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Teachers' Lounge #4
Past Tents
Love isn’t past tense—it’s the future.
Clay Meadows runs a fast mile, but that hasn’t helped him catch the one who got away.
His jam is teaching Shakespeare, coaching track, and camping in the mountains.
The last thing he wants is a scaredy cat art teacher with wild blond hair and devilish charm joining him on the Green Valley High senior retreat.
Or is it?
When his lifelong crush and best friend’s sister is assigned as his co-chaperone, Clay sees an opportunity.
He’ll cure her fear of bugs, bears, and flimsy tents. She’ll fall in love with the wilderness. He won’t fall in love in the process.
Even in close quarters—and a shared tent—Clay vows keep his school crush firmly where it belongs—in the past.
Until she edges open a crack in his heart and allows him to believe she likes what she sees.
Ally Dalbotten is stubbornly self-sufficient and determined to protect her heart from unreliable
men.
She hates camping. And dirt. And wild animals. And the wilderness, for that matter.
The last thing she needs is the gung-ho hottie of the English department revealing his Clark Kent alter-ego and flexing his camping muscles—along with his pecs.
But under the façade of a man who runs from commitment Ally finds a vulnerable soul with a
secret he’s carried for years.
Ally has a choice—risk that Clay is another guy destined to break her heart…or trust that he’s
the one who will love her forever.
'Past Tents' is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #4 in the
Teachers' Lounge series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.
Clay Meadows runs a fast mile, but that hasn’t helped him catch the one who got away.
His jam is teaching Shakespeare, coaching track, and camping in the mountains.
The last thing he wants is a scaredy cat art teacher with wild blond hair and devilish charm joining him on the Green Valley High senior retreat.
Or is it?
When his lifelong crush and best friend’s sister is assigned as his co-chaperone, Clay sees an opportunity.
He’ll cure her fear of bugs, bears, and flimsy tents. She’ll fall in love with the wilderness. He won’t fall in love in the process.
Even in close quarters—and a shared tent—Clay vows keep his school crush firmly where it belongs—in the past.
Until she edges open a crack in his heart and allows him to believe she likes what she sees.
Ally Dalbotten is stubbornly self-sufficient and determined to protect her heart from unreliable
men.
She hates camping. And dirt. And wild animals. And the wilderness, for that matter.
The last thing she needs is the gung-ho hottie of the English department revealing his Clark Kent alter-ego and flexing his camping muscles—along with his pecs.
But under the façade of a man who runs from commitment Ally finds a vulnerable soul with a
secret he’s carried for years.
Ally has a choice—risk that Clay is another guy destined to break her heart…or trust that he’s
the one who will love her forever.
'Past Tents' is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #4 in the
Teachers' Lounge series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2024
143 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
Stacy Travis
32 books691 followersStacy Travis writes charming, spicy romance about bookish, sassy women and the hot alphas who fall for them.
Writing makes her infinitely happy, but that might be the coffee talking. She drinks a LOT of it.
She's worked as a journalist, camp counselor, TV writer, SAT tutor, corporate finance researcher, education technology editor, and non-fiction author. When she's not on a deadline, she's in running shoes complaining that all roads seem to go uphill. Or on the couch with a margarita. Or fangirling at a soccer game.
She's never met a dog she didn't want to hug. And if you have no plans for Thanksgiving, she'll probably invite you to dinner.
Stacy lives in Los Angeles with her husband, two sons, and a poorly-trained rescue dog who hoards socks. And she's serious about the Thanksgiving thing.
VISIT MY AMAZON PAGE!
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Writing makes her infinitely happy, but that might be the coffee talking. She drinks a LOT of it.
She's worked as a journalist, camp counselor, TV writer, SAT tutor, corporate finance researcher, education technology editor, and non-fiction author. When she's not on a deadline, she's in running shoes complaining that all roads seem to go uphill. Or on the couch with a margarita. Or fangirling at a soccer game.
She's never met a dog she didn't want to hug. And if you have no plans for Thanksgiving, she'll probably invite you to dinner.
Stacy lives in Los Angeles with her husband, two sons, and a poorly-trained rescue dog who hoards socks. And she's serious about the Thanksgiving thing.
VISIT MY AMAZON PAGE!
https://amzn.to/3bPwy8H
VISIT MY FACEBOOK!
www.facebook.com/stacy.travis.9699
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM!
www.instagram.com/stacytravisauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 10, 2024
She is a teacher who wants to believe in fairy tales. He is a man who is always on the go because stopping would mean leaning into his feelings.
Ally works at the Green Valley High School. She loves to read romances and has not had much success in romantic relationships because of her high expectations. Her crush is her brother's best friend, Clay, a coworker at the High School. She has tried her best to keep him at arm's length when she sees him at work and even nicknamed him the "greyhound ' because he is always on the move and runs from romantic relationships.
Clay is the Shakespeare teacher and Track coach at the High School. He also leads the Senior camping trip every year. His mental health took a toll on him a few years ago and his best friend was able to help him through the darkness of depression. After the right help with therapy and medicine, he finds physical activity like being outdoors extremely helpful, too. So when he learns who from the staff will be accompanying him on the camping trip, he is both eager to help and worried about being around Ally Dalbotten for too long.
When the principal informs Ally she needs to help chaperone the school's camping trip, she is not at all interested. She likes the comforts and safety of the indoors. After embarrassing herself in a spectacular way in front of Clay, she informs him she has been asked to chaperone despite her fears. Clay graciously offers to help her being the kind person he is. But the close proximity threatens the very boundaries both have built against the other.
Could these two thirty somethings finally make their teenage wishes come true by taking a chance with their crush even if it means they might never recover?
Dual POV, brothers best friend, mutual pining, only one bed, open door love scenes.
This is such a cute, charming love story. Ally is a woman who is coming to the realization she might not ever find love. Even though she has had a crush on her small town's most eligible bachelor who has been a fixture in her life since she was a teen. Clay is a Clark Kent attractive professor type. I loved Clay's POV and how he viewed Ally. The slow burn /angst was perfect. These two slipped into a an intimacy from which they will never recover in the best way possible. Great HEA and Epilogue.
Bonus: Shane from "Dough You Love Me?" from the Donner Bakery Series is Clay's brother and makes an appearance.
Ally works at the Green Valley High School. She loves to read romances and has not had much success in romantic relationships because of her high expectations. Her crush is her brother's best friend, Clay, a coworker at the High School. She has tried her best to keep him at arm's length when she sees him at work and even nicknamed him the "greyhound ' because he is always on the move and runs from romantic relationships.
Clay is the Shakespeare teacher and Track coach at the High School. He also leads the Senior camping trip every year. His mental health took a toll on him a few years ago and his best friend was able to help him through the darkness of depression. After the right help with therapy and medicine, he finds physical activity like being outdoors extremely helpful, too. So when he learns who from the staff will be accompanying him on the camping trip, he is both eager to help and worried about being around Ally Dalbotten for too long.
When the principal informs Ally she needs to help chaperone the school's camping trip, she is not at all interested. She likes the comforts and safety of the indoors. After embarrassing herself in a spectacular way in front of Clay, she informs him she has been asked to chaperone despite her fears. Clay graciously offers to help her being the kind person he is. But the close proximity threatens the very boundaries both have built against the other.
Could these two thirty somethings finally make their teenage wishes come true by taking a chance with their crush even if it means they might never recover?
Dual POV, brothers best friend, mutual pining, only one bed, open door love scenes.
This is such a cute, charming love story. Ally is a woman who is coming to the realization she might not ever find love. Even though she has had a crush on her small town's most eligible bachelor who has been a fixture in her life since she was a teen. Clay is a Clark Kent attractive professor type. I loved Clay's POV and how he viewed Ally. The slow burn /angst was perfect. These two slipped into a an intimacy from which they will never recover in the best way possible. Great HEA and Epilogue.
Bonus: Shane from "Dough You Love Me?" from the Donner Bakery Series is Clay's brother and makes an appearance.
Want to read
October 24, 2024
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★★ BLURB ★★
Love isn’t past tense—it’s the future.
Clay Meadows runs a fast mile, but that hasn’t helped him catch the one who got away. His jam is teaching Shakespeare, coaching track, and camping in the mountains.
The last thing he wants is a scaredy cat art teacher with wild blond hair and devilish charm joining him on the Green Valley High senior retreat.
Or is it?
When his lifelong crush and best friend’s sister is assigned as his co-chaperone, Clay sees an opportunity.
He’ll cure her fear of bugs, bears, and flimsy tents. She’ll fall in love with the wilderness. He won’t fall in love in the process.
Even in close quarters—and a shared tent—Clay vows to keep his school crush firmly where it belongs—in the past.
Until she edges open a crack in his heart and allows him to believe she likes what she sees.
Ally Dalbotten is stubbornly self-sufficient and determined to protect her heart from unreliable men.
She hates camping. And dirt. And wild animals. And the wilderness, for that matter. The last thing she needs is the gung-ho hottie of the English department revealing his Clark Kent alter-ego and flexing his camping muscles—along with his pecs. But under the façade of a man who runs from commitment Ally finds a vulnerable soul with a secret he’s carried for years.
Ally has a choice—risk that Clay is another guy destined to break her heart…or trust that he’s the one who will love her forever.
Past Tents is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #4 in the Teachers’ Lounge series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.
October 20, 2024
I loved this book!
October 10, 2024
So this book started out with one of the most hilarious scenes I’ve read in a while. When Ally decided to surprise Clay by running up to him on the track, and she was going to do a hurdle and splits in the air, and yeah, that didn’t go anything at all like she planned! I was laughing so hard. It wasn’t a meet cute, since they already knew each other so well, but it fits that type of scene perfectly.
I really adored so much about these characters, as well as the school they work in. They had some great banter and some really major sexual tension going between them. Both had pasts and family history/issues that made them not sure about being in a relationship at all. There was a lot of humor in all the different situations that Ally ended up in. I loved her worry about bears, and how Clay got her to overcome her apprehension when she was assigned to help him chaperone a camping trip with the students. I also loved the way Clay worked with his students. And when Ally was talking with a student going through some things, it was just perfect in how that went, in my experience as an educator.
What kept me from giving this a full 5 stars is the frustration of the two of them going back and forth about why the other one obviously didn’t like them, or didn’t mean something in the way it seemed to come across. Or why they weren’t the right person for the other one. It was one of those things where I began to skim parts because it was kind of the same thing. However I felt this was a great addition to this series, and overall it was a really fun read!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
I really adored so much about these characters, as well as the school they work in. They had some great banter and some really major sexual tension going between them. Both had pasts and family history/issues that made them not sure about being in a relationship at all. There was a lot of humor in all the different situations that Ally ended up in. I loved her worry about bears, and how Clay got her to overcome her apprehension when she was assigned to help him chaperone a camping trip with the students. I also loved the way Clay worked with his students. And when Ally was talking with a student going through some things, it was just perfect in how that went, in my experience as an educator.
What kept me from giving this a full 5 stars is the frustration of the two of them going back and forth about why the other one obviously didn’t like them, or didn’t mean something in the way it seemed to come across. Or why they weren’t the right person for the other one. It was one of those things where I began to skim parts because it was kind of the same thing. However I felt this was a great addition to this series, and overall it was a really fun read!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
October 10, 2024
I received an ARC today.
I adored Ally and Clay and I am so happy they got thier HEA. The journery to get there was so sweet and endearing for both of them. I loved it.
I adored Ally and Clay and I am so happy they got thier HEA. The journery to get there was so sweet and endearing for both of them. I loved it.
July 6, 2025
With his reputation as a one-date wonder (which sounds like he's a loser or something. Frankly, Clay is NOT a loser.), Clay is nothing more than a co-worker to Ally. Sure, sure, he's her brother's best friend and she learned what is means to appreciate the male body when he grew up almost overnight when they were younger, but he is decidedly off limits. Mostly because he's also never indicated there might be even a glimmer of attraction on his end.
Joke's on Ally, because the reason Clay goes on one date and then breaks things off is because his date isn't her. In fact, he's been hung up on Ally since the first time they met, but he shoved all those feelings down and pretended they didn't exist because (a) hitting on his best friend's little sister seemed all sorts of wrong (plus the age difference when they were younger) and (b) he honestly didn't think she saw him as more than her brother's friend.
Clay also has some other issues that make him feel like he wouldn't be the best choice for the girl of his dreams. Issues like depression. Speaking of his depression, his parents are staggeringly unsupportive in helping him deal with it. It's just a mental thing, right? And he can get over it by being positive, RIGHT?? So Clay deals with things on his own and he mostly has a handle on it. Except when he doesn't. (Brains are wonderful when they work correctly and an absolute BEAR when they don't. Also, depression lies and his keeps floating the idea that he's not good enough for someone like Ally and that's something he needs to tackle and figure out before these two can have their HEA.)
To be fair, Ally also has some deep rooted issues she needs to deal with thanks to her mom's insistence that all men will leave and it's better to never rely on one than to be left. If you hear something enough, you start to believe it even if you don't want to. Yeah, there's a lot going on there and both Ally and Clay have personal speedbumps they need to get over on their road to their happily ever after.
Practice camping trips, some unexpected shared tent time, a few steamy kisses, friends who have each others' backs, a man who needs to trust he can handle anything life throws at him, and a lady who needs to trust her dude will figure things out. *thumbs up* all around.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Joke's on Ally, because the reason Clay goes on one date and then breaks things off is because his date isn't her. In fact, he's been hung up on Ally since the first time they met, but he shoved all those feelings down and pretended they didn't exist because (a) hitting on his best friend's little sister seemed all sorts of wrong (plus the age difference when they were younger) and (b) he honestly didn't think she saw him as more than her brother's friend.
Clay also has some other issues that make him feel like he wouldn't be the best choice for the girl of his dreams. Issues like depression. Speaking of his depression, his parents are staggeringly unsupportive in helping him deal with it. It's just a mental thing, right? And he can get over it by being positive, RIGHT?? So Clay deals with things on his own and he mostly has a handle on it. Except when he doesn't. (Brains are wonderful when they work correctly and an absolute BEAR when they don't. Also, depression lies and his keeps floating the idea that he's not good enough for someone like Ally and that's something he needs to tackle and figure out before these two can have their HEA.)
To be fair, Ally also has some deep rooted issues she needs to deal with thanks to her mom's insistence that all men will leave and it's better to never rely on one than to be left. If you hear something enough, you start to believe it even if you don't want to. Yeah, there's a lot going on there and both Ally and Clay have personal speedbumps they need to get over on their road to their happily ever after.
Practice camping trips, some unexpected shared tent time, a few steamy kisses, friends who have each others' backs, a man who needs to trust he can handle anything life throws at him, and a lady who needs to trust her dude will figure things out. *thumbs up* all around.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
October 19, 2024
I was provided an ARC of this book via the author and Smartypants Romance, all opinions are my own.
This was such a fun romance set in my favorite fictional town of Green Valley. This like the other books in the series can be read as a complete standalone. There are mentions of other characters that we have met before in previous books set in the series, however you don't have to have read those to understand the storyline in this book. I do highly recommend them because they are all excellent reads.
This follows two teachers at Green Valley high who have known each other since they were teenagers. Clay teaches English and coaches the track team and has been Ally's older brother's best friend since high school. Ally teaches Art, runs the yearbook, and is the backup nurse now that she took a first aid course in an attempt to be more self-sufficient. With a stomach bug taking out half of the staff, Ally has been asked to co-chaperone the annual senior camping trip with Clay. No big deal right? Well...Ally is terrified of the woods despite being surrounded by them in their small town. Clay camps regularly and offers to take her on a trial run in his back yard to get her comfortable before going out with the kids. Their trial run goes swimmingly as Ally realizes the outdoors and camping can be a great escape and she gets to know Clay, who she has had a crush on for ages much better. They both are able to open up with each other about their vulnerabilities and some baggage they carry around which only makes their mutual attraction to one another deepen.
This was filled with humor, awkward moments, great banter, great discussions about mental health and having a healthy relationship, and great characters. Both of our main characters are hesitant to enter into a committed relationship for different reasons, and they both put that out there at the beginning. They have some stumbling blocks along the way but they have support to help them figure things out and eventually have mature conversations instead of letting miscommunication reign supreme. I loved getting to know Clay and Ally.
This was a fun read and another great addition to the Pennyverse.
This was such a fun romance set in my favorite fictional town of Green Valley. This like the other books in the series can be read as a complete standalone. There are mentions of other characters that we have met before in previous books set in the series, however you don't have to have read those to understand the storyline in this book. I do highly recommend them because they are all excellent reads.
This follows two teachers at Green Valley high who have known each other since they were teenagers. Clay teaches English and coaches the track team and has been Ally's older brother's best friend since high school. Ally teaches Art, runs the yearbook, and is the backup nurse now that she took a first aid course in an attempt to be more self-sufficient. With a stomach bug taking out half of the staff, Ally has been asked to co-chaperone the annual senior camping trip with Clay. No big deal right? Well...Ally is terrified of the woods despite being surrounded by them in their small town. Clay camps regularly and offers to take her on a trial run in his back yard to get her comfortable before going out with the kids. Their trial run goes swimmingly as Ally realizes the outdoors and camping can be a great escape and she gets to know Clay, who she has had a crush on for ages much better. They both are able to open up with each other about their vulnerabilities and some baggage they carry around which only makes their mutual attraction to one another deepen.
This was filled with humor, awkward moments, great banter, great discussions about mental health and having a healthy relationship, and great characters. Both of our main characters are hesitant to enter into a committed relationship for different reasons, and they both put that out there at the beginning. They have some stumbling blocks along the way but they have support to help them figure things out and eventually have mature conversations instead of letting miscommunication reign supreme. I loved getting to know Clay and Ally.
This was a fun read and another great addition to the Pennyverse.
December 5, 2024
Stacy Travis hits all the right notes in Past Tents, a delightful and swoony friends-to-lovers romance set in the charming world of Green Valley. This book has everything you could want: laugh-out-loud banter, a ruggedly sweet hero, a stubborn yet lovable heroine, and just enough camping chaos to keep you grinning from ear to ear.
Clay Meadows is the epitome of the quiet, bookish hero who hides a swoon-worthy adventurous side. His Shakespearean wit and love for the outdoors make him irresistible, but it’s his vulnerability and unwavering devotion to Ally that truly steals your heart. Ally Dalbotten, with her fear of bugs and determination to avoid emotional risks, is both relatable and endearing. Her journey from mistrust to letting herself fall for Clay is beautifully crafted and oh-so-satisfying.
The tension between Clay and Ally is pitch-perfect, filled with stolen glances, unspoken feelings, and moments of undeniable chemistry. Whether they’re navigating their past or sharing a tent in the wilderness, their connection feels authentic and deeply romantic. Stacy Travis does an incredible job of balancing humor and heartfelt emotion, creating a story that’s as tender as it is fun.
And let’s talk about the setting—Green Valley High’s senior retreat is the perfect backdrop for all the camping mishaps and sweet moments. From Clay’s heroics in the great outdoors to Ally discovering that maybe the wilderness (and Clay) isn’t so bad after all, every scene is brimming with charm.
As part of the Teachers’ Lounge series in the Green Valley Chronicles, Past Tents stands beautifully on its own while giving readers the cozy familiarity of Penny Reid’s beloved universe. If you love friends-to-lovers stories with equal parts humor, heart, and heat, this book is a must-read.
Stacy Travis has crafted a story that will make you laugh, swoon, and believe in the magic of true love—whether it’s past, present, or future. Highly recommended!
Clay Meadows is the epitome of the quiet, bookish hero who hides a swoon-worthy adventurous side. His Shakespearean wit and love for the outdoors make him irresistible, but it’s his vulnerability and unwavering devotion to Ally that truly steals your heart. Ally Dalbotten, with her fear of bugs and determination to avoid emotional risks, is both relatable and endearing. Her journey from mistrust to letting herself fall for Clay is beautifully crafted and oh-so-satisfying.
The tension between Clay and Ally is pitch-perfect, filled with stolen glances, unspoken feelings, and moments of undeniable chemistry. Whether they’re navigating their past or sharing a tent in the wilderness, their connection feels authentic and deeply romantic. Stacy Travis does an incredible job of balancing humor and heartfelt emotion, creating a story that’s as tender as it is fun.
And let’s talk about the setting—Green Valley High’s senior retreat is the perfect backdrop for all the camping mishaps and sweet moments. From Clay’s heroics in the great outdoors to Ally discovering that maybe the wilderness (and Clay) isn’t so bad after all, every scene is brimming with charm.
As part of the Teachers’ Lounge series in the Green Valley Chronicles, Past Tents stands beautifully on its own while giving readers the cozy familiarity of Penny Reid’s beloved universe. If you love friends-to-lovers stories with equal parts humor, heart, and heat, this book is a must-read.
Stacy Travis has crafted a story that will make you laugh, swoon, and believe in the magic of true love—whether it’s past, present, or future. Highly recommended!
October 9, 2024
***4 Stars***
This was all around a great read. It has a good balance of fun, kinda awkward moments and those that will tug at your heartstrings and just enough heat to keep you turning the pages.
I really liked Clay and Ally. They are both sweet and funny and stubborn ~ or determined, depending on how you look at things ~ and truly love their jobs. Their journey was fun and frustrating in equal measure, but I really liked how ~ although they have “known” each other for a long time ~ they finally got to truly know who the other person is and truly like what they see. The bumps in the road were not surprising, but I liked the way Clay and Ally found their way through them and got the HEA they both deserved.
As always, I love hanging out in Green Valley and this book is a great addition to the Pennyverse as a whole. As far as triggers go, mental health plays a huge part in this book and I think the author did a great job at showing how it not only affects the person living with it, but those around them as well. And as for the secondary cast of characters. I could have done without a certain Principal, but everyone else was a lot of fun and I do hope that Jefferson gets his own HEA at some point down the road.
~ Copy provided by SmartyPants Romance & voluntarily reviewed ~
This was all around a great read. It has a good balance of fun, kinda awkward moments and those that will tug at your heartstrings and just enough heat to keep you turning the pages.
I really liked Clay and Ally. They are both sweet and funny and stubborn ~ or determined, depending on how you look at things ~ and truly love their jobs. Their journey was fun and frustrating in equal measure, but I really liked how ~ although they have “known” each other for a long time ~ they finally got to truly know who the other person is and truly like what they see. The bumps in the road were not surprising, but I liked the way Clay and Ally found their way through them and got the HEA they both deserved.
As always, I love hanging out in Green Valley and this book is a great addition to the Pennyverse as a whole. As far as triggers go, mental health plays a huge part in this book and I think the author did a great job at showing how it not only affects the person living with it, but those around them as well. And as for the secondary cast of characters. I could have done without a certain Principal, but everyone else was a lot of fun and I do hope that Jefferson gets his own HEA at some point down the road.
~ Copy provided by SmartyPants Romance & voluntarily reviewed ~
December 9, 2024
Great last book in this series!
A very informative love story with one big setback to hurdle over, and number of small ones to climb. Clay is an English teacher at Green Valley High who teaches a senior honors seminar and a Shakespeare elective and he coached the track team. He also suffers from bouts of depression. He had his heart broken and that’s why he doesn’t do relationships. Ally is a teacher at Green Valley High who teaches art and yearbook design. She’s single with two heartbreaks in her past. The two have known each other since they were teenagers because Clay is Ally’s brother’s best friend and still is. The principal wants her to go on a senior English class retreat to the Smoky Mountains because she took an extensive first aid and medical training course and the school nurse is sick, but her and nature don’t mix. Of course, Clay is the lead on the trip. Of course, they’re attracted to one another, but it can’t go anywhere for their individual reasons, or can it? Clay’s parents never understood his depression. His best friend Jefferson helped him with it. Ally’s mother always told her that you can’t depend on anyone but yourself because her husband, Ally’s father, left them. The point being in this story is don’t judge the future by the past.
A very informative love story with one big setback to hurdle over, and number of small ones to climb. Clay is an English teacher at Green Valley High who teaches a senior honors seminar and a Shakespeare elective and he coached the track team. He also suffers from bouts of depression. He had his heart broken and that’s why he doesn’t do relationships. Ally is a teacher at Green Valley High who teaches art and yearbook design. She’s single with two heartbreaks in her past. The two have known each other since they were teenagers because Clay is Ally’s brother’s best friend and still is. The principal wants her to go on a senior English class retreat to the Smoky Mountains because she took an extensive first aid and medical training course and the school nurse is sick, but her and nature don’t mix. Of course, Clay is the lead on the trip. Of course, they’re attracted to one another, but it can’t go anywhere for their individual reasons, or can it? Clay’s parents never understood his depression. His best friend Jefferson helped him with it. Ally’s mother always told her that you can’t depend on anyone but yourself because her husband, Ally’s father, left them. The point being in this story is don’t judge the future by the past.
October 25, 2024
“I know. I’ve never been clear with my intentions toward you.” “Your intentions . . .” He was speaking like one of the heroes from my historical romance novels, and instead of suitably swooning, I was repeating his words and looking at him with round, blank eyes.
Welcome to the Teachers’ Lounge, Stacy Travis! Past Tents is a charming, small-town, brother’s best friend, workplace love story. One-bed romance is in my top ten trope list, but make it a tent and it skyrockets to top priority! When Clay Meadows and Ally Dalbotten, coworkers and lifelong crushes, are voluntold to chaperone a school camping trip, witty banter and awkward flirty moments abound. Their adorkable encounters and Clay’s alpha protective mode made this lighthearted read so much fun. There is something extra special about a forced-proximity love story when the MCs are snugged-up in a tent and falling in love under the starry sky. Their “practice camping” lessons were the sweetest. Ugh, Principal Pindich is such a pindouche, I seriously cannot wait for his commupance!
Welcome to the Teachers’ Lounge, Stacy Travis! Past Tents is a charming, small-town, brother’s best friend, workplace love story. One-bed romance is in my top ten trope list, but make it a tent and it skyrockets to top priority! When Clay Meadows and Ally Dalbotten, coworkers and lifelong crushes, are voluntold to chaperone a school camping trip, witty banter and awkward flirty moments abound. Their adorkable encounters and Clay’s alpha protective mode made this lighthearted read so much fun. There is something extra special about a forced-proximity love story when the MCs are snugged-up in a tent and falling in love under the starry sky. Their “practice camping” lessons were the sweetest. Ugh, Principal Pindich is such a pindouche, I seriously cannot wait for his commupance!
October 14, 2024
Absolutely love Smartypants Romance and this series. Stacy’s a one click author for me. She writes beautiful characters, with amazing love stories that will melt your heart.
Alexandra and Clay have known each other each other for many years…she’s his best friends sister. They’ve had hidden feelings but never acted upon them.
Clay is a great person, fighting his own battles but making sure everyone around him is taken care of.
Alexandra is a great person who doesn’t like the outdoors, is a great teacher and isn’t really looking for a relationship.
I love how these two are forced together and end up confiding in one another, earning each others trust and finally letting their guard down with their feelings. There are many sweet and tender moments and some delightfully passion filled moments.
The track scene where Alexandra tries to catch Clay is fantastic and lol funny!
A fun and fantastic read!
Alexandra and Clay have known each other each other for many years…she’s his best friends sister. They’ve had hidden feelings but never acted upon them.
Clay is a great person, fighting his own battles but making sure everyone around him is taken care of.
Alexandra is a great person who doesn’t like the outdoors, is a great teacher and isn’t really looking for a relationship.
I love how these two are forced together and end up confiding in one another, earning each others trust and finally letting their guard down with their feelings. There are many sweet and tender moments and some delightfully passion filled moments.
The track scene where Alexandra tries to catch Clay is fantastic and lol funny!
A fun and fantastic read!
October 16, 2024
Favorite Quotes:
Witty had a flair for the dramatic, appropriate since he was the drama teacher, but he sounded like the town crier warning that the sky was falling. Last week, the cafeteria substituted brownies for layer cake, and he made it sound like nuclear winter.
People were still looking at me like an odd specimen, some kind of science experiment egg they were waiting to see hatch in captivity.
Lucy looked around my small rustic kitchen, peeked at all the take-out containers in my fridge, and shook her head. “We need to get you out of the house before you become one with the furniture.”
Don’t be a lonely pot when there’s a lid out there that suits you...
My Review:
This was a fun and breezy read laced with clever wit, well-polished and amusing narratives, and insightful inner musings. This was my second foray into this talented storyteller’s craft, and I am even more impressed with her skills. Stacy Travis has a new acolyte.
Witty had a flair for the dramatic, appropriate since he was the drama teacher, but he sounded like the town crier warning that the sky was falling. Last week, the cafeteria substituted brownies for layer cake, and he made it sound like nuclear winter.
People were still looking at me like an odd specimen, some kind of science experiment egg they were waiting to see hatch in captivity.
Lucy looked around my small rustic kitchen, peeked at all the take-out containers in my fridge, and shook her head. “We need to get you out of the house before you become one with the furniture.”
Don’t be a lonely pot when there’s a lid out there that suits you...
My Review:
This was a fun and breezy read laced with clever wit, well-polished and amusing narratives, and insightful inner musings. This was my second foray into this talented storyteller’s craft, and I am even more impressed with her skills. Stacy Travis has a new acolyte.
Read
June 7, 2025I just read the sample, and that irritated me enough that I decided I would not purchase the book. (There are just so many books in the Pennyverse.)
Having my experience with running track, running road races, and coaching track, I felt a person who wins most of his races wouldn't have made such a big deal running under a six minute mile. Also, having experience falling several times on cinder tracks, that whole scenario didn't hit right to me. Lastly, while I did not yet get to the camping part, my experience as a camp employee would probably also make me critique that part, as well.
Hopefully, these issues do not bother you. I look forward to hearing other people's opinions of the book. I hope they find ways to get back at Mr. Pin Dick , and there are several Green Valley characters that make an appearance....I love that town.
Having my experience with running track, running road races, and coaching track, I felt a person who wins most of his races wouldn't have made such a big deal running under a six minute mile. Also, having experience falling several times on cinder tracks, that whole scenario didn't hit right to me. Lastly, while I did not yet get to the camping part, my experience as a camp employee would probably also make me critique that part, as well.
Hopefully, these issues do not bother you. I look forward to hearing other people's opinions of the book. I hope they find ways to get back at Mr. Pin Dick , and there are several Green Valley characters that make an appearance....I love that town.
October 11, 2024
Past Tents is my favorite book I've read from Stacy Travis! Ally and Clay are coworkers who have known each other for years - he's best friends with her brother. The two of them also had crushes on one another for quite awhile, but neither realizes the feelings are mutual. When they were forced to chaperone a school trip together, I couldn't wait to see what the forced proximity brought about.
Ally and Clay both had their struggles personally that affected their views on relationships. It made them feel more relatable and I liked seeing them grow as they fell for one another.
This is a great addition to the Fall Smartypants Romance releases!
Thank you to Smartypants Romance and the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
Ally and Clay both had their struggles personally that affected their views on relationships. It made them feel more relatable and I liked seeing them grow as they fell for one another.
This is a great addition to the Fall Smartypants Romance releases!
Thank you to Smartypants Romance and the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
October 9, 2024
The art teacher and the English teacher tasked with chaperoning a camping trip. Unbeknownst to Ally and Clay they’ve been crushing on each other for years. So of course what happens is what you expect but they’re so cute about it. Clay has some issues that have plagued him for years. Ally is intent on having her regency romance. Together they just get it and once the fog clears and real conversations happen they get really swoony. Bonding over the passive aggressive antics and sleazy behavior of the principal, the teachers are a unique bunch happily teaching teenagers. I really enjoy reading advanced copies so I can leave my voluntary review early.
December 14, 2024
Past Tents is a charming and heartwarming contemporary romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. The dynamic between Clay and Ally is delightful, with their opposites-attract chemistry shining throughout the story. Clay’s love for the outdoors and Ally’s hilarious aversion to camping make for some truly entertaining moments, especially during their shared tent escapades. The slow-burn romance is wonderfully written, filled with sweet, vulnerable moments and witty banter. Stacy Travis does a great job balancing humor, emotion, and character growth. It’s a feel-good read that left me smiling. A perfect addition to the Teachers’ Lounge series! Highly recommended for romance fans.
KU read
KU read
September 19, 2024
Past Tents beautifully captured Ally and Clay's journey. The exploration of mental health was handled with great sensitivity, adding depth to their story. I appreciated how their relationship evolved gradually from colleagues to friends and then to lovers. Clay had some great supports in his brother and best friend (Ally's brother) and they added richness to the story. I also loved how Ally embraced the outdoors for Clay's sake. Despite some tensions and misunderstandings, they navigated them with maturity. Overall, it was a fun read!
October 30, 2024
For the most part, I really enjoyed this book. The characters were engaging in the story was interesting. But I just found a didn't quite connect with it for some reason, and I would drift off while reading it. Also one minor thing was in chapter 21. They talked about it being 10pm and then in chapter 22, it was 9pm, so a bit of a continuity.error. there were a couple other plot points that seemed a bit confusing or otherwise flawed. Loved seeing a character dealing with mental health stuff, though, that was fantastic. So 3.5 stars rounded up.
November 8, 2024
This started out so strong, with a great early scene at the track with the hurdles, but the plot itself fizzled out pretty quickly after that. There was entirely too much time spent in either MCs head, and not enough time talking to each other. And the way Clay's depression was handled was not it. When contrasted against Penny's skillful handling of mental illness, this had occasionally dangerous rhetoric around medication, and nobody got the therapy they needed. It was kind of all over the place without going into anything with depth. Plus I got really bored.
January 13, 2025
4.5 stars
My favorite in the series; Clay and Ally have known each other since they were teens and he is her brother's best friend and they work together at the same school but rarely interact, but when she is roped into helping with a senior camping trip that all changes. I liked these two a lot and the fact they were very different yet appreciated so much about one another and that they secretly liked each other all those years ago. This was a sweet, sexy, and fun book and I enjoyed it a lot.
My favorite in the series; Clay and Ally have known each other since they were teens and he is her brother's best friend and they work together at the same school but rarely interact, but when she is roped into helping with a senior camping trip that all changes. I liked these two a lot and the fact they were very different yet appreciated so much about one another and that they secretly liked each other all those years ago. This was a sweet, sexy, and fun book and I enjoyed it a lot.
October 28, 2024
Past tents
Workplace romance, brother's best friend, forced proximity, it's all here and not in a bad way.
Trigger warnings for clinical depression, poor parental support, cohersive behaviour and sexual harassment at work.
This can be read as a standalone but also links in with other stories from Green Valley.
The serious subjects are covered in a sympathetic way and balanced by great moments of comedy and romance.
Workplace romance, brother's best friend, forced proximity, it's all here and not in a bad way.
Trigger warnings for clinical depression, poor parental support, cohersive behaviour and sexual harassment at work.
This can be read as a standalone but also links in with other stories from Green Valley.
The serious subjects are covered in a sympathetic way and balanced by great moments of comedy and romance.
October 10, 2024
There’s slow. There’s snail slow and then there’s sloth slow for these two characters who work and know each other for years yet only now realize there’s something worth exploring.
Didn’t enjoy it. Even with its emphasis on mental health. Couldn’t muster enough energy for the FMC and her “greyhound “. Talia Hibbert and Chloe Liese do it so much better.
Didn’t enjoy it. Even with its emphasis on mental health. Couldn’t muster enough energy for the FMC and her “greyhound “. Talia Hibbert and Chloe Liese do it so much better.
October 20, 2024
Clay and Ally's story is so inspiring. The fact that Clay has been living with that secret broke my heart, especially because he believes nobody would stay. I loved how the author deals with that theme and I felt really invested in these characters. Beautiful and poignant. I adored both characters, they are just very emphatetic and mostly aware of who they are and what they deserve.
September 26, 2024
What a super cute story. I really liked both of these characters as individuals, which always makes for a more enjoyable read. And it was so great when they finally came together after so long. This Teachers Longe series from Smartypants Romance is becoming one of my favorites.
October 17, 2024
Another fun read in this Green Valley teacher series. This is story of 2 people who have been friends all there life and now work as teachers. Thanks to the "wilderness " issue they find each other. I recommend this book and the series. Looking forward to the next one.
November 9, 2024
A fab read, the story of Clay and Ally. He has always wanted a chance with her, so is now his time, when they are forced to spend time together through work?
I liked how it was told from both points of view and wanted everything to work out for them.
I liked how it was told from both points of view and wanted everything to work out for them.
October 13, 2024
So good!
Love these green valley spin offs and I adored everything about thus book! Check it out as soon as you can!
Love these green valley spin offs and I adored everything about thus book! Check it out as soon as you can!
Read
October 23, 202410/11/2024 Skimmed some
April 10, 2025
Sweet, low angst romance. MMC has depression and I think he was well written. Not a manwhore.
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