for that. She writes one of the best feel- good, heart-warming, all the tingly feels stories. 👏 And “Family Camp” definitely isn’t an exception, it was sweet, warm, romantic and invokes all the right feels in you. 😊 You can’t help but falling in love with both MCs and their misfit of a little adoptive family while reading this very lovely story. 💜
Geo is a very fresh dad with two very uncooperative and mistrustful foster kids. So he decided going to a family camp over their summer holiday is the cure to all his parental problems. 😁 He thought he had given up his sex life for at least another decade when he got these two kids in his life. 😏 That is until a knight in shining armor riding ... I mean driving a car came rescuing to his predicament of being stranded in the middle of the road with no gas in his tank on the road to said family camp. 😂 Talk about chemistry on the first sight, it was sizzling. 🔥 And the knight kept coming to his rescue over his stay at the family camp. Perhaps, the kids needed an another daddy to complete their perfect equation. 😁 And if Geo is honest with himself, he wants kind and loving Travis so desperately for himself and his kids. If only being together after a summer fling would be so easy when said fling happens to be a celebrity Major League Baseball player who’s not out at all. 😉
Although this is kind of an insta-lust/love thing that spanned over a week long vacation at a family camp, it didn’t feel rushed or unauthentic at all. 😌 Travis is tired of not being himself and under public scrutiny all time and Geo is a kind, loving, understanding man who has a heart big enough for his foster kids and Travis. It was the right romance and right chemistry at a very right time. ❤️ I loved the slow-burn, sexy romance between Travis and Geo, all the stolen glances and bashful flirting. 🥰 And when they finally gave into their attraction? It was glorious! 🔥 And I loved those two kids, they are just so vulnerable and scared, my heart aches for them. 😭 And it was so good to see them becoming a real family in the end. 👏 The chemistry and the sex was hot and erotic but not overly done. And their love story is just so adorable. 😍 And bonus point for a perfect epilogue. 👍 I’m really looking forward to more books in this series. 😌
4.5 family is not of blood but of your choosing stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Geo is a very fresh dad with two very uncooperative and mistrustful foster kids. So he decided going to a family camp over their summer holiday is the cure to all his parental problems. 😁 He thought he had given up his sex life for at least another decade when he got these two kids in his life. 😏 That is until a knight in shining armor riding ... I mean driving a car came rescuing to his predicament of being stranded in the middle of the road with no gas in his tank on the road to said family camp. 😂 Talk about chemistry on the first sight, it was sizzling. 🔥 And the knight kept coming to his rescue over his stay at the family camp. Perhaps, the kids needed an another daddy to complete their perfect equation. 😁 And if Geo is honest with himself, he wants kind and loving Travis so desperately for himself and his kids. If only being together after a summer fling would be so easy when said fling happens to be a celebrity Major League Baseball player who’s not out at all. 😉
Although this is kind of an insta-lust/love thing that spanned over a week long vacation at a family camp, it didn’t feel rushed or unauthentic at all. 😌 Travis is tired of not being himself and under public scrutiny all time and Geo is a kind, loving, understanding man who has a heart big enough for his foster kids and Travis. It was the right romance and right chemistry at a very right time. ❤️ I loved the slow-burn, sexy romance between Travis and Geo, all the stolen glances and bashful flirting. 🥰 And when they finally gave into their attraction? It was glorious! 🔥 And I loved those two kids, they are just so vulnerable and scared, my heart aches for them. 😭 And it was so good to see them becoming a real family in the end. 👏 The chemistry and the sex was hot and erotic but not overly done. And their love story is just so adorable. 😍 And bonus point for a perfect epilogue. 👍 I’m really looking forward to more books in this series. 😌
4.5 family is not of blood but of your choosing stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
March 27, 2019
I am a huge Eli Easton fan, and so I have read and loved plenty of her books, with Five Dares, being my favorite so far. Now I may be one of the few people who actually does enjoy reading about kids in my romance books. Most of the time the little brats are funny as hell and they are wonderful tension breakers
So yeah, saying I was excited about this one, is putting it mildly.
I can gladly say that I was not disappointed !! This book was awesome...as were the kids
What made it even more fun for me was the fact that my son is named Jayden as well...and so I had no choice but to love him 
Now this book is all sorts of cute and sweet....and lets not forget HOT.
I had the best of time reading it and I did most of it with a huge smile on my face.
Geo was really trying to be a great dad to his new foster kids and I admired the hell out of him for doing so. There was a small misunderstanding between Geo and Travis in the beginning but thankfully things got resolved pretty quickly. There is some angst in this one...be it small mostly revolving around Travis' sexuality.
I really needed something light and sweet after reading some very heavy books and this one definitely delivered. I can't wait to see what's next ;)
Highly recommended !!
March 31, 2019
4.5
When Eli Easton is on she's tough to beat when it comes to feel good reads, I tell ya. SPOILER ALERT: Family Camp is packed to the rafters with good feels.
I normally shy away from reads with kids but the lure of a grumpy pro baseball player was too great to resist and I'm glad I didn't because Family Camp is FUN! Jay and Luce are integral to this story and enrich it in so many ways. They also read like kids who've had a rough go in the tender young lives, kids you root for and hope they find a loving parent(s) like Geo and finally catch a break.
I enjoyed Geo and Travis along with the cast of side characters so much that I retreated to the reading cave and only had a pauper's meal because I couldn't be parted from it for the length of time it would've taken to actually cook.
#NoShame
Geo and Travis, once they overcome their little miscommunication hiccup, are charming AF. They have charisma and the whole camp sees it. They have fun together which in turn made this an engaging read and kept a smile on my face. They don't really angst about anything, their personalities compliment each other and I LOVED how Geo's dorkdom put the kibosh on Travis' grumperdom. It was truly touching to see him enjoying himself. They're also ON FIYAHHHHHHHHHH 🔥🔥(mostly) in the woods (no forest fires were started 🐻) and in the bedroom and on the couch. 🙌
I found all the camp stuff ridiculously cute. It's camp. Camp is supposed to be OTT and silly. You're supposed to make an ass out of yourself and like it. Those are the rules.
Naturally, it wouldn't be Eli Easton if there weren't feels and there were verklempty moments sprinkled here and there from Travis's dad's speech to Jay and Geo in the backseat of the car to the talk show audience to Luce reaching out to Geo for comfort.
Geo's camp friends, Van and Bridge, were highlights but Travis's dad was my favorite secondary character. He's a BAMF. If he shows up again I will not be butthurt.
I've no idea where this series is going next but I'm here for it!
My only quibbles are both baseball-y. Because sports nut. Sorry. Not sorry.
1. This takes place in July 2019 and Travis is looking at potentially one more season. No way are the Padres making the post-season. Not even with Machado 🤮 so that's fourteen maybe fifteen months. Why he's so convinced that this thing with Geo will be confined to the camp puzzled me. Fourteen months isn't ideal but given that he was already planning on coming out after retiring it's certainly doable.
2. The Padres are an NL team. No way are they playing the A's (an AL team) twice late in the season.
Honestly, 99.9% of the reading audience won't give two shits about my quibbles and clearly they didn't drastically hinder my enjoyment, so go forth, peoples! Family Camp will give you warm fuzzies and who doesn't need a little pick me up as only Eli Easton can deliver right about now?
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
When Eli Easton is on she's tough to beat when it comes to feel good reads, I tell ya. SPOILER ALERT: Family Camp is packed to the rafters with good feels.
I normally shy away from reads with kids but the lure of a grumpy pro baseball player was too great to resist and I'm glad I didn't because Family Camp is FUN! Jay and Luce are integral to this story and enrich it in so many ways. They also read like kids who've had a rough go in the tender young lives, kids you root for and hope they find a loving parent(s) like Geo and finally catch a break.
I enjoyed Geo and Travis along with the cast of side characters so much that I retreated to the reading cave and only had a pauper's meal because I couldn't be parted from it for the length of time it would've taken to actually cook.
#NoShameGeo and Travis, once they overcome their little miscommunication hiccup, are charming AF. They have charisma and the whole camp sees it. They have fun together which in turn made this an engaging read and kept a smile on my face. They don't really angst about anything, their personalities compliment each other and I LOVED how Geo's dorkdom put the kibosh on Travis' grumperdom. It was truly touching to see him enjoying himself. They're also ON FIYAHHHHHHHHHH 🔥🔥(mostly) in the woods (no forest fires were started 🐻) and in the bedroom and on the couch. 🙌
I found all the camp stuff ridiculously cute. It's camp. Camp is supposed to be OTT and silly. You're supposed to make an ass out of yourself and like it. Those are the rules.
Naturally, it wouldn't be Eli Easton if there weren't feels and there were verklempty moments sprinkled here and there from Travis's dad's speech to Jay and Geo in the backseat of the car to the talk show audience to Luce reaching out to Geo for comfort.
Geo's camp friends, Van and Bridge, were highlights but Travis's dad was my favorite secondary character. He's a BAMF. If he shows up again I will not be butthurt.
I've no idea where this series is going next but I'm here for it!
My only quibbles are both baseball-y. Because sports nut. Sorry. Not sorry.
1. This takes place in July 2019 and Travis is looking at potentially one more season. No way are the Padres making the post-season. Not even with Machado 🤮 so that's fourteen maybe fifteen months. Why he's so convinced that this thing with Geo will be confined to the camp puzzled me. Fourteen months isn't ideal but given that he was already planning on coming out after retiring it's certainly doable.
2. The Padres are an NL team. No way are they playing the A's (an AL team) twice late in the season.
Honestly, 99.9% of the reading audience won't give two shits about my quibbles and clearly they didn't drastically hinder my enjoyment, so go forth, peoples! Family Camp will give you warm fuzzies and who doesn't need a little pick me up as only Eli Easton can deliver right about now?
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
December 25, 2019
4 Stars
The blurb tells exactly how it is.
Geo seriously is the nicest, most sincere guy ever who is finally living his long awaited dream of being a dad. Thing is, it’s no surprise that being a parent, and a foster one at that, is hard. However, Geo is resilient and dedicated, and I loved him.
Travis knows what it’s like to be a foster kid, but he also knows what it’s like to finally have found a family who loves him, and he comes back every year to the family business to participate in all the fun events that they provide at their family camp. Though Travis and Geo get off to a rocky start, what’s undeniable of course, is their attraction to each other and how Travis seems to fit in perfectly with Geo and his kids.
This was no doubt sweet but also full of feels which is trademark Easton. Geo and Travis might not be perfect, and as they hit a few roadblocks they tackle them head on. The kids Jayden and Lucy also come with their own heartbreaking moments but also their triumphs as well.
So, if you’re looking for a read about summer, camping, bonding and falling for the gorgeous guy, this brought the fun, funny, and plenty of topical issues surrounding parenting, being in the closet, and realizing what’s worth fighting for.
Overall, a no brainer if you want some Easton fluff which always seems to make me shed a tear or ten but still leaves me with a smile.
The blurb tells exactly how it is.
Geo seriously is the nicest, most sincere guy ever who is finally living his long awaited dream of being a dad. Thing is, it’s no surprise that being a parent, and a foster one at that, is hard. However, Geo is resilient and dedicated, and I loved him.
Travis knows what it’s like to be a foster kid, but he also knows what it’s like to finally have found a family who loves him, and he comes back every year to the family business to participate in all the fun events that they provide at their family camp. Though Travis and Geo get off to a rocky start, what’s undeniable of course, is their attraction to each other and how Travis seems to fit in perfectly with Geo and his kids.
This was no doubt sweet but also full of feels which is trademark Easton. Geo and Travis might not be perfect, and as they hit a few roadblocks they tackle them head on. The kids Jayden and Lucy also come with their own heartbreaking moments but also their triumphs as well.
So, if you’re looking for a read about summer, camping, bonding and falling for the gorgeous guy, this brought the fun, funny, and plenty of topical issues surrounding parenting, being in the closet, and realizing what’s worth fighting for.
Overall, a no brainer if you want some Easton fluff which always seems to make me shed a tear or ten but still leaves me with a smile.
August 19, 2019
Audio – 4.5 Stars
Story – 4 Stars
This was a very cute, fluffy and steamy. It inspired a new shelf (because I just don’t have enough of those..lol)…Adult Disney. Take away the steamy scenes, and this would make the perfect family Disney movie. In my opinion, a same sex Disney movie is overdue.
Story – 4 Stars
This was a very cute, fluffy and steamy. It inspired a new shelf (because I just don’t have enough of those..lol)…Adult Disney. Take away the steamy scenes, and this would make the perfect family Disney movie. In my opinion, a same sex Disney movie is overdue.
March 28, 2019
This book is just pure Eli Easton - chock full of all the feels with a deep and abiding sense of family and love.
It's also really funny, totally sweet, sneakily steamy and will warm any cold heart with its wonderful pairing and their romance.
I love reading about found families, I love sports romances, I love seeing that instant zap of attraction begin to burn brighter and solidify into an unbreakable link that inky grows stronger the more it's weathered.
Great characters, great setting, great romance.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
It's also really funny, totally sweet, sneakily steamy and will warm any cold heart with its wonderful pairing and their romance.
I love reading about found families, I love sports romances, I love seeing that instant zap of attraction begin to burn brighter and solidify into an unbreakable link that inky grows stronger the more it's weathered.
Great characters, great setting, great romance.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
November 4, 2019
4 Stars
This is one of those beautiful stories that will fill your heart to bursting and make you feel good about life. It’s a well-known fact that even at her worst Eli Easton is still a cut above the rest, so this family focused, feel-good, M/M romance should be an absolute no-brainer.
First we have Geo. He’s single, he’s a teacher, and he’s working to adopt two foster kids newly in his care. It’s Geo’s dream to make it official so the three of them can be a family, but the kids — 5-year-old Lucy and 12-year-old Jayden — have a lot of emotional baggage and Geo is quickly learning that being a stable, loving father figure in a troubled child’s life is easier said than done. Thankfully, Geo is willing to do whatever it takes to help the kids become happy and whole again, and he’s hoping a week at Family Camp will help build some lasting bonds between the three of them so they can start feeling like a real family.
Next, we have Travis. He’s a closeted professional baseball player who works as a camp counsellor for one week every year at his adoptive family’s camp. Travis is a huge hit with the kids and parents alike, but he always keeps a professional distance due to his high-profile athlete status. Regrettably, Travis feels he has to hide his sexuality, even from his supportive family, if he wants to continue playing the game he loves for as long as his body is able. This all becomes increasingly difficult when Geo and the kids show up at camp and turn Travis’s world upside down, in all the best ways possible, in just a few short days.
Geo and Travis were pretty wonderful together. The in-the-closet stuff was tricky to navigate, mostly because it sucked that poor Travis felt he had to keep his sexuality under wraps for the sake of the career he loved, but thankfully, there was nothing but love and support for these two as their love story unfolded. And the way they both were with the kids? *swoon*
At the beginning I was a little weary of the whole kid element, fearing Jayden and Lucy’s heavy presence in the story would impact my enjoyment in a negative way, but I should have never feared, because Easton wrote two loveable little support characters here, both emotionally gripping with their troubled backstories and also wonderfully realistic in their behaviour and need for unconditional love. I particularly adored the way Geo’s relationship with recalcitrant Jayden evolved over the course of the story — in fact, their scenes together may even be my favourite take away from this whole story, as wonderful as the romance itself was.
Needless to say, I really enjoyed this one. It made me laugh and cry with equal measure, and as I said above, it left me feeling happy and hopeful. I can’t ask for much more than that. <3
This is one of those beautiful stories that will fill your heart to bursting and make you feel good about life. It’s a well-known fact that even at her worst Eli Easton is still a cut above the rest, so this family focused, feel-good, M/M romance should be an absolute no-brainer.
First we have Geo. He’s single, he’s a teacher, and he’s working to adopt two foster kids newly in his care. It’s Geo’s dream to make it official so the three of them can be a family, but the kids — 5-year-old Lucy and 12-year-old Jayden — have a lot of emotional baggage and Geo is quickly learning that being a stable, loving father figure in a troubled child’s life is easier said than done. Thankfully, Geo is willing to do whatever it takes to help the kids become happy and whole again, and he’s hoping a week at Family Camp will help build some lasting bonds between the three of them so they can start feeling like a real family.
Next, we have Travis. He’s a closeted professional baseball player who works as a camp counsellor for one week every year at his adoptive family’s camp. Travis is a huge hit with the kids and parents alike, but he always keeps a professional distance due to his high-profile athlete status. Regrettably, Travis feels he has to hide his sexuality, even from his supportive family, if he wants to continue playing the game he loves for as long as his body is able. This all becomes increasingly difficult when Geo and the kids show up at camp and turn Travis’s world upside down, in all the best ways possible, in just a few short days.
Geo and Travis were pretty wonderful together. The in-the-closet stuff was tricky to navigate, mostly because it sucked that poor Travis felt he had to keep his sexuality under wraps for the sake of the career he loved, but thankfully, there was nothing but love and support for these two as their love story unfolded. And the way they both were with the kids? *swoon*
At the beginning I was a little weary of the whole kid element, fearing Jayden and Lucy’s heavy presence in the story would impact my enjoyment in a negative way, but I should have never feared, because Easton wrote two loveable little support characters here, both emotionally gripping with their troubled backstories and also wonderfully realistic in their behaviour and need for unconditional love. I particularly adored the way Geo’s relationship with recalcitrant Jayden evolved over the course of the story — in fact, their scenes together may even be my favourite take away from this whole story, as wonderful as the romance itself was.
Needless to say, I really enjoyed this one. It made me laugh and cry with equal measure, and as I said above, it left me feeling happy and hopeful. I can’t ask for much more than that. <3
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September 22, 2025
Family Camp is book one in the Daddy Dearest series by Eli Easton. I thought the blurb of this sounded so adorable and it definitely was. I just fell in love with these characters right from the start.
Geo Anderson is thirty two years old. He is a middle school teacher and is an out gay man. Geo has always wanted to be a father and has searched for years to find the best way to make that happen. He settled on becoming a foster parent. He instantly knew that twelve year old Jayden and five year old Lucy were meant for him. Both had been hurt by the hardships of life in the system but he knew they were meant to be his family. They had been with him for only six weeks and he had already started adoption proceedings.
He was having trouble, though, in building trust with them and getting them to let down their walls with him. So he signed the three of them up for family camp. He hoped a week of family activities would help them to form a bond that would put them on the road to becoming a family. He definitely didn’t expect the week to also include a very attractive baseball player.
Travis Mayhew is also thirty two years old. He is a professional baseball player, a pitcher for the San Diego Padres. Travis has always known he was gay but kept it a secret. He was taken in as a foster kid at twelve years old by the Mayhews and later adopted. He always worried about what his family would say, and later, knew that in professional sports, it was not something he could reveal. Every year Travis unites with his family and helps to run the family camp. It’s one of his favorite things and his pro-ball, celebrity status helps to draw campers.
Travis and Geo’s first meeting may have included a bit of a miscommunication. But still, that draw was there. That unmistakable attraction that Travis did not want to feel. Because no way could he allow that to happen while at camp. The more he tried to deny it, though, the stronger it was. He loved watching Geo bond with the kids. He had such a connection to little Jayden, understanding how he was struggling to trust that Geo really wanted him as a son.
First, I loved watching little Lucy and Jayden slowly bond with Geo. Their slowly building trust was a beautiful and wonderful thing. Poor Geo was such a mess, and was trying so very hard to be their dad. I also loved the connection Travis had with the kids. He was so good with them, so natural. And I adored him with Geo. These two were clearly meant to be together. But the obstacle of his profession was between them and seemingly insurmountable. So was this just a very short summer romance? Or is there any way that it could be more?
This really was such a beautiful, lovely story with the perfect mixture of silliness, sweetness, steaminess, and of course, my favorite, swooniness. Now I can’t wait to read the second book, Angels Sing.
Geo Anderson is thirty two years old. He is a middle school teacher and is an out gay man. Geo has always wanted to be a father and has searched for years to find the best way to make that happen. He settled on becoming a foster parent. He instantly knew that twelve year old Jayden and five year old Lucy were meant for him. Both had been hurt by the hardships of life in the system but he knew they were meant to be his family. They had been with him for only six weeks and he had already started adoption proceedings.
He was having trouble, though, in building trust with them and getting them to let down their walls with him. So he signed the three of them up for family camp. He hoped a week of family activities would help them to form a bond that would put them on the road to becoming a family. He definitely didn’t expect the week to also include a very attractive baseball player.
Travis Mayhew is also thirty two years old. He is a professional baseball player, a pitcher for the San Diego Padres. Travis has always known he was gay but kept it a secret. He was taken in as a foster kid at twelve years old by the Mayhews and later adopted. He always worried about what his family would say, and later, knew that in professional sports, it was not something he could reveal. Every year Travis unites with his family and helps to run the family camp. It’s one of his favorite things and his pro-ball, celebrity status helps to draw campers.
Travis and Geo’s first meeting may have included a bit of a miscommunication. But still, that draw was there. That unmistakable attraction that Travis did not want to feel. Because no way could he allow that to happen while at camp. The more he tried to deny it, though, the stronger it was. He loved watching Geo bond with the kids. He had such a connection to little Jayden, understanding how he was struggling to trust that Geo really wanted him as a son.
First, I loved watching little Lucy and Jayden slowly bond with Geo. Their slowly building trust was a beautiful and wonderful thing. Poor Geo was such a mess, and was trying so very hard to be their dad. I also loved the connection Travis had with the kids. He was so good with them, so natural. And I adored him with Geo. These two were clearly meant to be together. But the obstacle of his profession was between them and seemingly insurmountable. So was this just a very short summer romance? Or is there any way that it could be more?
This really was such a beautiful, lovely story with the perfect mixture of silliness, sweetness, steaminess, and of course, my favorite, swooniness. Now I can’t wait to read the second book, Angels Sing.
March 25, 2019
4,5 stars - I really liked this sweet story!
It's the first book in this new series Daddy Dearest by Eli Easton.
I haven't read many books by this author, but I absolutely loved those I've read: The Mating of Michael, A Second Harvest and Five Dares.
I really enjoy Eli Easton's writing style, so I've decided to try this one too. And I am so glad I did. This book was super sweet, but it also punched me in the feels!!!
I can't say I am a big fan of kids in my romance books, but here I really loved Jayden and Lucy! Well at first I can't say I loved Jay, but I kind of understood his attitude. And Lucy's past just broke my heart.
I went in blind, not even reading the blurb. I love diving in with no clue about the stories. Well it was obvious it's going to be a family camp but I had no idea about the characters and it did surprise me that Travis was also in foster care and now he was a pro baseball player. And a very hot one!
Geo was a funny professor. He was dying to be a father for so long. But things didn't really go as planned. Dealing with kids at school is one thing. Having your own kids was a different thing. He tried so hard... But he was adorable!
We get a little misunderstanding at the beginning. But I was glad things heated up and we get some pretty amazing scenes with our MC's. The woods, the fire camp, s'mores, all their activities. I won't share more as it's best to discover this story on your own.
I'll just mention I couldn't put this book down. I've read it in one sitting! Loved all the secondary characters, especially Travis's Dad.
Highly recommend this story! Low angst and such a great happily ever after!!
It's the first book in this new series Daddy Dearest by Eli Easton.
I haven't read many books by this author, but I absolutely loved those I've read: The Mating of Michael, A Second Harvest and Five Dares.
I really enjoy Eli Easton's writing style, so I've decided to try this one too. And I am so glad I did. This book was super sweet, but it also punched me in the feels!!!
I can't say I am a big fan of kids in my romance books, but here I really loved Jayden and Lucy! Well at first I can't say I loved Jay, but I kind of understood his attitude. And Lucy's past just broke my heart.
I went in blind, not even reading the blurb. I love diving in with no clue about the stories. Well it was obvious it's going to be a family camp but I had no idea about the characters and it did surprise me that Travis was also in foster care and now he was a pro baseball player. And a very hot one!
Geo was a funny professor. He was dying to be a father for so long. But things didn't really go as planned. Dealing with kids at school is one thing. Having your own kids was a different thing. He tried so hard... But he was adorable!
We get a little misunderstanding at the beginning. But I was glad things heated up and we get some pretty amazing scenes with our MC's. The woods, the fire camp, s'mores, all their activities. I won't share more as it's best to discover this story on your own.
I'll just mention I couldn't put this book down. I've read it in one sitting! Loved all the secondary characters, especially Travis's Dad.
Highly recommend this story! Low angst and such a great happily ever after!!
This review is posted on DirtyBooksObsession
April 21, 2019
“For now…”
Two little words that held significant force both times they were uttered. It’s interesting how much power words have and how drastically they can be construed….or misinterpreted. Tone and inflection can shape their meaning and intention. I loved how Easton brought Geo and Travis full circle and sealed the deal with these two words. When Travis first encountered Geo, stranded on the roadside with the kids, he was drawn to him, that is until his comment about the status of the kids. Travis reacted strongly to implications that he drew from his own past. Geo inadvertently hit a tender spot and had no clue. No matter for they were going separate ways and would never see each other again. Surprise! Turns out they were going to the same place and their magnetic draw couldn’t be ignored. Regardless of how hard they tried, there was no denying the spellbinding attraction. Once they cleared the air with the first impression mishap, they stop fighting and gave into temptation. But that was far from the last obstacle in their way. Geographical differences, stardom hindrances, and private secrets are only a few. Easton delivers a powerful punch with this emotional and touching story; it’s full of passion, determination, and dedication. I loved it and have a hunch you will too.
What's to like: Since this is Eli Easton, there is a lot to like. I always enjoy her smooth writing and was instantly hooked with this improbable pair. The gravity of the situation could have pulled the story down but she counterbalanced with wit, charm and lustful hunger. Both men are starving, eager for their own secure circle. Geo has always wanted children. He surrounds himself daily, playing his part in building the impressionable young minds of middle schoolers. But he wants his own. And he’s fought hard to hopefully make that happen. Fostering both Jayden and Lucy isn’t going to be a walk in the park. Yet, he felt confident that they needed him, just as much as he needs them. Adding a partner to the mix wasn’t even on his radar. But you know what they say, love often hits when it’s least expected. I immediately fell for Travis. He’s paved his path to success as a professional baseball player. In doing so, he’s been forced to hide his true self. He’s battled rejection and still struggles with his self-worth and self-esteem. Falling in love at his family’s summer camp was such a long shot, he didn’t realize it was happening until it…happened. When betrayal strikes, he’s lost, floundering in a sea of unease. Decisions must be made and things are about to change…forever.
What's to love: The whole package. I loved Geo and his quirky sense of humor. I loved Travis and his loyal heart. I loved the kids, both desperate for affection and security. I loved Travis’ huge family and their firm belief that DNA does not make a family, love does. I loved family camp, everything from the silly songs to the delicious meals and the bonds that were made. I loved the power of nature and the nurturing of souls. Need I go on? Naww, better let you find out the rest of the goodness on your own. Just, trust me…this is, they are, worth it.
Beware of: Speedy fall. Family camp is a week long…and I never questioned those few days when it came to Geo and Travis finding and falling for each other. Burning attraction and the intimacy of surrendering one’s heart outweigh sexy times. And a family that is…found.
This book is for: If you don’t like children in your romance stories, I’d suggest you take a pass. However, if you’re in the mood for a labor of love and the beginning of a patchwork family that will tug on your heartstrings…welcome to Family Camp!
Book UNfunk
What's to like: Since this is Eli Easton, there is a lot to like. I always enjoy her smooth writing and was instantly hooked with this improbable pair. The gravity of the situation could have pulled the story down but she counterbalanced with wit, charm and lustful hunger. Both men are starving, eager for their own secure circle. Geo has always wanted children. He surrounds himself daily, playing his part in building the impressionable young minds of middle schoolers. But he wants his own. And he’s fought hard to hopefully make that happen. Fostering both Jayden and Lucy isn’t going to be a walk in the park. Yet, he felt confident that they needed him, just as much as he needs them. Adding a partner to the mix wasn’t even on his radar. But you know what they say, love often hits when it’s least expected. I immediately fell for Travis. He’s paved his path to success as a professional baseball player. In doing so, he’s been forced to hide his true self. He’s battled rejection and still struggles with his self-worth and self-esteem. Falling in love at his family’s summer camp was such a long shot, he didn’t realize it was happening until it…happened. When betrayal strikes, he’s lost, floundering in a sea of unease. Decisions must be made and things are about to change…forever.
What's to love: The whole package. I loved Geo and his quirky sense of humor. I loved Travis and his loyal heart. I loved the kids, both desperate for affection and security. I loved Travis’ huge family and their firm belief that DNA does not make a family, love does. I loved family camp, everything from the silly songs to the delicious meals and the bonds that were made. I loved the power of nature and the nurturing of souls. Need I go on? Naww, better let you find out the rest of the goodness on your own. Just, trust me…this is, they are, worth it.
Beware of: Speedy fall. Family camp is a week long…and I never questioned those few days when it came to Geo and Travis finding and falling for each other. Burning attraction and the intimacy of surrendering one’s heart outweigh sexy times. And a family that is…found.
This book is for: If you don’t like children in your romance stories, I’d suggest you take a pass. However, if you’re in the mood for a labor of love and the beginning of a patchwork family that will tug on your heartstrings…welcome to Family Camp!
Book UNfunk
July 25, 2021
4.5 Family Feelz Stars
Awww, this was just lovely 🥰 I could read it all over again!!! Geo and Travis were so cute together and my heart literally melted for Jayden and Lucy ❤️
Awww, this was just lovely 🥰 I could read it all over again!!! Geo and Travis were so cute together and my heart literally melted for Jayden and Lucy ❤️
April 15, 2019
I've been having a bit of a book rut for a month -- I liked some of those I read but not loved it enough. Which is why I was grateful for Eli Easton's
Family Camp
, because it put a huge satisfactory smile to my face after I finished.
I LOVED Geo from the get go -- how could I not?!? The moment he appeared on my Kindle screen, trying to soothe his foster daughter throwing tantrum from losing her doll as well as connecting to a moody teenager, without losing any ounce of positivity, Geo stole my heart. It wasn't difficult to see why Travis fell for Geo; Geo's heart was so big and generous.
The drama was kept to slightly minimum here; only appeared near the end to create a manageable conflict. I absolutely loved Travis' family. Geo's children were good characters too. They were part of the plot with their own quirks and problems but never overwhelmed the blossoming romance between Geo and Travis.
I might be annoyed with how campy the counsellors were -- seriously, did they need to be THAT perky?!? I could also live without the small side of "single Mom going to camp in search of husband" plot (because, why can't we have single Dad looking for a MOM for once?!). But all in all, this one was a winner :)
I LOVED Geo from the get go -- how could I not?!? The moment he appeared on my Kindle screen, trying to soothe his foster daughter throwing tantrum from losing her doll as well as connecting to a moody teenager, without losing any ounce of positivity, Geo stole my heart. It wasn't difficult to see why Travis fell for Geo; Geo's heart was so big and generous.
The drama was kept to slightly minimum here; only appeared near the end to create a manageable conflict. I absolutely loved Travis' family. Geo's children were good characters too. They were part of the plot with their own quirks and problems but never overwhelmed the blossoming romance between Geo and Travis.
I might be annoyed with how campy the counsellors were -- seriously, did they need to be THAT perky?!? I could also live without the small side of "single Mom going to camp in search of husband" plot (because, why can't we have single Dad looking for a MOM for once?!). But all in all, this one was a winner :)
July 23, 2019
4 Stars!
This was an easy breezy romance read. I really enjoyed how light it was with the drama. It ended up being just a happy feel good read that I hadn't expected to like so much.
I love books with kids. I especially loved that this was about a man who was fostering 2 kids he desperately wanted to be his family. Watching their relationships grow and them change from being distant to a close family was something special. Eli handled it so well. Lucy was darling and Jayden grew to be such a sweet kid. Him holding Geo's hand near the end telling him he'd take care of him...
That boy really grew on me.
The relationship between Geo and Travis started off a little rocky with a miscommunication and misjudgments. It doesn't take long for things to get corrected because unlike so many characters in most romance books, these two men communicated their issues.
It's funny how things can be cleared up so quickly when you communicate your problems. After their issues are cleared up they start hanging out more and fall pretty hard for one another pretty quickly. But it felt natural though. I liked them together and they had amazing chemistry. Loved them.
If your looking for something light that will give you a few laughs and you don't mind some sweet kids in your read, then pick this one up.
Happy reading dolls! xx
This was an easy breezy romance read. I really enjoyed how light it was with the drama. It ended up being just a happy feel good read that I hadn't expected to like so much.
I love books with kids. I especially loved that this was about a man who was fostering 2 kids he desperately wanted to be his family. Watching their relationships grow and them change from being distant to a close family was something special. Eli handled it so well. Lucy was darling and Jayden grew to be such a sweet kid. Him holding Geo's hand near the end telling him he'd take care of him...
That boy really grew on me.
The relationship between Geo and Travis started off a little rocky with a miscommunication and misjudgments. It doesn't take long for things to get corrected because unlike so many characters in most romance books, these two men communicated their issues.
It's funny how things can be cleared up so quickly when you communicate your problems. After their issues are cleared up they start hanging out more and fall pretty hard for one another pretty quickly. But it felt natural though. I liked them together and they had amazing chemistry. Loved them.
If your looking for something light that will give you a few laughs and you don't mind some sweet kids in your read, then pick this one up.
Happy reading dolls! xx
April 22, 2019
Yeah : the magic of Eli Easton worked again with this sweet, fluffy, low-angst MM romance featuring an athletic and sexy pro baseball player and a gay dad who just got custody of two children.
I sometimes feel like I’m not soft enough and it’s not easy for me to let my sappy side being mellowed while stopping my eye-rolling reflex. But once again, the characterization (no bad evil, no oh-so perfect people, just realistic people with MCs and secondary characters with enough flaws and strengths to root for them) and the distillation of nice and cozy sentiments were on spot for me : I swallowed that book. Of course, I didn’t mind the level of steam and the strong HEA on top of the rest, LOL !
So, what’s going here ? Well, Travis is a pro baseball player doing all he can to avoid anything that could jeopardize what he has : as an adopted kid, he relishes having found a huge family and is still scared he's not good enough and to be rejected. One of his habits is to spend one week at his parents’ family camp, being surrounded by his family, by appreciative Moms (don't think I can blame them, LOL) and many kids he makes sure have an entertaining time.
This summer, arrives Geo, a very sexy school teacher with two kids. Geo has always wanted children and he picked a little girl and a young teenager from the foster system. There are no manuals for parenting, but Geo is doing his best to bond with his “flock” and he thought that a week at a family camp could do wonder. And the icing on the cake, there’s this drooling Travis.
Yes, it goes very fast, but I didn’t care because the relationship felt right and realistic and, and, and…well, it ticked a lot of my boxes and I went with the flow and mellowed with these two sexy guys, with these two kids, even with this family camp’s atmosphere that was the kind of funny “silly” for me, with the fall of Travis and Geo nicely balanced with the bonding of Geo and his kids and the coming-out that Travis has to address.
It’s light, fun, romantic, with plenty of nice feels, and it’s sexy as hell. I’m all for it !!
ARC of “Family Camp” was generously provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I sometimes feel like I’m not soft enough and it’s not easy for me to let my sappy side being mellowed while stopping my eye-rolling reflex. But once again, the characterization (no bad evil, no oh-so perfect people, just realistic people with MCs and secondary characters with enough flaws and strengths to root for them) and the distillation of nice and cozy sentiments were on spot for me : I swallowed that book. Of course, I didn’t mind the level of steam and the strong HEA on top of the rest, LOL !
So, what’s going here ? Well, Travis is a pro baseball player doing all he can to avoid anything that could jeopardize what he has : as an adopted kid, he relishes having found a huge family and is still scared he's not good enough and to be rejected. One of his habits is to spend one week at his parents’ family camp, being surrounded by his family, by appreciative Moms (don't think I can blame them, LOL) and many kids he makes sure have an entertaining time.
This summer, arrives Geo, a very sexy school teacher with two kids. Geo has always wanted children and he picked a little girl and a young teenager from the foster system. There are no manuals for parenting, but Geo is doing his best to bond with his “flock” and he thought that a week at a family camp could do wonder. And the icing on the cake, there’s this drooling Travis.
Yes, it goes very fast, but I didn’t care because the relationship felt right and realistic and, and, and…well, it ticked a lot of my boxes and I went with the flow and mellowed with these two sexy guys, with these two kids, even with this family camp’s atmosphere that was the kind of funny “silly” for me, with the fall of Travis and Geo nicely balanced with the bonding of Geo and his kids and the coming-out that Travis has to address.
It’s light, fun, romantic, with plenty of nice feels, and it’s sexy as hell. I’m all for it !!
ARC of “Family Camp” was generously provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2019
Re-read July 2019
I banged my head against the table every time they did the cutesy camp song.
But I re-read this for the kids. And the romance was pretty sweet.
----------------------------------------
When this came out I was sure this wasn’t for me. I’m a bit allergic to the closeted professional jocks these days. Of any closet cases actually.
But this surprised me! I was very happy to find out that while Travis was indeed in the closet, it didn’t play a huge role for most of the book.
Geo is a gay middle-school teacher who’s always wanted children. He was finally able to take on two foster children and hopes he can adopt them. Although it’s not an easy road. 5 year old Lucy might seem to like him, but 12 year old Jayden does everything to let him know he doesn’t trust Geo.
So when Geo has had the two children for 6 weeks, he decides they could all do with some fun at Camp Evermore.
When they arrive after the car ride from hell, Geo is still positive this will be good for them. Of course when he meets sexy Travis, he thinks camp is looking even better now.
But while Travis might be attracted to Geo, he is also a professional baseball player. And it would not be a good thing if Travis came out of the closet. No matter how cute and fun Geo is...
I always love the whole ‘earning the trust of traumatized children’ thing. And Lucy and Jayden were just lovely. I really loved how Geo tried everything to earn their trust, but mostly just loved them.
The whole camp atmosphere was fun and joyful, but also veeeeeeeeeeeery OTT camp-like. I sometimes felt the camp counselors had taken some happy pills.
The coming out of the closet at the end was still a bit dramatic with Geo and Travis not quite apart, but not quite together either. I wasn’t a huge fan of that part. But it was also not as bad as I’d feared.
Overall this was a fun book with lot of happy happy happy camp songs, a sweet romance, and lots of children (who all acted their age, yay!).
I banged my head against the table every time they did the cutesy camp song.
But I re-read this for the kids. And the romance was pretty sweet.
----------------------------------------
When this came out I was sure this wasn’t for me. I’m a bit allergic to the closeted professional jocks these days. Of any closet cases actually.
But this surprised me! I was very happy to find out that while Travis was indeed in the closet, it didn’t play a huge role for most of the book.
Geo is a gay middle-school teacher who’s always wanted children. He was finally able to take on two foster children and hopes he can adopt them. Although it’s not an easy road. 5 year old Lucy might seem to like him, but 12 year old Jayden does everything to let him know he doesn’t trust Geo.
So when Geo has had the two children for 6 weeks, he decides they could all do with some fun at Camp Evermore.
When they arrive after the car ride from hell, Geo is still positive this will be good for them. Of course when he meets sexy Travis, he thinks camp is looking even better now.
But while Travis might be attracted to Geo, he is also a professional baseball player. And it would not be a good thing if Travis came out of the closet. No matter how cute and fun Geo is...
I always love the whole ‘earning the trust of traumatized children’ thing. And Lucy and Jayden were just lovely. I really loved how Geo tried everything to earn their trust, but mostly just loved them.
The whole camp atmosphere was fun and joyful, but also veeeeeeeeeeeery OTT camp-like. I sometimes felt the camp counselors had taken some happy pills.
The coming out of the closet at the end was still a bit dramatic with Geo and Travis not quite apart, but not quite together either. I wasn’t a huge fan of that part. But it was also not as bad as I’d feared.
Overall this was a fun book with lot of happy happy happy camp songs, a sweet romance, and lots of children (who all acted their age, yay!).
March 29, 2019
4.5 campy stars rounded down because still no 1/2 stars here on GR.
It's a little early to start the summer reading but...
Some things should just not be left to the last minute and a new Eli Easton story is definitely on that list.
I enjoy this authors books anytime, but I think I was just really in the mood for a story like this when I read it because this one just left me feeling all warm and mushy and pretty much like a melted puddle of summer lovin' goo.
I'm not even sure where to begin with what I loved, so I'm just going to have a ramble and hope that I nail most, if not all of it. That would be good, right?
I absolutely loved the MCs both Geo the sweet , nerdy but sexy school teacher and Travis the very sexy and successful and did I mention just he's sweet and nice...like really nice and a successful baseball player? Yeah, they're both simply adorable and together they are scorching hot...like who needs a campfire hot.
I loved that both men came from nice homes with loving parents and in Travis's case...siblings...so many siblings!!! I can relate...youngest of 7 here.
Geo's determination to adopt his foster children, Jayden and Lucy is beyond heart melting. His whole being just resonated with how badly he wanted to create a family for them to be their parent...giving not just them a family but ultimately helping to create the family that he knows he wants for himself. Any child would be blessed to have a parent who cared so much.
I loved how supportive and protective of each other they instinctively were. Neither of them had to ask for this they just each knew that if you truly cared about someone you'd have their back if things got tough. That's not just something that lovers or even married couples do it's a sibling thing, a parent thing and yes, it's a friend thing two and these two for a fast as their attraction grew so did their friendship and yes, that's another thing that I liked.
I liked that there was no big misunderstanding or miscommunication between them. Don't get me wrong I've read stories with this and it doesn't bother having this in a story...just not every story and sometimes as was the case here not any story. There were a couple of misunderstandings here and one in particular but it was easily resolved when the two men talked it didn't become a big part of the story and in fact it was at the beginning a time when any relationship can easily go through this...so, really a pretty normal thing in the course of events.
And possibly last but not least and maybe not even last, but for now I'm at the end of my rambling list...I loved the setting. It was summer camp or more specifically a family summer camp. I never got to do the camp thing as a kid so stories like this give me a chance to experience vicariously something that may have been a typical summer thing for a lot of kids but for me and I'm sure many others it wasn't and sometimes it's fun to read a story that gives the reader a chance to see whether they feel like they missed out or not.
Whether I missed out or not when I was a kid...I'm still not sure but I do know that I didn't miss out on my camp experience at Camp Evermore in all it's campy camp song glory topped off with a ghost story or two and some s'mores...how could I do anything but have a good time there?
*************************
An ARC of 'Family Camp' was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
It's a little early to start the summer reading but...
Some things should just not be left to the last minute and a new Eli Easton story is definitely on that list.
I enjoy this authors books anytime, but I think I was just really in the mood for a story like this when I read it because this one just left me feeling all warm and mushy and pretty much like a melted puddle of summer lovin' goo.
I'm not even sure where to begin with what I loved, so I'm just going to have a ramble and hope that I nail most, if not all of it. That would be good, right?
I absolutely loved the MCs both Geo the sweet , nerdy but sexy school teacher and Travis the very sexy and successful and did I mention just he's sweet and nice...like really nice and a successful baseball player? Yeah, they're both simply adorable and together they are scorching hot...like who needs a campfire hot.
I loved that both men came from nice homes with loving parents and in Travis's case...siblings...so many siblings!!! I can relate...youngest of 7 here.
Geo's determination to adopt his foster children, Jayden and Lucy is beyond heart melting. His whole being just resonated with how badly he wanted to create a family for them to be their parent...giving not just them a family but ultimately helping to create the family that he knows he wants for himself. Any child would be blessed to have a parent who cared so much.
I loved how supportive and protective of each other they instinctively were. Neither of them had to ask for this they just each knew that if you truly cared about someone you'd have their back if things got tough. That's not just something that lovers or even married couples do it's a sibling thing, a parent thing and yes, it's a friend thing two and these two for a fast as their attraction grew so did their friendship and yes, that's another thing that I liked.
I liked that there was no big misunderstanding or miscommunication between them. Don't get me wrong I've read stories with this and it doesn't bother having this in a story...just not every story and sometimes as was the case here not any story. There were a couple of misunderstandings here and one in particular but it was easily resolved when the two men talked it didn't become a big part of the story and in fact it was at the beginning a time when any relationship can easily go through this...so, really a pretty normal thing in the course of events.
And possibly last but not least and maybe not even last, but for now I'm at the end of my rambling list...I loved the setting. It was summer camp or more specifically a family summer camp. I never got to do the camp thing as a kid so stories like this give me a chance to experience vicariously something that may have been a typical summer thing for a lot of kids but for me and I'm sure many others it wasn't and sometimes it's fun to read a story that gives the reader a chance to see whether they feel like they missed out or not.
Whether I missed out or not when I was a kid...I'm still not sure but I do know that I didn't miss out on my camp experience at Camp Evermore in all it's campy camp song glory topped off with a ghost story or two and some s'mores...how could I do anything but have a good time there?
*************************
An ARC of 'Family Camp' was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 11, 2019
This is a fairly light, sweet story about Geo, a gay teacher who finally has his chance at a family with two foster kids he's hoping to adopt. And Travis, a professional baseball player who's deeply in the closet and close to the end of his career, who works at the camp Geo is taking his kids to. There are a few moments of poignancy, particularly with the older boy whose defensiveness after years in the system rings a bell with Travis (also once a foster kid) and with me as a reader. I appreciated that the kids felt realistic to their ages, and had some real issues that didn't go away.
The theme of Travis as a closeted gay pro athlete gets a bit shorter shrift here than might be expected. It bothered me to see Geo take Travis's risks of coming out as lightly as he did. But since Geo knows nothing about sports, it's possible that even as a gay man he's oblivious enough about athletes being closeted to act that way. It felt like this issue could have naturally come between them more than an early misunderstanding, but it didn't. Which did allow most of the book to be a warm, gradual, sometimes funny look at two guys who love kids, connecting over both family and mutual attraction. Every kid should have a camp counselor like Travis in their lives, and a dad like Geo. And seeing Travis open up, perhaps for the first time in his life, was sweet.
I enjoyed the fact that there wasn't melodrama about things, that the issues with the kids were poignant but not overwhelming, that the guys talked like adults about some important points (eventually.) I wish the last section of the book had been longer and more detailed, and more in Travis's POV, as events unfolded. But I have no problem with what was there, and the HEA is believable and well-deserved. A good story if you are looking for a lovely romance with kids and family, though not the book to go into if your focus is the angst and difficult issues of coming out in pro sports.
The theme of Travis as a closeted gay pro athlete gets a bit shorter shrift here than might be expected. It bothered me to see Geo take Travis's risks of coming out as lightly as he did. But since Geo knows nothing about sports, it's possible that even as a gay man he's oblivious enough about athletes being closeted to act that way. It felt like this issue could have naturally come between them more than an early misunderstanding, but it didn't. Which did allow most of the book to be a warm, gradual, sometimes funny look at two guys who love kids, connecting over both family and mutual attraction. Every kid should have a camp counselor like Travis in their lives, and a dad like Geo. And seeing Travis open up, perhaps for the first time in his life, was sweet.
I enjoyed the fact that there wasn't melodrama about things, that the issues with the kids were poignant but not overwhelming, that the guys talked like adults about some important points (eventually.) I wish the last section of the book had been longer and more detailed, and more in Travis's POV, as events unfolded. But I have no problem with what was there, and the HEA is believable and well-deserved. A good story if you are looking for a lovely romance with kids and family, though not the book to go into if your focus is the angst and difficult issues of coming out in pro sports.
March 30, 2019
A very fun, flirty read with a heartwarming context and sexy, sweet men. It's not my absolute favorite Eli Easton (maybe the pace of the romance was a bit strong and quick for my liking, and Geo isn't QUITE as funny as everyone in the book thinks he is), but she is in great form as usual with her setting and supporting cast.
Few M/M authors I read paint the scenery as well as she does; it takes her just a few artful brush strokes to bring to life characters we care about. Easton is much more about showing than about telling, and it always impresses me that I finish her books with strong impressions of many of her characters despite having been given a bare minimum of straightforward exposition.
Few M/M authors I read paint the scenery as well as she does; it takes her just a few artful brush strokes to bring to life characters we care about. Easton is much more about showing than about telling, and it always impresses me that I finish her books with strong impressions of many of her characters despite having been given a bare minimum of straightforward exposition.
August 3, 2021
Awwwwww... That was practically me the whole fucking book, ugh! It was so fluffy I was gonna die. *faints*
First of all, thank you very much Elisa for recommending me this, dunno how to tag on a review but thank u. I had seen this one around and it had picked my interest but u gave me the final push and this one was SOOOOOO GOOD. 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻
I MEAN, the story starts in Geo's pov and he is so funny and so patient and kind that I just melted. And then we had the jock, Travis broke me and mended me and he was great with kids, wich made my panties go down so fast!!! Because I'm made that way, fucking nature leave me alone! Ugh! And the kids? Ohmaigaaaaaaad the kids. 🤧🤧 they were so broken and hurt and 🤧🤧🤧 and when Lucy wanted Geo to pick her up? Anditwasskbeau.. I can't, I just can't.
This was just lovely, it had a family feel and a wonderful, complex story, funny times and mushy times and a lot of love. Loved it. 🤧🤧🤧
First of all, thank you very much Elisa for recommending me this, dunno how to tag on a review but thank u. I had seen this one around and it had picked my interest but u gave me the final push and this one was SOOOOOO GOOD. 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻
I MEAN, the story starts in Geo's pov and he is so funny and so patient and kind that I just melted. And then we had the jock, Travis broke me and mended me and he was great with kids, wich made my panties go down so fast!!! Because I'm made that way, fucking nature leave me alone! Ugh! And the kids? Ohmaigaaaaaaad the kids. 🤧🤧 they were so broken and hurt and 🤧🤧🤧 and when Lucy wanted Geo to pick her up? Anditwasskbeau.. I can't, I just can't.
This was just lovely, it had a family feel and a wonderful, complex story, funny times and mushy times and a lot of love. Loved it. 🤧🤧🤧
March 27, 2019
Absolutely loved it! It started off a bit shakily with a misunderstanding, but luckily that gets cleared up quickly. I loved Geo and Travis and all the supporting characters, and that ending? *swoons*
Dual POV, light angst, romance with some humor and a very happy ending. Recommended.
4.5 Stars
Dual POV, light angst, romance with some humor and a very happy ending. Recommended.
4.5 Stars
May 25, 2019
Charming and cute and full of family feels.
That’s the essence of this, I think.
What I loved here:
.) two genuine, ‘real’ characters who act like responsible adults whilst getting overwhelmed by their emotions just a teeny bit. Just cute, lovely and relatable! Geo and Travis are drawn to each like moths to the light, and their flirting made me smile big time!
.) the sense of humour, particularly Geo’s.
.) the enthusiasm of those people at Family Camp. I was awed how much everyone enjoyed all the activities and the ‘silliness’ of some stuff (songs!) It would be my personal nightmare, but I totally get where everyone is coming from and appreciated that atmosphere of warmth and good feelings around.
.) Jayden and Lucy (Geo’s ‘newly acquired’ children) don’t take over, while playing an important part.
What made me wonder:
With so many people constantly taking picture on mobiles, why does it not occur to Travis, that the feelings he clearly wears on his sleeve might be picked up upon and that this might spell trouble for him?
But, great fun and something to cheer you on a rainy day!
A really pleasant, low angst read.
That’s the essence of this, I think.
What I loved here:
.) two genuine, ‘real’ characters who act like responsible adults whilst getting overwhelmed by their emotions just a teeny bit. Just cute, lovely and relatable! Geo and Travis are drawn to each like moths to the light, and their flirting made me smile big time!
.) the sense of humour, particularly Geo’s.
.) the enthusiasm of those people at Family Camp. I was awed how much everyone enjoyed all the activities and the ‘silliness’ of some stuff (songs!) It would be my personal nightmare, but I totally get where everyone is coming from and appreciated that atmosphere of warmth and good feelings around.
.) Jayden and Lucy (Geo’s ‘newly acquired’ children) don’t take over, while playing an important part.
What made me wonder:
With so many people constantly taking picture on mobiles, why does it not occur to Travis, that the feelings he clearly wears on his sleeve might be picked up upon and that this might spell trouble for him?
But, great fun and something to cheer you on a rainy day!
A really pleasant, low angst read.
May 18, 2019
I LOVED this book.
I think my adoration of camping & all things Summer Vacation makes me predisposed to appreciate a story that incorporates these activities (and especially hot camp counselors/leaders - who are also pro-baseball players - in silky shorts. YUM!). Throw in some age-appropriate children, a GFY/OFY trope (with great UST & eventual sexytimes) and a "made" family...and well, of course it was a hit.
Was it perfect? Eh, it's alittle lotta Insta-Love & had a that created extra drama - so no. But all the bits added up to a what I look for in escapist romance (that also has a heaping helping of Real Life Problems).
I think my adoration of camping & all things Summer Vacation makes me predisposed to appreciate a story that incorporates these activities (and especially hot camp counselors/leaders - who are also pro-baseball players - in silky shorts. YUM!). Throw in some age-appropriate children, a GFY/OFY trope (with great UST & eventual sexytimes) and a "made" family...and well, of course it was a hit.
Was it perfect? Eh, it's a
Read
June 14, 2023Dnf around 30%. I’m just not gelling with this book.
I know a lot of my gr friends loved it, but I’m just SO bored reading/listening to it. Maybe it’s the wrong book at the time, but it took me 3 days to get to 30% because it just didn’t make me want to pick it up. And that’s why I’m giving up on it.
There are SO many bland cliché characters- Gio, the single gay teacher with the big heart. Travis, the closeted former foster kid/now baseball player. The family camp mothers. Uh.
The only bright silver lining was the way the kids were portrayed, esp Lucy stole my heart, but that’s not enough to make me want to finish it.
I decided to quit, seeing as there are so many books out there that are just waiting for me to read them.
No rating, as I barely made it to 30% - maybe it gets better from here onwards 🤷♀️
I know a lot of my gr friends loved it, but I’m just SO bored reading/listening to it. Maybe it’s the wrong book at the time, but it took me 3 days to get to 30% because it just didn’t make me want to pick it up. And that’s why I’m giving up on it.
There are SO many bland cliché characters- Gio, the single gay teacher with the big heart. Travis, the closeted former foster kid/now baseball player. The family camp mothers. Uh.
The only bright silver lining was the way the kids were portrayed, esp Lucy stole my heart, but that’s not enough to make me want to finish it.
I decided to quit, seeing as there are so many books out there that are just waiting for me to read them.
No rating, as I barely made it to 30% - maybe it gets better from here onwards 🤷♀️
August 31, 2019
Absolutely wonderful! ❤️
I love when Eli Easton has Matthew Shaw narrate her stories. For me, they go together like peanut butter and jelly. Sure, you can have one without the other and they're great separately, but together they're brilliantly matched.
Dual POV, very light on the angst, this sweet romance between a cute teacher working on adoption and a closeted major league baseball pitcher is sexy, funny, and touching with a very happy ending.
Matthew Shaw knocks it out of the park with fantastic character voices, impeccable timing, a terrific pace, and a smooth as silk delivery. Highly Recommended.
Audio copy of Family Camp provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
April 6, 2019
I don't often read stories with children, but I absolutely loved the family aspect of this one.
I loved Geo's relationship with Jayden and Lucy, it was a joy to read. Travis and his family were great, too. Especially his dad.
Geo and Travis are both lovely characters. I loved how Travis handled the situation towards the end and the epilogue was really sweet.
The writing was wonderful, and the balance between romance and family was just right.
I loved Geo's relationship with Jayden and Lucy, it was a joy to read. Travis and his family were great, too. Especially his dad.
Geo and Travis are both lovely characters. I loved how Travis handled the situation towards the end and the epilogue was really sweet.
The writing was wonderful, and the balance between romance and family was just right.
April 1, 2019
So, this was cute. I didn’t love it. To me it felt like one of those books where it was more opportunity and circumstance than a real meet and fall in love. I never really got the connection between the two of them.
I am unsure about the Foster kids part too. Six weeks doesn’t seem very long at all and I could completely see these two kids not seeing Geo as their Dad yet. Especially, Jayden. I mean, at twelve I would think it would be almost impossible to get through some of his walls and six weeks would be way too fast.
Not having little kids myself, is this how adults act around kids? Geo seemed very silly and the humor was way over the top and well, not always that funny. I guess because he is a teacher he would be a silly guy but he teaches 7th grade and I would think 7th graders are right there at the too cool for school borderline. But, what do I know?
I liked the camp setting and I liked all the positive for adopting etc. but the rest of it just didn’t wow me. The drama wasn’t all that new and I’d have liked it to have been a choice instead of what actually happened. Had Travis chosen Geo I might have liked it more. I don’t write the books though, I just read em’. Not a favorite from Eli Easton but it looks like it is well received.
I am unsure about the Foster kids part too. Six weeks doesn’t seem very long at all and I could completely see these two kids not seeing Geo as their Dad yet. Especially, Jayden. I mean, at twelve I would think it would be almost impossible to get through some of his walls and six weeks would be way too fast.
Not having little kids myself, is this how adults act around kids? Geo seemed very silly and the humor was way over the top and well, not always that funny. I guess because he is a teacher he would be a silly guy but he teaches 7th grade and I would think 7th graders are right there at the too cool for school borderline. But, what do I know?
I liked the camp setting and I liked all the positive for adopting etc. but the rest of it just didn’t wow me. The drama wasn’t all that new and I’d have liked it to have been a choice instead of what actually happened. Had Travis chosen Geo I might have liked it more. I don’t write the books though, I just read em’. Not a favorite from Eli Easton but it looks like it is well received.
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