Name: Camp Payback
ISBN: 9781939392909

J. K. Rock

When Alex's plans for revenge backfire, she works to try and avoid alienating Javier, the camp loner with whom she is increasingly attracted.

Camp Payback

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Alex is a girl who has lived her entire life in the spotlight. Her parents run a blog titled Wholesome Home and she's often featured on the blog as the problem child, complete with tips on how to keep your child from being like her. After a text from her ex-camp boyfriend gets her in serious trouble with her conservative family, her parents decide to send her to an all girls school. She has one summer left at camp and she plans to make the most of it – and hopefully get a little revenge on the guy who put her in this predicament in the first place. If she finds another boy to have a fun and flirty summer with, well, that's just a bonus. 

Javier is a boy who has had a tough life. His mom is close to being released from jail. He's been in and out of trouble and his mom's old prison friend Helena has given him one last chance to stay out of a foster home before his mom is released. If he can spend the summer at Camp Juniper Point, do the job he was hired to do, and stay out of trouble, he'll be golden. The first day he's at camp, Alex throws herself at him in a fit of panic over her ex Vijay and he can't get her or her kiss out of his mind, no matter how hard he tries, no matter how much it's against the rules for him to have a relationship with a camper.

As different as Alex and Javier may appear on the outside, they're more alike than you would think. They've both been pigeon-holed by others as a "problem child." Javier realizes if he gets involved with her and her parents find out, he'll be portrayed as a miscreant on the blog and that definitely won't help his cause any. Both feel more than a little abandoned and not entirely in control of their lives and they bond easily because of their feelings.

I loved Alex and Javier together. She brought him out of his shell and he helped center her. What they had developed pretty quickly, but it still felt real. I loved their banter and it was apparent how much they liked each other. Too apparent, probably, because others started taking notice too. They're playing with fire, continuing their flirtation and despite resolving to stay away from each other, they just can't seem to follow through. Their attraction to each other is strong and they're working towards something real. It's worth the risk and surely they can keep it quiet until camp is over. Right? 

There's a healthy amount of drama in this book, but it was never too much or too angsty. It's been awhile since I've been a teen, but I think this was actually a pretty realistic portrayal of the things teens go through. From friends (or frienemies, perhaps) with bad behavior to boys with a wicked jealous streak and the tendency to be a little crude and douchey, to girls who are real, supportive friends, you'll find it all here. And if you're like me, you'll love every minute and want more when it's all over.

Alex was a little tough to deal with at times. She had a really strong personality and tended to be self-centered and more than a little immature at times. I can't truly say she was ever unlikable though. There was something about her that I connected with. She went through a great transformation during this book. With a little help from her Secret Camp Angel she matures and starts to listen to others and see how her actions affect them. By the end of the book, I can honestly say that I loved her. Her character development was spot on and much needed. And more than that, it felt believable. It wasn't like she had this one single "a ha!" moment and everything was perfect after. She truly worked hard to make herself over and be a better person. 

Javier was absolutely adorable from the start. Despite his tough exterior, there was something vulnerable about him. In every one of his chapters, I could see how confused he was about everything. He wanted so badly to make this situation work, keep his head down and get through the summer and back with his mom, but he also had strong feelings for Alex. He's such a sweet and caring guy underneath. His concern for his mom and his future was endearing, as was the depth of his feelings for Alex and the honesty with which he spoke about them.

I just love this series. The first book made me wish I had gone to summer camp – or that I wasn't too old to go now – and this one just solidified that wish. In addition to all the fun and flirty romance, there was a great message about friendship and an even better one about family. One of my favorite things about this book was how Alex's relationship with her mother developed by the end. I wasn't expecting that.

Camp Payback was a great addition to the Camp Boyfriend series. It had a whole lot of humor and heart and left me with a big, happy, contented smile on my face. I can't wait for more of this series. J.K. Rock have something special on their hands here and I'm loving every minute.

I received a copy of this book from the author, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.