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Bear Camp #2
Muscle Cub
He’s a little too young and way too hot for me.
Austin Fox is a twentysomething beefcake living his best life working at a clothing-optional campground. He’s the reigning Best Cub of Bear Mountain Lodge. With a twinkle in his eye and a mischievous smile, he radiates body positivity and self-esteem.
He could have anyone he wants.
I’m a forty-two-year-old, once-celebrated author with a bad case of writer’s block, a dad bod, and “performance anxiety” in bed.
He picks me.
On paper, he’s offering me exactly what I came here for — a weekend of no-strings fun to reboot, “get my groove back,” and find my muse before summer ends.
But there’s more to Austin’s story than his title and appearance. He’s empathetic, wise beyond his years, and he challenges me to see myself in a new light. Despite our age difference, we’re in the same place, hoping to find a renewed sense of purpose.
If we choose to let go of the stories that no longer serve us, we can write our next chapter together.
Muscle Cub is an age gap, surly/sunshine gay romance that starts with a one-night stand and turns into a deeper reflection on identity and self-image. It’s the second full-length book in the Bear Camp series, featuring cringe-inducing karaoke, a makeover, and a man-pageant. It can be read as a standalone.
Austin Fox is a twentysomething beefcake living his best life working at a clothing-optional campground. He’s the reigning Best Cub of Bear Mountain Lodge. With a twinkle in his eye and a mischievous smile, he radiates body positivity and self-esteem.
He could have anyone he wants.
I’m a forty-two-year-old, once-celebrated author with a bad case of writer’s block, a dad bod, and “performance anxiety” in bed.
He picks me.
On paper, he’s offering me exactly what I came here for — a weekend of no-strings fun to reboot, “get my groove back,” and find my muse before summer ends.
But there’s more to Austin’s story than his title and appearance. He’s empathetic, wise beyond his years, and he challenges me to see myself in a new light. Despite our age difference, we’re in the same place, hoping to find a renewed sense of purpose.
If we choose to let go of the stories that no longer serve us, we can write our next chapter together.
Muscle Cub is an age gap, surly/sunshine gay romance that starts with a one-night stand and turns into a deeper reflection on identity and self-image. It’s the second full-length book in the Bear Camp series, featuring cringe-inducing karaoke, a makeover, and a man-pageant. It can be read as a standalone.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2023
65 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
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June 16, 2023
3 "Austin had probably ruined me for anyone else for a long time." stars
I don’t actually know how I want to rate this book, because I would give it 5 stars for the romance, but it made me irrationally angry, like really badly, so I’m not actually sure how I feel about this book. But we’ll come back to this later.
I discovered Slade James in 2021 with his first full-length novel, Grumpy Bear. Which was a book that I adored more than everything and that was one of my favourite, if not my favorite book that I read that year. I was absolutely obsessed with that book, and I have adored everything that Slade James has had to offer since then, which has just been relatively short stories set in the same world. I have very much loved each and every one of them. We are at the point where Slade James could rewrite the phone book and I would find it one of the most fascinating books that I have ever read. So, when he announced that his second full-length book, Muscle Cub was coming soon, I was so excited. This automatically became my most anticipated release of the entire year, just because I anticipated how much I would love this book.
Past me was absolutely right to be excited for this book, because, for the most part, I loved it so much. This was everything that I was anticipating, but also so much more. I have been in the mood to read super adorable romances that are just a very good time and that put the biggest smile on my face when I read them because they just give me all of the good feels. Basically, the books just make you want to giggle and scream while you read them due to how much you’re fangirling about the story. And this book just did that for me, in the best of ways.
Brief Summary
Paul is kinda lost in life, so he goes to Bear Mountain Lodge to relax and maybe find someone decent to spend a couple of days with. But he ends up meeting Austin there and he finds forever instead.
I just loved the relationship in this one. Austin and Paul were super cute together and they just seemed to fit together so well. I adored all their interactions and I just loved how easily they worked together and how well they went together. I loved how they slowly fell in love with each other over the course of the book, it was just so lovely to see how their love progressed over the course of the book. I just loved how lovey-dovey they were around each other and how they were super smitten with each other. It was super cute for me to read, and it just put the biggest smile on my face to read it. Also, there was so much pining in this book, and I adored that too, it was just so adorable for me to read, and it really worked for me. Paul was so afraid that Austin was out of his league and Austin kept proving to him that he thought that he was perfect for him, and it was so sweet, I loved how Austin always chose to spend time with Paul over everything else and I really loved reading about that.
Also, they just had really good banter and I loved seeing how they interacted with each other. It was just so much fun to read all of their interactions because of that.
Also, Austin kept calling Paul prof as a cute nickname, since Paul is a professor, and I just thought that was the cutest thing and I loved to read all about it.
Also, I have often said how much I love super cute romantic scenes in books where the main characters just spent time together and cuddle and things like that and there were so many scenes like this in this book, which was just the sweetest thing to me. I just adored reading this part of the book so much, because I found it to be the cutest thing to me.
I have said it before and I will say it again, the camp setting with the clothing optional camp for men is just the perfect camp location for me. It’s exactly what I’m looking for in terms of super fun and quirky settings and this series just does it the best. As someone who grew up watching all of the horror movies set in different camps, this setting just feels like home to me, minus the people getting killed vibes, of course. But it’s just such a fun setting to read about, and I love it so much.
The descriptions in this book were just the best. I just loved how everything was described in this one, from the camp setting to every little interaction between Paul and Austin. It was just so lovely, and everything was so well described that I felt like I was there with them and experiencing the story at the same time as them, which really enhanced my reading experience.
Also, a lot of this book talks about erectile dysfunction because Paul has it, and I just loved how the topic was handled, it was just in such a careful way but was also really developed and talked about, which I really liked.
Also, Paul overthinks everything, which was just the most relatable thing in the world to me and I really related to him and his every thought, which made the book super entertaining for me to read as the entire thing was set in Paul’s point of view.
I don’t really know how to explain what went wrong with this one because I was considering rating this book 5 stars when I got to 60%, everything about this book was just really working for me and I was super invested in the story. But then, what I could only refer to as the cookout from hell happened. A cookout where Paul’s family invited his ex-boyfriend, who fucked Paul over, cheated on Paul a hundred times and made Paul feel like he was nothing, and ruined his entire self-esteem (made him feel like no one will ever want him and like he was shit at his career and made him doubt his every move, both personally and professionally) and kept talking about how good the ex was and how wonderful he is. Oh also by cheating, I mean that this is the same ex who invited Paul’s friend to their house, made sure that they spent the night on the couch, so that he could fuck them while Paul was sleeping in their bed. This is Paul's own family, who knew what the ex did to Paul, but who blamed Paul for his ex cheating on him, saying that Paul must have done something to deserve it and that it wasn’t the ex’s fault if he cheated, and who kept making Paul interact with his ex, even knowing how much the ex destroyed Paul. And his family kept taking the ex’s side and not Paul’s. I just could not keep reading about that, it made me so angry that I almost threw my Kindle out of the window. I just could not handle how Paul’s own family (mostly his mom and his sister) could treat him that way, with family like them, you really don’t need enemies, they are doing that all by themselves. This was only about 10% of the book, but it made me so angry that I just couldn’t really get invested in the story of the book after that because I just could not deal with how angry this scene made me. It kind of ruined all my good feelings about the book because I was just so angry about having read that scene and on Paul’s behalf. I just wanted to fly over there and smack these people in the face until they grew up and acted better, which made it harder for me to really appreciate the rest of the story.
Also, to make matters worse, Austin invites said ex to spend time at a place that he knows that Paul will be at. And Austin was fully aware of what the ex did when he did that. I just can’t find one situation where you are willingly making sure that your partner is in the same place as their ex who destroyed them is a good thing, like I don’t care about being the bigger person, this isn’t being the bigger person, it’s just really toxic. Being the bigger person is for when someone walked on your toe in passing, not when someone cheated on you by fucking your friends in your living room and then destroyed your self-esteem by telling you that every part of you sucks and that no one will ever want you.
I still thought that Paul and Austin were the cutest couple, and I loved all their scenes together, but it was harder for me to really get invested in the book when all I wanted was to make Paul’s family disappear from his life due to how badly they treated him. Plus, Paul just accepted it and was never mad at them for it, which just made me angrier because he really just did not deserve to be treated this way. I don’t know how to explain it, but this scene and subsequent events just made me so irrationally angry, because I absolutely adore Paul and I hated reading about him just accepting that people treat him this way, it just wasn’t fair for him, the dude really deserves better and it made me so mad that he doesn’t get that.
In conclusion, except for the fact that this book made me so mad that I had to listen to my favourite music on replay while I finished reading it, so that I was in a better mood, I really enjoyed this one. The romance was super adorable, and I just want more scenes of Austin and Paul, I would read another book full of cute scenes of them hanging out, they were just so good together. And Slade James really knows how to write descriptions that make me get lost in the story and the romance, which was still very much the case for this book, which I’m very glad for and I need more of this world in my life already, I will never get enough of this series.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
I don’t actually know how I want to rate this book, because I would give it 5 stars for the romance, but it made me irrationally angry, like really badly, so I’m not actually sure how I feel about this book. But we’ll come back to this later.
I discovered Slade James in 2021 with his first full-length novel, Grumpy Bear. Which was a book that I adored more than everything and that was one of my favourite, if not my favorite book that I read that year. I was absolutely obsessed with that book, and I have adored everything that Slade James has had to offer since then, which has just been relatively short stories set in the same world. I have very much loved each and every one of them. We are at the point where Slade James could rewrite the phone book and I would find it one of the most fascinating books that I have ever read. So, when he announced that his second full-length book, Muscle Cub was coming soon, I was so excited. This automatically became my most anticipated release of the entire year, just because I anticipated how much I would love this book.
Past me was absolutely right to be excited for this book, because, for the most part, I loved it so much. This was everything that I was anticipating, but also so much more. I have been in the mood to read super adorable romances that are just a very good time and that put the biggest smile on my face when I read them because they just give me all of the good feels. Basically, the books just make you want to giggle and scream while you read them due to how much you’re fangirling about the story. And this book just did that for me, in the best of ways.
Brief Summary
Paul is kinda lost in life, so he goes to Bear Mountain Lodge to relax and maybe find someone decent to spend a couple of days with. But he ends up meeting Austin there and he finds forever instead.
I just loved the relationship in this one. Austin and Paul were super cute together and they just seemed to fit together so well. I adored all their interactions and I just loved how easily they worked together and how well they went together. I loved how they slowly fell in love with each other over the course of the book, it was just so lovely to see how their love progressed over the course of the book. I just loved how lovey-dovey they were around each other and how they were super smitten with each other. It was super cute for me to read, and it just put the biggest smile on my face to read it. Also, there was so much pining in this book, and I adored that too, it was just so adorable for me to read, and it really worked for me. Paul was so afraid that Austin was out of his league and Austin kept proving to him that he thought that he was perfect for him, and it was so sweet, I loved how Austin always chose to spend time with Paul over everything else and I really loved reading about that.
Also, they just had really good banter and I loved seeing how they interacted with each other. It was just so much fun to read all of their interactions because of that.
Also, Austin kept calling Paul prof as a cute nickname, since Paul is a professor, and I just thought that was the cutest thing and I loved to read all about it.
Also, I have often said how much I love super cute romantic scenes in books where the main characters just spent time together and cuddle and things like that and there were so many scenes like this in this book, which was just the sweetest thing to me. I just adored reading this part of the book so much, because I found it to be the cutest thing to me.
I have said it before and I will say it again, the camp setting with the clothing optional camp for men is just the perfect camp location for me. It’s exactly what I’m looking for in terms of super fun and quirky settings and this series just does it the best. As someone who grew up watching all of the horror movies set in different camps, this setting just feels like home to me, minus the people getting killed vibes, of course. But it’s just such a fun setting to read about, and I love it so much.
The descriptions in this book were just the best. I just loved how everything was described in this one, from the camp setting to every little interaction between Paul and Austin. It was just so lovely, and everything was so well described that I felt like I was there with them and experiencing the story at the same time as them, which really enhanced my reading experience.
Also, a lot of this book talks about erectile dysfunction because Paul has it, and I just loved how the topic was handled, it was just in such a careful way but was also really developed and talked about, which I really liked.
Also, Paul overthinks everything, which was just the most relatable thing in the world to me and I really related to him and his every thought, which made the book super entertaining for me to read as the entire thing was set in Paul’s point of view.
I don’t really know how to explain what went wrong with this one because I was considering rating this book 5 stars when I got to 60%, everything about this book was just really working for me and I was super invested in the story. But then, what I could only refer to as the cookout from hell happened. A cookout where Paul’s family invited his ex-boyfriend, who fucked Paul over, cheated on Paul a hundred times and made Paul feel like he was nothing, and ruined his entire self-esteem (made him feel like no one will ever want him and like he was shit at his career and made him doubt his every move, both personally and professionally) and kept talking about how good the ex was and how wonderful he is. Oh also by cheating, I mean that this is the same ex who invited Paul’s friend to their house, made sure that they spent the night on the couch, so that he could fuck them while Paul was sleeping in their bed. This is Paul's own family, who knew what the ex did to Paul, but who blamed Paul for his ex cheating on him, saying that Paul must have done something to deserve it and that it wasn’t the ex’s fault if he cheated, and who kept making Paul interact with his ex, even knowing how much the ex destroyed Paul. And his family kept taking the ex’s side and not Paul’s. I just could not keep reading about that, it made me so angry that I almost threw my Kindle out of the window. I just could not handle how Paul’s own family (mostly his mom and his sister) could treat him that way, with family like them, you really don’t need enemies, they are doing that all by themselves. This was only about 10% of the book, but it made me so angry that I just couldn’t really get invested in the story of the book after that because I just could not deal with how angry this scene made me. It kind of ruined all my good feelings about the book because I was just so angry about having read that scene and on Paul’s behalf. I just wanted to fly over there and smack these people in the face until they grew up and acted better, which made it harder for me to really appreciate the rest of the story.
Also, to make matters worse, Austin invites said ex to spend time at a place that he knows that Paul will be at. And Austin was fully aware of what the ex did when he did that. I just can’t find one situation where you are willingly making sure that your partner is in the same place as their ex who destroyed them is a good thing, like I don’t care about being the bigger person, this isn’t being the bigger person, it’s just really toxic. Being the bigger person is for when someone walked on your toe in passing, not when someone cheated on you by fucking your friends in your living room and then destroyed your self-esteem by telling you that every part of you sucks and that no one will ever want you.
I still thought that Paul and Austin were the cutest couple, and I loved all their scenes together, but it was harder for me to really get invested in the book when all I wanted was to make Paul’s family disappear from his life due to how badly they treated him. Plus, Paul just accepted it and was never mad at them for it, which just made me angrier because he really just did not deserve to be treated this way. I don’t know how to explain it, but this scene and subsequent events just made me so irrationally angry, because I absolutely adore Paul and I hated reading about him just accepting that people treat him this way, it just wasn’t fair for him, the dude really deserves better and it made me so mad that he doesn’t get that.
In conclusion, except for the fact that this book made me so mad that I had to listen to my favourite music on replay while I finished reading it, so that I was in a better mood, I really enjoyed this one. The romance was super adorable, and I just want more scenes of Austin and Paul, I would read another book full of cute scenes of them hanging out, they were just so good together. And Slade James really knows how to write descriptions that make me get lost in the story and the romance, which was still very much the case for this book, which I’m very glad for and I need more of this world in my life already, I will never get enough of this series.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
June 16, 2023
Best Cub & Best Daddy, one enthusiastic and vibrant, the other subdued and reluctant.
Out of all the men at camp, Austin, bright and popular, picks Paul the professor. It's an inexplicable draw because Paul's cautious, gloomy nature isn't exactly a burning flame.
I really enjoyed this book:
- Excellent writing (my guess is that Paul's chataracter is semi-autobiographical)
- Lust at first sight, with believable, albeit brief, relationship development
- Age gap (42 to 26)
- Nonperfect MCs:
Austin is the life of the party, but he worries about his future and feels unsettled.
Paul is self-conscious and insecure ... about his body, writing skills, performance in bed. He worries constantly, so being in his head 100% of the time was no picnic.
Even so, I appreciate the author writing an older MC with a belly and receding hairline who struggles with ED. That's as real as it gets, and I found it quite refreshing.
A few niggles:
- I don't like singular POV narration. It's so limiting. I wanted to see Paul the way Austin saw him.
- Paul's ex appearing, however briefly, as a secondary character, didn't add much to the story.
- I wanted a stronger epilogue.
These are minor complaints though.
Muscle Cub is a warm, funny, tender story. It gets a thumbs up from me.
Out of all the men at camp, Austin, bright and popular, picks Paul the professor. It's an inexplicable draw because Paul's cautious, gloomy nature isn't exactly a burning flame.
I really enjoyed this book:
- Excellent writing (my guess is that Paul's chataracter is semi-autobiographical)
- Lust at first sight, with believable, albeit brief, relationship development
- Age gap (42 to 26)
- Nonperfect MCs:
Austin is the life of the party, but he worries about his future and feels unsettled.
Paul is self-conscious and insecure ... about his body, writing skills, performance in bed. He worries constantly, so being in his head 100% of the time was no picnic.
Even so, I appreciate the author writing an older MC with a belly and receding hairline who struggles with ED. That's as real as it gets, and I found it quite refreshing.
A few niggles:
- I don't like singular POV narration. It's so limiting. I wanted to see Paul the way Austin saw him.
- Paul's ex appearing, however briefly, as a secondary character, didn't add much to the story.
- I wanted a stronger epilogue.
These are minor complaints though.
Muscle Cub is a warm, funny, tender story. It gets a thumbs up from me.
February 27, 2025
Paul is very relatable and has more realness about him than most 40+ yr old gay men featuring in romance novels. He is highly intelligent yet dissatisfied with his job. He is self conscious, has a dad-bod, t-shirt tan and a dick that won’t stay hard at the most inopportune times. He finds things like nipple play irritating instead of sexy. He embarrasses himself at CrossFit, wears cargo shorts on the daily and prefers to lay in bed and read his Kindle rather than socialise. He attends twice yearly dental cleans and does awkward little waves to people he is trying to impress. The man is SO RELATABLE. But he does end up with a real life Ken doll for a boyfriend so maybe the storyline is more fever dream than relatable??
This book isn’t the sex fest that the cover and title portray it to be. It’s actually heavy on the romance and sweetness factor. I thought the performance anxiety issues were GREAT. It was refreshing to read something that felt real and not like porn stars on repeat. By the end I was cringing a teeny bit with how wholesome it all was but really it was a very easy, enjoyable read and I love that the gay campground setting is a mash-up of the authors own experiences over the years.
This book isn’t the sex fest that the cover and title portray it to be. It’s actually heavy on the romance and sweetness factor. I thought the performance anxiety issues were GREAT. It was refreshing to read something that felt real and not like porn stars on repeat. By the end I was cringing a teeny bit with how wholesome it all was but really it was a very easy, enjoyable read and I love that the gay campground setting is a mash-up of the authors own experiences over the years.
October 9, 2025
⭐️ 4 stars ⭐️
🎧𝘚𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 — 𝘊𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘏𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘍𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐𝘯 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘺 𝘐𝘤𝘦 𝘕𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘒𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘴🎧
// Take my hand, take my whole life, too
For I can't help falling in love with you //
My brain has been craving mindless fluff recently, and as I was scrolling through my tbr looking for something to read, I remembered this series. A gay nudist camp romance was exactly what I needed.
Amidst the sweet fluffy romance, there were also wonderful messages of self-love, of happiness from within, body positivity, found family.
Austin is the cutest sunshine golden retriever cub and he balanced Paul’s gloominess pretty well. I don’t know if I really connected with Paul, but I still loved them as a couple.
I loved how the sex wasn’t fairytale perfect, but realistic. Paul and his performance anxiety wasn’t magically cured by Austin, but they were still passionate, intimate. Like Austin says, it’s more about the cuddling and the connection than about getting off.
There’s something about this crazy bear camp, it has the best magical vibe to it and I’m loving every bit.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Mentions of past bullying
- Mentions of cheating (not between MCs, past)
- Age gap (42 vs 26)
- Body insecurity
- Performance anxiety/erectile dysfunction
- Top/bottom
- Brief rimming
- Intercrural
🎧𝘚𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 — 𝘊𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘏𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘍𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐𝘯 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘺 𝘐𝘤𝘦 𝘕𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘒𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘴🎧
// Take my hand, take my whole life, too
For I can't help falling in love with you //
He was probably out of my league, but maybe there was a god up in gay heaven after all.
My brain has been craving mindless fluff recently, and as I was scrolling through my tbr looking for something to read, I remembered this series. A gay nudist camp romance was exactly what I needed.
Like many men of my generation, I was prepared to die on a hill of cargo shorts. What else would you wear when camping out in warm weather? For at least a few people, the answer to that question was a cock ring and motorcycle boots.
Amidst the sweet fluffy romance, there were also wonderful messages of self-love, of happiness from within, body positivity, found family.
Austin is the cutest sunshine golden retriever cub and he balanced Paul’s gloominess pretty well. I don’t know if I really connected with Paul, but I still loved them as a couple.
“I don’t mind if you want to beg for it. But I don’t need you to tell me how to fuck you.” I smiled to soften the words. “I’ll fuck you how I want to.”
I loved how the sex wasn’t fairytale perfect, but realistic. Paul and his performance anxiety wasn’t magically cured by Austin, but they were still passionate, intimate. Like Austin says, it’s more about the cuddling and the connection than about getting off.
He pulled me in for another kiss. Which one would finally be the last?
There’s something about this crazy bear camp, it has the best magical vibe to it and I’m loving every bit.
And nobody had ever looked at me this way. Except he always looked at me this way.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Mentions of past bullying
- Mentions of cheating (not between MCs, past)
- Age gap (42 vs 26)
- Body insecurity
- Performance anxiety/erectile dysfunction
- Top/bottom
- Brief rimming
- Intercrural
November 13, 2023
Loved Muscle Cub even more than Grumpy Bear. Again, this is one of those don’t judge a book by its cover/title (even though cover boy is a cutie).
clothing intimacy
tent shenanigans
age gap (16 years)
Whether Author Slade James is aware of it or not, Austin is definitely a Pisces. 😆
”I don’t mean to be creepy, but I’d probably be happy just to look at you all night.”
His eyes gleamed in the dark. “Well, throw in some touch, Prof. At least for my sake. And you can do anything you want.”
clothing intimacy
tent shenanigans
age gap (16 years)
Whether Author Slade James is aware of it or not, Austin is definitely a Pisces. 😆
”I don’t mean to be creepy, but I’d probably be happy just to look at you all night.”
His eyes gleamed in the dark. “Well, throw in some touch, Prof. At least for my sake. And you can do anything you want.”
August 8, 2023
Finally. It's not you, it's me. I started a new job April 3rd and I spend a lot of time reading, 8 hours sometimes. Reviewing police reports, medical records, statements, you name it. Ugly stuff, murders, rapes, domestic violence, child pornography. I've had a hard time getting back to that reading happy place, but I'm working on a balance.
So, this book. Fluffy fluff and JUST what the doc ordered. Kindness matters. Don't I know it. What was lacking in any real depth was made up for in pure unadulterated enjoyment. Fun, happiness and laughter. It's a Bear Camp people! If you're miserable stay home. Go read a classic. I took it for what it was and loved every minute of it. Oh, and it's not all about 'doing it' all of the time. This book proves that theory. Wonderfully.
More, please. 🐻🐻❄️🐨🐼🌲🏕
So, this book. Fluffy fluff and JUST what the doc ordered. Kindness matters. Don't I know it. What was lacking in any real depth was made up for in pure unadulterated enjoyment. Fun, happiness and laughter. It's a Bear Camp people! If you're miserable stay home. Go read a classic. I took it for what it was and loved every minute of it. Oh, and it's not all about 'doing it' all of the time. This book proves that theory. Wonderfully.
More, please. 🐻🐻❄️🐨🐼🌲🏕
June 10, 2023
3.5 rounded up
I continue to enjoy this series, somewhat to my surprise, because I'm not often the biggest fan of OTT campiness, but it works well here. I appreciated that that the author includes some of the less glamorous aspects of aging, and the exploration of expectations and anxieties and insecurities was well done. The build was sweet and the book was relatively low angst. I did find myself missing a bit more tension, and I thought basically everything involving the ex was weird and super unnecessary, and I'm not entirely sure what the point was.
I continue to enjoy this series, somewhat to my surprise, because I'm not often the biggest fan of OTT campiness, but it works well here. I appreciated that that the author includes some of the less glamorous aspects of aging, and the exploration of expectations and anxieties and insecurities was well done. The build was sweet and the book was relatively low angst. I did find myself missing a bit more tension, and I thought basically everything involving the ex was weird and super unnecessary, and I'm not entirely sure what the point was.
June 11, 2023
Sweet romance! I wish we could've had Austin's POV.
June 17, 2023
Austin is a delightful human being and I would probably read another 200 pages of just Austin doing Austin things and being his kind and compassionate self. I loved Paul too, not only because romance MCs in their 40s are so rare that I’m happy when one just exists, but also because I found his quest to figure out how to focus on what he wants in life, not what he doesn’t want, really relatable even though I don’t have much in common with him otherwise. I also liked having a POV character who was less comfortable/certain in the Bear Camp setting, since it was a nice contrast to previous books in the series.
It’s apparent that James is drawing on his own life experiences in writing the Bear Camp community, and I love seeing all the different ways that being at the camp makes the characters feel comfortable being their true selves – even characters like Paul who aren’t sure at first whether they belong at the camp. I recommend this to anyone looking for a relatively low angst story that still has good momentum.
It’s apparent that James is drawing on his own life experiences in writing the Bear Camp community, and I love seeing all the different ways that being at the camp makes the characters feel comfortable being their true selves – even characters like Paul who aren’t sure at first whether they belong at the camp. I recommend this to anyone looking for a relatively low angst story that still has good momentum.
September 14, 2023
I don't know what I was expecting. Maybe an even better delivery than Grumpy Bear? I don't know. I was pretty disappointed, this book is an almost complete decline of what we've gotten so far from this author.
🟡 Age gap - 16 years
🟢 Older MMC is very educated and has an erectile disfunction
🔵 some angst with the ex, nothing major
🟣 Bear Camp again, but this time not in the forefront
🌶️ some spice, penetrative sex at the very end; t/b
Looking back, if this is really a somewhat-autobiography of this author, I'll say first of all, I really felt for the MMC Paul, definitely; he's a 42 - year old professor, who's highly educated and has had pretty miserable luck in the love department.
His problems with erectile disfunction were well described and this was the first time I came across this particular problem in a m/m book. It was interesting to experience it with no usual end goal in sight - end goal being penetrative sex.
🟠 What I think was painfully missing in this book, is Austin's POV.
Austin was quite an important character in the previous novellas and I was very much surprised we haven't gotten his pov. That would change the story dramatically - for the better.
Austin was the Camp's 26 - year old "cub" and a guy everyone wanted and flirted with. He had depth, and we experienced Austin exclusively from Paul's POV, so I feel like Austin got lost in the process and came across only as young meat with a little substance, but not a fully developed, great character, that I thought he was going to be (in his book).
Paul was, mildly put, too boring to have the book written considering only his side of the story. Why did author go with that? No idea. I don't think it was the right choice.
🌶️ Again, with the ever-evading spice in this series.
And now we probably got our real answer as to why.
"“Hmm.” I tilted my head. “That sounds very sexually focused to me. No disrespect to authors of erotica— there are gorgeous examples of craft to be found among erotic works— but I don’t really think that’s the right lane for my brand at this particular phase of my career.”
So what I'm hearing here is, we're not getting that spice. Ever. UNLESS Austin will somehow convince Paul in the future that spice should definitely be included.
I somehow doubt sexual experiences of that Paul were so lukewarm that he couldn't go past completely non-descriptive kissing 😐 (they kissed hard, oh my god, not again) and a few blowjobs. Come on, it was definitely more passionate and sexy than that and again I'm sorry we're not getting it.
You know how Austin suggested what Paul should actually write?
Well, at that point I'd much rather read about Toby and the lumberjack Frank, than Paul and Austin.
"“Mm.” Austin pulled a regretful face and shook his head. “No. He doesn’t have a house. He still lives in the dorms. He’s a student, remember? He hasn’t reached his daddy phase yet. Suddenly, this sexy, older lumberjack dude shows up. Frank. He lives in the woods nearby, and he’s been spying on Toby. Frank goes over to check and see if Toby needs anything, and Toby asks him if he can help him split firewood. Frank takes off his shirt, and he’s enormous, beefy, hairy, and he looks really hot chopping wood— like, it’s shot in slow motion and shit”— I didn’t bother to interrupt him with the crushing news that there is no slo- mo in books—“ and of course they end up having sex in front of the fire.”"
Well, yes, I want to read that book!
Paul and Austin's story was so boring and uneventful and I'm sure that's not how it happened in real life - if this indeed is an autobiography.
🟡 The dialogues weren't good, Paul seemed so held back and full of this unnecessary inferiority complex - that I didn't really believe he had - that I hardly finished this book.
I didn't believe Austin's interest for Paul for one bit. Completely not believable. That's why we needed his POV. It seemed like him wanting Paul just appeared out of thin air, it had no foundation and I couldn't quite believe it was something more special than anything else he's had so far.
I'm honestly hoping the series will continue and the author will try to add more spice to his books, because that's the secret ingredient that's missing. Descriptive kissing and sex, and lots of it!
I can't imagine reading about a Bear Camp with hundreds of naked men and not getting a whole lotta hot sex!
🟡 Age gap - 16 years
🟢 Older MMC is very educated and has an erectile disfunction
🔵 some angst with the ex, nothing major
🟣 Bear Camp again, but this time not in the forefront
🌶️ some spice, penetrative sex at the very end; t/b
Looking back, if this is really a somewhat-autobiography of this author, I'll say first of all, I really felt for the MMC Paul, definitely; he's a 42 - year old professor, who's highly educated and has had pretty miserable luck in the love department.
His problems with erectile disfunction were well described and this was the first time I came across this particular problem in a m/m book. It was interesting to experience it with no usual end goal in sight - end goal being penetrative sex.
🟠 What I think was painfully missing in this book, is Austin's POV.
Austin was quite an important character in the previous novellas and I was very much surprised we haven't gotten his pov. That would change the story dramatically - for the better.
Austin was the Camp's 26 - year old "cub" and a guy everyone wanted and flirted with. He had depth, and we experienced Austin exclusively from Paul's POV, so I feel like Austin got lost in the process and came across only as young meat with a little substance, but not a fully developed, great character, that I thought he was going to be (in his book).
Paul was, mildly put, too boring to have the book written considering only his side of the story. Why did author go with that? No idea. I don't think it was the right choice.
🌶️ Again, with the ever-evading spice in this series.
And now we probably got our real answer as to why.
"“Hmm.” I tilted my head. “That sounds very sexually focused to me. No disrespect to authors of erotica— there are gorgeous examples of craft to be found among erotic works— but I don’t really think that’s the right lane for my brand at this particular phase of my career.”
So what I'm hearing here is, we're not getting that spice. Ever. UNLESS Austin will somehow convince Paul in the future that spice should definitely be included.
I somehow doubt sexual experiences of that Paul were so lukewarm that he couldn't go past completely non-descriptive kissing 😐 (they kissed hard, oh my god, not again) and a few blowjobs. Come on, it was definitely more passionate and sexy than that and again I'm sorry we're not getting it.
You know how Austin suggested what Paul should actually write?
Well, at that point I'd much rather read about Toby and the lumberjack Frank, than Paul and Austin.
"“Mm.” Austin pulled a regretful face and shook his head. “No. He doesn’t have a house. He still lives in the dorms. He’s a student, remember? He hasn’t reached his daddy phase yet. Suddenly, this sexy, older lumberjack dude shows up. Frank. He lives in the woods nearby, and he’s been spying on Toby. Frank goes over to check and see if Toby needs anything, and Toby asks him if he can help him split firewood. Frank takes off his shirt, and he’s enormous, beefy, hairy, and he looks really hot chopping wood— like, it’s shot in slow motion and shit”— I didn’t bother to interrupt him with the crushing news that there is no slo- mo in books—“ and of course they end up having sex in front of the fire.”"
Well, yes, I want to read that book!
Paul and Austin's story was so boring and uneventful and I'm sure that's not how it happened in real life - if this indeed is an autobiography.
🟡 The dialogues weren't good, Paul seemed so held back and full of this unnecessary inferiority complex - that I didn't really believe he had - that I hardly finished this book.
I didn't believe Austin's interest for Paul for one bit. Completely not believable. That's why we needed his POV. It seemed like him wanting Paul just appeared out of thin air, it had no foundation and I couldn't quite believe it was something more special than anything else he's had so far.
I'm honestly hoping the series will continue and the author will try to add more spice to his books, because that's the secret ingredient that's missing. Descriptive kissing and sex, and lots of it!
I can't imagine reading about a Bear Camp with hundreds of naked men and not getting a whole lotta hot sex!
October 25, 2024
I LOVED this book. Loved, loved, loved it!
This ticked so many boxes for me, I adored:
-It was a gay romance-my favourite thing
-It was just so damn romantic. There were all these moments that gradually formed the picture of two people who were falling in love (eg clothing intimacy-what a thing!)
-I very much enjoy and believe in opposites attracting
-The red lanyard bit, ahhhh
-That Paul has a dental check up and clean 2 times a year (the dental hygienist that I am got gleefully high on this).
-That brilliant camp, it sounded like such a great place
-The heartwarming karaoke finale
-The starry night prints
-The ED representation and how it was managed
-The dressing up!
-The sex scenes were incredible, some of the best, most honest and real I have ever read.
-Their last names. Fox and Carter.
-I think it was kind of meta, like the book Paul wrote was the one we read
-probably a bunch of other stuff that I can't think of right now
There are so many books with characters that act completely different to how they feel and deliberately sabotage a relationship because they think it is too good to be true and usually they are just plain frustrating. Paul's insecurities and efforts to avoid getting his hopes up were completely understandable in light of his age, his past relationship, his sexual health issues and the context in which he met Austin.
I really identified with Paul. Austin was such a fun honest guy. Great characters.
This was an unexpected find, I gave it a try because it was highly rated by a reviewer with similar tastes and I had no idea what to expect. I wasn't overly drawn in by the cover or the title. I feel like books that have these types of covers are often more erotic. This was definately more of a romance, even the sex was romantic.
I'm off to go read more from this author.
This ticked so many boxes for me, I adored:
-It was a gay romance-my favourite thing
-It was just so damn romantic. There were all these moments that gradually formed the picture of two people who were falling in love (eg clothing intimacy-what a thing!)
-I very much enjoy and believe in opposites attracting
-The red lanyard bit, ahhhh
-That Paul has a dental check up and clean 2 times a year (the dental hygienist that I am got gleefully high on this).
-That brilliant camp, it sounded like such a great place
-The heartwarming karaoke finale
-The starry night prints
-The ED representation and how it was managed
-The dressing up!
-The sex scenes were incredible, some of the best, most honest and real I have ever read.
-Their last names. Fox and Carter.
-I think it was kind of meta, like the book Paul wrote was the one we read
-probably a bunch of other stuff that I can't think of right now
There are so many books with characters that act completely different to how they feel and deliberately sabotage a relationship because they think it is too good to be true and usually they are just plain frustrating. Paul's insecurities and efforts to avoid getting his hopes up were completely understandable in light of his age, his past relationship, his sexual health issues and the context in which he met Austin.
I really identified with Paul. Austin was such a fun honest guy. Great characters.
This was an unexpected find, I gave it a try because it was highly rated by a reviewer with similar tastes and I had no idea what to expect. I wasn't overly drawn in by the cover or the title. I feel like books that have these types of covers are often more erotic. This was definately more of a romance, even the sex was romantic.
I'm off to go read more from this author.
July 4, 2023
This was ok. I usually love single POV and here we only get Paul's which I liked. It was a bit instalove on Austin's part who really wooed and pursued Paul. Paul got on with the program and that was good. Both characters had depth for once. I liked how their backstories were revealed. I didn't like the appearance of Paul's ex, it was unnecessary since it didn't create tension (thank goodness for that BTW) and it showed once more that Paul is rather passive in his life. Going with the flow, never getting angry or really taking initiative. I really liked Austin, his positive outlook in life and him taking charge of his life and the relationship. I'm not sure I loved the way ED was handled. . All in all it was a fun time and I will continue with the series for sure even though the camp setting is not my favorite. I was happy we got out of there for a good chunk of the story TBH.
May 27, 2023
This series has been delightful to read! Slade James has created a world where there is so much love, hope, fun, friendship and relationships of all kinds. If you haven’t read this series yet I highly recommend it!
This book was about Paul, a 42 year old teacher/writer and Austin, a 26 year old physical ed teacher and campground worker. Paul has had issues with both writers block and erectile dysfunction. He cannot believe that someone like Austin would be interested in him. Austin is such a positive person, he was supportive of Paul in ever way. He lit up the pages.
One thing I loved about this was it took us outside the campground and we saw Paul’s life and how Austin would fit into it. We see them interact with Paul’s family and it was so true to form, that initial introduction of someone new to everyone. Austin is always himself and he makes no apologies for it and Paul is so much more reserved so seeing his reaction to it all was hilarious! It reminded me of how I felt a time or two introducing someone new to my family and hoping they fit in.
I am so enamored with everyone who works at the campground. I loved seeing characters from previous stories but I also was excited to get even the tiniest glimpse of the characters that we have not yet read about. I cannot wait to see who else gets their own stories.
I do wish we had Austin’s POV sometimes. He opens up and when he does it’s heartbreaking to find out what he’s gone through but at the same time he still was just this character that shone brightly on paper but I wanted in his head. The relationship between him and Paul moves very fast and I wanted to know what he was thinking. He’s so positive that I felt like there was something missing about him. He was taken with Paul from his first glance of him but I wanted to know why. It seemed like it was love at first sight for him but I wanted to know what about Paul made him know this man was more that all the other men he was involved with beforehand.
There is no real angst in the story and that worked so well. I was hoping there wasn’t as the book went on because it just wouldn’t fit. We need more of these stories that don’t throw something in to cause tension and a last minute breakup. That is unnecessary in a lot of books and this is an example of a story done right.
ARC received for review
This book was about Paul, a 42 year old teacher/writer and Austin, a 26 year old physical ed teacher and campground worker. Paul has had issues with both writers block and erectile dysfunction. He cannot believe that someone like Austin would be interested in him. Austin is such a positive person, he was supportive of Paul in ever way. He lit up the pages.
One thing I loved about this was it took us outside the campground and we saw Paul’s life and how Austin would fit into it. We see them interact with Paul’s family and it was so true to form, that initial introduction of someone new to everyone. Austin is always himself and he makes no apologies for it and Paul is so much more reserved so seeing his reaction to it all was hilarious! It reminded me of how I felt a time or two introducing someone new to my family and hoping they fit in.
I am so enamored with everyone who works at the campground. I loved seeing characters from previous stories but I also was excited to get even the tiniest glimpse of the characters that we have not yet read about. I cannot wait to see who else gets their own stories.
I do wish we had Austin’s POV sometimes. He opens up and when he does it’s heartbreaking to find out what he’s gone through but at the same time he still was just this character that shone brightly on paper but I wanted in his head. The relationship between him and Paul moves very fast and I wanted to know what he was thinking. He’s so positive that I felt like there was something missing about him. He was taken with Paul from his first glance of him but I wanted to know why. It seemed like it was love at first sight for him but I wanted to know what about Paul made him know this man was more that all the other men he was involved with beforehand.
There is no real angst in the story and that worked so well. I was hoping there wasn’t as the book went on because it just wouldn’t fit. We need more of these stories that don’t throw something in to cause tension and a last minute breakup. That is unnecessary in a lot of books and this is an example of a story done right.
ARC received for review
June 16, 2023
I am such a huge fan of this Bear Sanctuary that Slade James has created. I used to spend a lot of time with a friend who performed at a campground every weekend, so I’ve seen one like this first hand. It was nowhere near as wonderful in my time going there, but I do have some…. Memories. 😂
I love Austin & Paul so much and wholeheartedly understand how they could get together so quickly, whether it be Insta-Lust or just a primal need for eachother. I’m really glad we never saw them hooking up with someone else, because I don’t think I would have been as happy with the outcome if that were the case.
Paul is a middle-aged college professor and author, who after his 2nd book failed and then his long-term relationship also ended abruptly, he went into hiding, becoming a hermit out of stress and shame. But where he sees himself as overweight, others see him as a daddy.
In walks Austin, the younger fitness enthusiast who’s friends with everyone, ogled by the everyone, and everyone wants to f**k him! He is 16 years younger, which I am not mad at😂, and really into Paul. To the point of going out of his way to look at him or show him forms of affection for the ENTIRE book! He was also voted Best Bear Cub last year, hence the title.
Austin alternates between calling Paul Prof and Daddy, both of which made me smile. Their whole relationship was absolutely cute and perfect.
There’s also honest conversation about impotence and having to take sexual performance enhancing medication, which I do not see in romance at all. It’s a part of life and you know we love representation here!!!
I will read anything that Slade James writes and hope that we get so many more books set at Bear Camp!
I love Austin & Paul so much and wholeheartedly understand how they could get together so quickly, whether it be Insta-Lust or just a primal need for eachother. I’m really glad we never saw them hooking up with someone else, because I don’t think I would have been as happy with the outcome if that were the case.
Paul is a middle-aged college professor and author, who after his 2nd book failed and then his long-term relationship also ended abruptly, he went into hiding, becoming a hermit out of stress and shame. But where he sees himself as overweight, others see him as a daddy.
In walks Austin, the younger fitness enthusiast who’s friends with everyone, ogled by the everyone, and everyone wants to f**k him! He is 16 years younger, which I am not mad at😂, and really into Paul. To the point of going out of his way to look at him or show him forms of affection for the ENTIRE book! He was also voted Best Bear Cub last year, hence the title.
Austin alternates between calling Paul Prof and Daddy, both of which made me smile. Their whole relationship was absolutely cute and perfect.
There’s also honest conversation about impotence and having to take sexual performance enhancing medication, which I do not see in romance at all. It’s a part of life and you know we love representation here!!!
I will read anything that Slade James writes and hope that we get so many more books set at Bear Camp!
June 16, 2023
Another great entry in this series from Slade, they're just fun to read even the ones which deal with more sensitive subjects like here.
There's a big age gap between Austin and Paul, but the younger man doesn't care at all, he sees something in the author and professor that he wants to be close to and goes all out.
For Paul, his previous partner left him with serious hang-ups over his writing ability, his sexual ability and all points in between, so he struggles a lot to see what the best cub at Bear Camp could possibly see in him.
There's a wonderfully kind approach to Paul's ED and his overall lack of confidence and Austin never makes him feel like he's less than, on the contrary, Paul starts to believe that the cuddling and just having someone to wake up next too is more important to the younger man than full on penetrative sex.
This is a lovely book, it has all the feels you'd expect, while keeping the humour which has been present in all of the previous pairings so far.
There's a big age gap between Austin and Paul, but the younger man doesn't care at all, he sees something in the author and professor that he wants to be close to and goes all out.
For Paul, his previous partner left him with serious hang-ups over his writing ability, his sexual ability and all points in between, so he struggles a lot to see what the best cub at Bear Camp could possibly see in him.
There's a wonderfully kind approach to Paul's ED and his overall lack of confidence and Austin never makes him feel like he's less than, on the contrary, Paul starts to believe that the cuddling and just having someone to wake up next too is more important to the younger man than full on penetrative sex.
This is a lovely book, it has all the feels you'd expect, while keeping the humour which has been present in all of the previous pairings so far.
May 28, 2025
middle aged gay men have fantasies too
3.75 rounded up.
A slightly middle aged gay man (Paul) goes to Bear Camp to “get his groove back” in the wake of a failed marriage. He hooks up with the young stud (Austin) and they both learn lessons. Austin about how to be ambitious and Paul about Viagra.
3.75 rounded up.
A slightly middle aged gay man (Paul) goes to Bear Camp to “get his groove back” in the wake of a failed marriage. He hooks up with the young stud (Austin) and they both learn lessons. Austin about how to be ambitious and Paul about Viagra.
June 5, 2023
Bear Camp is an amazing place to visit and going back through the eyes of Paul, a first time visitor with low self-image and self-esteem was a great way to see the place with fresh eyes. Written from Paul's POV exclusively, we see him learn to accept himself and embrace letting go and trying new things! His interest is peaked by Austin, a man nearly 20 years his junior whose energy and joy is seemingly endless and it takes time for Paul to believe that Austin even wants to look at him.
I appreciate just how much real life Slade James brings to the characters - from dealing with ED to having a difficult work history, James doesn't shy away from bringing details and research to the story.
It took a little bit for me to get into the story, especially because it was single POV, but I enjoyed my trip back to Bear Camp and I look forward to seeing who finds love there next!
I appreciate just how much real life Slade James brings to the characters - from dealing with ED to having a difficult work history, James doesn't shy away from bringing details and research to the story.
It took a little bit for me to get into the story, especially because it was single POV, but I enjoyed my trip back to Bear Camp and I look forward to seeing who finds love there next!
July 3, 2024
I love reading stories by Slade James. This was no exception. I love the way he writes. This was almost the perfect novel if not for the thing that really bothered me.
I used to go to a gay camp in Tennessee with my husband. Although this camp is in Georgia, I pictured the camp we visited near the Smoky Mountains. The activities and parties were quite similar to what we experienced. I highly recommend all of Slade James’s books.
I don’t expect fiction to be always be realistic, but I need to share what bothered me.
WARNING: this could be a spoiler for some people.
If a 42 year old is having as much trouble keeping an erection as Paul, then he needs to see a doctor because something is definitely wrong with him. It might be psychological or it might be physical, but at that age it’s not normal. It really bothered me that it happened almost every time they went to bed. I also didn’t care for the fact that Austin acted like it was no big deal.
I used to go to a gay camp in Tennessee with my husband. Although this camp is in Georgia, I pictured the camp we visited near the Smoky Mountains. The activities and parties were quite similar to what we experienced. I highly recommend all of Slade James’s books.
I don’t expect fiction to be always be realistic, but I need to share what bothered me.
WARNING: this could be a spoiler for some people.
If a 42 year old is having as much trouble keeping an erection as Paul, then he needs to see a doctor because something is definitely wrong with him. It might be psychological or it might be physical, but at that age it’s not normal. It really bothered me that it happened almost every time they went to bed. I also didn’t care for the fact that Austin acted like it was no big deal.
October 17, 2024
This was a fun, joyful, spicy jaunt back into the world of Bear Camp, following new, charming characters in a fresh story. While there's a return of a few familiar faces, this is a standalone that follows one of the favorites from the first book and his own journey to find love.
Paul is a 40-something year old English professor and author of one successful book, and one not-so-successful book. Dealing with this sting to his ego, along with his separation from his long-time ex boyfriend who left him to be with his TA has Paul are things that have only contributed to his writer's block for his third book. He hopes that his friends' invitation to come to the local gay, clothing optional campground for a day or so will provide him the mental clarity, or at least the "release" to set him back on his path. But what he doesn't expect is the resident hot boy Austin taking a liking to him. Young, confident, hot, joyful, flirtatious, hot, hairy, muscular and hot, Paul doesn't understand what it is that draws Austin to him, and he's apprehensive with the attention at first. But as they get to know each other, they each learn how complex and compatible each of them are, as we get to see the fast-yet-slow integration into each other's lives, resulting in a joyful experience that changes both of them for the better.
I really enjoyed the first Bear Camp book, and how it subverted some tropes while leaning into others, and that made me both eager that this would be the same, but apprehensive that it would feel too similar. I was overjoyed that this felt new and fresh while evoking the same feelings of warmth and community that the first one conveyed.
I was surprised by how this book really defied typical tropes of a romance book, namely that there was no real "conflict" between the couple. There was no tension, or climax that had you thinking will they or won't they. As a couple, they were wonderful together, instantly happy and loving, and while many would consider that insta-lovey, you have to understand that this initially is about gay men hooking up at a gay campground, so while the promise was spice, it didn't guarantee romance. The main conflict came from the main character's feelings of inadequacy. I'll fully admit, it did get tiring that, even in the last 10th of the book, Paul is still asking himself if he's worthy of Austin's love, and his personal character development was more around his actions and not necessarily his self image, but I do think it was in service of the narrative considering there wasn't a strong conflict driving the book forward otherwise.
Austin on the other hand was wonderful, he's presented as a very self-actualized person. Shamelessly himself in every way, bubbly and friendly, no one can help but being drawn to his charm. Again, some may criticize this character of being "too perfect" but the narrative also tackles his own self-doubt with regard to his professional goals. This led to a bit of a tropey dynamic between the two of them, but I still enjoyed it.
For readers of the first book, you'll be happy to hear that the spice here was dialed up quite a bit with more sex scenes. As before, the author knows what he's talking about when it comes to gay sex, but I really appreciated the added dynamic of impotence in a normalized way. It felt realistic and very non-judgmental as it was not a blocker in the relationship, but only in Paul's self perception.
All in all, I really liked this, it was fun, flirty, and a quick read. The side characters stand out in wonderful ways as usual, and it just leaves you with a warm feeling in your heart and a longing for a similarly wonderful community.
Paul is a 40-something year old English professor and author of one successful book, and one not-so-successful book. Dealing with this sting to his ego, along with his separation from his long-time ex boyfriend who left him to be with his TA has Paul are things that have only contributed to his writer's block for his third book. He hopes that his friends' invitation to come to the local gay, clothing optional campground for a day or so will provide him the mental clarity, or at least the "release" to set him back on his path. But what he doesn't expect is the resident hot boy Austin taking a liking to him. Young, confident, hot, joyful, flirtatious, hot, hairy, muscular and hot, Paul doesn't understand what it is that draws Austin to him, and he's apprehensive with the attention at first. But as they get to know each other, they each learn how complex and compatible each of them are, as we get to see the fast-yet-slow integration into each other's lives, resulting in a joyful experience that changes both of them for the better.
I really enjoyed the first Bear Camp book, and how it subverted some tropes while leaning into others, and that made me both eager that this would be the same, but apprehensive that it would feel too similar. I was overjoyed that this felt new and fresh while evoking the same feelings of warmth and community that the first one conveyed.
I was surprised by how this book really defied typical tropes of a romance book, namely that there was no real "conflict" between the couple. There was no tension, or climax that had you thinking will they or won't they. As a couple, they were wonderful together, instantly happy and loving, and while many would consider that insta-lovey, you have to understand that this initially is about gay men hooking up at a gay campground, so while the promise was spice, it didn't guarantee romance. The main conflict came from the main character's feelings of inadequacy. I'll fully admit, it did get tiring that, even in the last 10th of the book, Paul is still asking himself if he's worthy of Austin's love, and his personal character development was more around his actions and not necessarily his self image, but I do think it was in service of the narrative considering there wasn't a strong conflict driving the book forward otherwise.
Austin on the other hand was wonderful, he's presented as a very self-actualized person. Shamelessly himself in every way, bubbly and friendly, no one can help but being drawn to his charm. Again, some may criticize this character of being "too perfect" but the narrative also tackles his own self-doubt with regard to his professional goals. This led to a bit of a tropey dynamic between the two of them, but I still enjoyed it.
For readers of the first book, you'll be happy to hear that the spice here was dialed up quite a bit with more sex scenes. As before, the author knows what he's talking about when it comes to gay sex, but I really appreciated the added dynamic of impotence in a normalized way. It felt realistic and very non-judgmental as it was not a blocker in the relationship, but only in Paul's self perception.
All in all, I really liked this, it was fun, flirty, and a quick read. The side characters stand out in wonderful ways as usual, and it just leaves you with a warm feeling in your heart and a longing for a similarly wonderful community.
June 16, 2023
This is book 2 in slade James's Bear Camp series. Despite usually being a stickler for experiencing a series chronologically I managed to read these all out of order. No worries - they're written in such a way that it doesn't disrupt anything.
I loved Paul. I loved Austin. I loved Paul and Austin. Their meeting and banter were adorable. Paul is completely oblivious to others finding him attractive. I enjoy the Bear Camp setting and all the secondary characters. James also tackled some sensitive topics with care and respect - Paul's ED, his cheating ex, coming to terms with an aging body, and writer's block. Most of these further served to highlight what a great pair Paul and Austin were.
However, I really wish this had been dual perspectives so that I could get to know Austin better. I think it would have also helped to break up some of Paul's continuous negative self talk. I also felt like the interactions with Paul’s ex, Charles, were sort of shoehorned in. There needed to be a reason Paul's family would invite his repeatedly cheating ex to a family event nearly a decade after they split. And then Austin - why on earth would he invite Charles to Bear Camp?
Overall, I continue to enjoy James's emotional and witty writing - I finished everything he's released in the last week. Will continue to read the series.
I loved Paul. I loved Austin. I loved Paul and Austin. Their meeting and banter were adorable. Paul is completely oblivious to others finding him attractive. I enjoy the Bear Camp setting and all the secondary characters. James also tackled some sensitive topics with care and respect - Paul's ED, his cheating ex, coming to terms with an aging body, and writer's block. Most of these further served to highlight what a great pair Paul and Austin were.
However, I really wish this had been dual perspectives so that I could get to know Austin better. I think it would have also helped to break up some of Paul's continuous negative self talk. I also felt like the interactions with Paul’s ex, Charles, were sort of shoehorned in. There needed to be a reason Paul's family would invite his repeatedly cheating ex to a family event nearly a decade after they split. And then Austin - why on earth would he invite Charles to Bear Camp?
Overall, I continue to enjoy James's emotional and witty writing - I finished everything he's released in the last week. Will continue to read the series.
June 18, 2023
3⭐️ I didn’t like this one nearly as much as the first unfortunately. The single POV didn’t work. I felt like we needed Austin’s POV to really feel the connection between him and Paul. Paul was so glum, insecure, and self-deprecating that I had a hard time understanding why Austin even enjoyed his company. He talked about his ex all the time which is a turn-off for me.
I did like the age-gap element and that they talked about erectile dysfunction but it really took up too much of the story and it made what was otherwise a low-angst, light book quite depressing.
I did like the age-gap element and that they talked about erectile dysfunction but it really took up too much of the story and it made what was otherwise a low-angst, light book quite depressing.
June 10, 2023
This was a nice in between read, nothing more, nothing less.
What I liked was that insecurities, especially from the older guy - including a fear to "perform" when necessary were addressed. It's not often that the sex life of the main characters is less than mind blowing from the start.
Apart from this nice change, the book did not offer a lot of new ideas, and was exactly what I expected without any surprises.
Older, well settled guy falls in love with a good looking younger guy and asks himself why the gorgeous muscle cub would choose him. I must admit that I asked myself the same question and couldn't really find a convincing answer (apart from him being a great cuddler, maybe).
At the end it did not really convince me to continue with the series. 3.5 stars for me
What I liked was that insecurities, especially from the older guy - including a fear to "perform" when necessary were addressed. It's not often that the sex life of the main characters is less than mind blowing from the start.
Apart from this nice change, the book did not offer a lot of new ideas, and was exactly what I expected without any surprises.
Older, well settled guy falls in love with a good looking younger guy and asks himself why the gorgeous muscle cub would choose him. I must admit that I asked myself the same question and couldn't really find a convincing answer (apart from him being a great cuddler, maybe).
At the end it did not really convince me to continue with the series. 3.5 stars for me
June 16, 2023
This book was so good in its subtleties. The writing was so well done and this really felt like a journey. Mostly for Paul, but even though we didn’t get Austin’s POV, I still felt like I knew him. Paul spent a lot of time in his head—overthinking everything and Austin was this consistent presence of warmth and snark. I loved their banter and how this just felt so real. I don’t know if I can truly describe what it felt like to read this. It flowed from one scene to another so fluidly. It was this slow build that all of the sudden hit you with something so profound (usually from Austin) that it almost takes your breath away for a moment. The lightness and fun was beautifully woven in between moments of tender and care—passion and realness.
I loved seeing Paul gain back some of his self-worth and confidence. He found a community that lifts him up and saw something in him that was snuffed out so long ago. This was a beautiful love story for two men who fit so well and gave each other a safe place to be themselves and grow.
I loved seeing Paul gain back some of his self-worth and confidence. He found a community that lifts him up and saw something in him that was snuffed out so long ago. This was a beautiful love story for two men who fit so well and gave each other a safe place to be themselves and grow.
July 2, 2023
I can’t stop thinking about this book for days. Changed my initial rating if 4 * to 5 *
June 10, 2023
Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Pool
Muscle Cub
A Bear Camp Novel
Author: Slade James
Whilst this is the second 'Bear Camp' book, it can be read as a standalone.
Austin Fox is crowned Best Cub of Bear Mountain Lodge, embraces the clothing-optional environment at Bear Camp, and is a beefcake who is all about body positivity.
Paul on the other hand, is a bit of a middle aged, grumpy, dad bod writer who ... couldn't write. At least at the moment.
Hence him being talked into going to Bear Camp by his friends Eric and Ben, where almost everything is on display and catcalls are frequent.
In fact, he's suprised when a member of staff he christens 'Wheelbarrow Boy' seems to be checking him out.
Of course, he thinks the guy is fit, and way above his pay grade.
On his first evening he experiences the joy of the DJ and karaoke night with a Saints and Sinners theme.
I won't spoil it for you, but whilst the book is funny from the off, the disco is hilarious.
The tone, character voice and sense of humour in this is terrific. At one point Paul is walking with Austin, and thinks:
"He was probably out of my league, but maybe there was a god up in gay heaven after all."
However Austin is hiding some self esteem issues begins his twinkling veneer and there's a sweet, adorable vulnerability about him.
And Paul of course, hides his own issues.
This is sweet, very funny, emotional, sexy and incredibly romantic.
Muscle Cub
A Bear Camp Novel
Author: Slade James
Whilst this is the second 'Bear Camp' book, it can be read as a standalone.
Austin Fox is crowned Best Cub of Bear Mountain Lodge, embraces the clothing-optional environment at Bear Camp, and is a beefcake who is all about body positivity.
Paul on the other hand, is a bit of a middle aged, grumpy, dad bod writer who ... couldn't write. At least at the moment.
Hence him being talked into going to Bear Camp by his friends Eric and Ben, where almost everything is on display and catcalls are frequent.
In fact, he's suprised when a member of staff he christens 'Wheelbarrow Boy' seems to be checking him out.
Of course, he thinks the guy is fit, and way above his pay grade.
On his first evening he experiences the joy of the DJ and karaoke night with a Saints and Sinners theme.
I won't spoil it for you, but whilst the book is funny from the off, the disco is hilarious.
The tone, character voice and sense of humour in this is terrific. At one point Paul is walking with Austin, and thinks:
"He was probably out of my league, but maybe there was a god up in gay heaven after all."
However Austin is hiding some self esteem issues begins his twinkling veneer and there's a sweet, adorable vulnerability about him.
And Paul of course, hides his own issues.
This is sweet, very funny, emotional, sexy and incredibly romantic.
July 5, 2023
3.5 stars.
I would usually avoid books with titles like this, like the plague. It’s cheese. The cover doesn’t entice me either. The word of mouth amongst book lovers is honestly the biggest influence in making me decide the books I’m going to read.
Someone commented about it and I thought it sounded cute.
Paul is lacking confidence. He’s got a dad bod. He had a shitty relationship with his ex Charles, who belittled him so much that he destroyed his self worth. When he visits the camp with friends, he expects to sneak out early. He never expected to meet Austin.
Austin is the camp cutie. Younger than Paul, but not uncomfortably so. He’s fun. He’s happy. He’s sexy. He’s really, really, really in to Paul, which comes as a complete surprise to him. Furry Dad bod for the win!
I thought it was going to be so hawt and sexy it would make me blush, but it’s actually quite poignant. I just love Austin. I want an Austin in my life.
I would usually avoid books with titles like this, like the plague. It’s cheese. The cover doesn’t entice me either. The word of mouth amongst book lovers is honestly the biggest influence in making me decide the books I’m going to read.
Someone commented about it and I thought it sounded cute.
Paul is lacking confidence. He’s got a dad bod. He had a shitty relationship with his ex Charles, who belittled him so much that he destroyed his self worth. When he visits the camp with friends, he expects to sneak out early. He never expected to meet Austin.
Austin is the camp cutie. Younger than Paul, but not uncomfortably so. He’s fun. He’s happy. He’s sexy. He’s really, really, really in to Paul, which comes as a complete surprise to him. Furry Dad bod for the win!
I thought it was going to be so hawt and sexy it would make me blush, but it’s actually quite poignant. I just love Austin. I want an Austin in my life.
August 22, 2023
It was all going so well, looking like a solid 4* but then for no reason at all the cheating ex came into the story. By the hands of family who could not let go. I did not like that at all and it put me in a mood, so therefore the lower rating.
August 25, 2023
Great book!
This was a beautiful, romantic story. I loved how the main characters, Paul and Austin, found each other and fell I love. And the campground was just so fun to visit with all the crazy characters and party shenanigans.
This was a beautiful, romantic story. I loved how the main characters, Paul and Austin, found each other and fell I love. And the campground was just so fun to visit with all the crazy characters and party shenanigans.
November 14, 2023
I actually loved it! what a sweet book about 42 year old insecure writer and a 26 yo sunshine of a guy. I also really liked that we only got Paul’s version of the story. I think it makes everything more interesting and intimate if you don’t know what the other character is thinking. 4/5
August 6, 2024
I liked this one better than the first one tbh. I liked the MC better. I think he was a reflection of the author. Frank discussions about erectile dysfunction in this one was surprising. But seeing as how it was an older man and younger cub, it could definitely be a real hurdle in a relationship. I really liked Austin. He was so damn cute. This series makes me wanna own a gay camp ground.
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