Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE: Family Camp

SERIES: Daddy Dearest

AUTHOR: Eli Easton

PUBLISHER: Self-published

LENGTH: 217 pages

RELEASE DATE:  March 28, 2019

BLURB: 

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?

REVIEW:

Geo is a teacher on summer holiday with his two new foster kids.  He always wanted to be a dad and he hasn’t found the right partner yet, so he decides to go the adoption route.  So Geo and Jayden and Lucy head to Family Camp.  Everyone is adjusting – some better than others – to their new family.  But with a lost toy and a sullen teenager and a few other mishaps, Geo’s week does NOT get off to a good start. When he’s rescued by Travis, a good Samaritan who seems to run hot and cold, and then discovers that he just happens to be part of the family that runs the camp, he’s not sure what to make of it.  Geo is desperate for this week at Family Camp to bond his new little family and give them some peace and joy.

Travis is a major league pitcher, nearing the end of his career.  He’s one of the big attractions at Family Camp – especially for all the single moms.  However, Travis has a couple of secrets that Geo (and the rest of the campers) don’t know 😊 Once he seems to get over whatever it is that has him running hot and cold, Travis lets his guard down with Geo and lets him in on the truth. Geo and Travis have chemistry and after the kids are in bed, sparks definitely fly between them.

But of course, secrets have a way of coming out (pun intended). While things between Geo and Travis are going great, there are family considerations and professional considerations that will have to be dealt with.  Travis has a lot on the line and Geo doesn’t want to risk his kids getting hurt either.  But the bottom line is what are both of these guys ready to handle and what do they really want?

I really loved this story.  Geo is an adorable characters – so full of love and so great with the kids.  Travis has been scarred by both his past as an unwanted kid until he got to the Mayhews and the professional sports world’s lack of acceptance.  Because of these things, Travis has experienced a lot of pain and rejection and he’s really not sure what he’s ready to face – or if he’s even strong enough to face it.  This is the best part of the story because both family and friends offer comfort and support.  In the end, as for all of us, we have to make up our minds as to what we will accept and how far we are willing to go to risk living authentically.  The kids in this story are well written – surly and moody and resistant and scared and eventually sweet and loving – like real kids who have lived with instability.  I absolutely adore Eli Easton’s writing.  Her characters always seem real and the dialogue is snappy and believable.  Highly recommended for those who really enjoy characters working for and getting their happy endings.

RATING:

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