It Starts with Summer

Camp Eagle Ridge #2

by Ezra Dao

Working at Camp Eagle Ridge was amazing until my asshole ex showed up.Parker

Camp Eagle Ridge is my safe space. It’s where I first came out as gay, where I met my best friend, where I found home when there was no longer a home to return to. But this year, everything has changed. My best friend has a better job offer, the staff is full of people I don’t even recognize. I’m getting too old for summer camp. And the worst part of all? My ex—the closeted athlete who refused to make our relationship official—is in our cabin and won’t explain why. Dare I dream that he’s here to chase me, to win me back?

But when Ravi, my nerdy new co-counselor confronts me about my troublesome crush on Sutton, it’s him I can’t stop thinking about. His gorgeous body, his dimples, and the way he studies everything in the most intense, detailed way—including me.

Ravi

Coming to this camp was the biggest mistake of my life. Everyone is so effortlessly cool, so comfortable in the great outdoors. It’s the sort of place where I’ll never fit in. No one has a proper appreciation for the value of checklists and spreadsheets. And to make matters worse, Parker, my co-counselor is a cheerful golden retriever of a man who is the exact opposite of everything I look for in a friend. He’s perpetually disorganized, ridiculously impulsive, and never, ever on time.

But I can’t stop staring at him. And when I let Parker do something very sexy with his pretty mouth, my orderly world spirals out of control. Now I’m driven by lust, bad decisions, and the dawning realization that I might not be quite as straight as I always thought I was.

Genres: Romance, M M Romance, LGBT, Queer, Contemporary, Ebooks, Gay

194 pages, Paperback

Published February 26, 2024

Reviews

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ravi & Parker
Rating: 3.4 ⭐
Narrator: Virtual Voice

- Summer Camp Counselors
- Friends-to-Lovers
- Pan Awakening
- Neurodivergent MC (Autistic)
- Hint of Forbidden
- Found Family
- Nerd/Jock
- Interracial
- Forced Proximity

*RTC*

Verse: Parker is but they don't switch in the story
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
Breakup: No
Cheating: No
OM/OW Drama: The ex keeps trying to hookup with Parker, but he's not really a threat to the main relationship
Ages: College Students

[Ed Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to give this book 4 stars because I just loved Ravi and Parker. They were just the sweetest couple. I questioned Ravi’s ease with intimacy with Parker, but I’m aware that people who have autism fall in different places on the spectrum.
Anyway, I loved the writing and had only one small complaint. Just like the other book I read by Ezra Duo, there is too much sex for my taste. Don’t get me wrong, I love some sex in my romance, but once these two got together it’s Katie bar the door. I still enjoyed it and plan to read more books by Ezra.

[Paulina | bitofabookcase · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5*.
Liked it way more than the 1st one! Both MCs were adorable and I especially loved Ravi 💕
There's a LOT of spice, but the story also has an emotional depth, so yay!

[Audi♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is so stinking sweet!!
Parker & Ravi meet at camp where they're both camp counselors. They're around kids mostly, so we get to see them have fun and develop a friendship first. In the beginning, Ravi identifies as straight. But, after he reads a Queer Orge Smutt book he starts looking at his gay co counselor , Parker, with Googly Eyes. HEHE I GET IT MONSTER SMUTT CONFUSES ME TOO 🤭
Ravi is Autistic and kinda awkward, but Parker made things so comfortable for him 🥹When he would blurt things out (inappropriate or TMI) Parker came up with POTATOE, Ravi says that if he wants Parker to "forget" what hes said hehe. ADORABLE.
Parker lost his parents when he was 18 and has been lonely ever since. Being used by a straight guy. (SUTTON 🙄) He just wanted someone to love him in the open. I was nervous how it would work when Ravi said he hated touching, kissing, and eye contact, but with Parker, everything was different for him . They loved each other so much 🥹

No break ups. No OM drama. There is Sutton, Parkers ex, but they don't do anything in the book

I love how accepting Ravis family was. His sister was hilarious. They were 100% supportive and welcomed Parker into the family 🥹
The ending was a perfect HFN. I'm really hoping we will have Ben's and Suttons story next, maybe with a cameo from the guys🤞.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buckle up for a sickeningly sweet quick read 😭

🪵Nerd X jock
❤️‍🔥Summer camp (counselors)
🪵Hint of forbidden
❤️‍🔥Friends to lovers
🪵Bi-awakening
❤️‍🔥Neurodivergent (Autistic) MC
🪵 “Potato” 😂

This book is just, cute. There’s essentially no conflict or angst. It’s just two college kids being camp counselors and finding love.

Ravi is “Plant Boy” and studies biology at Stanford. He’s autistic and seems to embrace it. Parker is a psych major at Stanford and due to the death of his parents, has been essentially alone for years. He has friends but nothing feels as right as Ravi.

I LOVED that Ravi wasn’t afraid to be afraid. He was confident in not knowing while still trying. He set boundaries and discussed things he wasn’t comfortable with sexually. Usually, bi-awakenings hit at 100mph and the MC goes from straight to sex in seconds. It doesn’t seem authentic then. This book is the opposite, Ravi takes his time exploring with Parker and Parker gives him the freedom to do so.

This is just a sweet and heartwarming book about two men finding each other at camp.

(Also, as a ND person that also spent many years attending summer camp in the PNW, this gets extra biased brownie points 😂😂)

I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary opinion! 🖤

[Ane Ellasdatter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a 3.5. A super cute palate cleanser with a LOT of spice. I loved how Ravi stood up for Parker before they even knew each other. And I liked the autism rep. No real conflict though, the book is happy all the way through. Potatoe!

[Fruzsina Bagin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ezra Dao's latest novel, "It Starts With Summer", tells a touching and honest story of Parker and Ravi's special relationship that unfolds at a summer camp. The novel is set at Camp Eagle Ridge, and I was captivated from the very first moment I read it, especially since I spent every summer camping for years.

Parker's life is tightly connected to Camp Eagle Ridge, where he has spent every summer since he was 12. Readers can easily identify with his love of camp and the memories it holds. At 18, he had to deal with the tragic death of his parents and the financial hardship that came with it. This loss left him lonely and vulnerable, and he was easily drawn into relationships that were not always healthy for him. The boy's last camp doesn't start smoothly either, when the boy who broke his heart a few weeks ago shows up and turns out to be their roommate.

Ravi, the other main character in the story, who will be Parker's partner at the camp to look after a group of campers together, is on the first camp of his life. As with their portrayal of queer characters, the author portrays Ravi's autism with the necessary sensitivity and humor. The college boy, although a plant lover, prefers the privacy and comfort of his own room rather than spending time in nature, is now forced to get used to the slightly nomadic conditions of the camp.
Even though Parker and Ravi seem complete opposites, they soon find common ground and grow closer. Physical attraction gradually turns to love as they discover the joys and challenges of camp together.

The author, Ezra Dao, paints a vibrant picture of camp life with unparalleled skill, which leaves the reader completely enchanted. The descriptions are lifelike and are able to convey the atmosphere of the camp in such a way that the reader can almost feel the sun on their skin and hear the children's cheerful chatter.

This was my first book by the author, and I sincerely regret that I have not yet had the opportunity to read the first in the series, "His for the Summer". However, the novel stands on its own and can be an inspiring experience for all readers. I will certainly read the rest of the series, as this book has provided me with a truly captivating and unforgettable experience.

Overall, "It Starts With Summer" is a moving and inspiring story that I wholeheartedly recommend to everyone. I received a free copy of "It Starts With Summer" by Ezra Dao via Booksprout.

[antonia🫧 · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute book with cute characters.

still ben is my favourite by far.

ravi's whole character made sense when he admitted he was autistic but he was such a cute character.

i'm glad they got their happy ending but i would have liked to see jay and aiden a bit more.

[Ellie]

DNF @ 72%

This wasn't bad but didn't hold my attention enough for me to pick it back up the following day and finish it.

I was quite annoyed by the ex that wouldn't quit - though obviously he's also being set up as a future MC.

[Matt · Rating 2 out of 5]

"You Dove on my cock like a golden retriever dives on a ball"


Yeah....

[Robert Fontenot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet without being sickly, hot without being repetitive, and low angst without being total fluff. This is a wonderful gay romance about two camp councilors that made me both nostalgic for summer camp and a little upset that my later (age appropriate) camp years weren't soaked in sexual discovery.

I'm looking forward to the next one.

[A Damach · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.3 ⭐

[Likes2Explore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this sweet summer camp MM romance that had me giggling from the start. Ezra built a wonderful world in Camp Eagle Ridge and set up a fabulous cast of characters that I connected with right away.


"It was as if we were two puzzle pieces that fit together perfectly, and I couldn't imagine ever wanting anything more than this connection with Ravi."


It brought me right back to my days of summer camp as a child when I was nervous, shy and didn’t make friends easily but loved the outdoors just like Parker and had a love for plants, and a need for following the rules like Ravi. I was easily transported into summer camp at Eagle Ridge and became part of the story enjoying all the laughter and sizzling spicy good times to be had.

I also loved how the author has the characters exploring their sexuality. The camp is a perfect place to talk to each other, question those confusing feelings and do a bit of research. Straight, Gay, Bisexual, Pansexual…it does not matter they will be accepted there.


"I'd kissed women before, and never much liked it, but kissing him was different somehow. It was the first time I truly understood what it meant to enjoy another person like this."


Last but not least, kudos to the author for giving us a main character with autism. I would love to see more stories with main characters with mental and/or physical challenges shown in a positive light in the MM world and this one was done spectacularly. HIGH FIVE, BRAVO!

This was my first book from the series and I look forward to going back to Camp Eagle Ridge for more! I will also be watching out for Ezra’s other works!

*Pansexual Awakening
*Slow Burn
*Found Family
*Nerd/Jock
*Autism Rep
*Interracial
*Rich/Poor
*HEA

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyable story of Parker, experienced camp counselor, camping and backpacking expert, archer, friendly and caring, messy and disorganized, and his co-counselor Ravi, autistic, hyper organized, clueless reading people, a virgin to the great outdoors, and out of his depth, as two summer camp counselors for a cabin full of middle school aged boys.

Parker is gay, Ravi is straight, or at least thinks he is, but that orientation is soon in question as he confronts his attraction to Parker. Interesting interactions between Parker and Ravi as Parker seems to read Ravi and his autistic quirks well, then adapts to what he needs. Sweet development of a relationship unfolding amid the activities and interactions with staff and campers, overnight camping trips, steamy breaks between sessions, sneaky kisses and touches whenever possible, mm books to spark curiosity, a found family, and an amusing potato pact make for a fun, attention holding adventure set in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. Well developed characters easy to identify with, good world building for the camp and surrounding area, and a realistic attraction turning into more in a self contained setting over a finite time period make for an entertaining read.

Wondering if there might be a follow up book with Ben and Sutton —some intriguing and strange interactions going on there. Would like to know more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachel E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved them so much. I got this book for free back in July because of BookBub and hadn't read it. I had fallen in love with Aiden and Jay so much from the first book. In that book I genuinely didn't have positive or negative feelings about Parker's character, I just kind of didn't care where his story went but since I had the book and I loved Ezra's writing of Aiden and Jay 's story, I took a leap and I loved it so much! Especially with the autism representation. It was beautifully don. It didn't make it seem like an unfortunate thing to have happened to or about Ravi, it just was who he was and he was lovable regardless of it. Parker's love and acceptance of him was really gorgeous. I can't say enough things about this book.

Tertiary to this story, I had seen that people were shipping Ben and Sutton in the reviews. As the story progressed I couldn't have been more against that pairing. I've loved Ben as a character since the first book. Sutton is awful. Personally, him being closeted, for whatever reason, doesn't redeem him at all. I see their book is scheduled for December 2024 and is slated as an Enemies to Lovers. I'm only reading it because I love Ben; I pray that Sutton gets a full redemption and justification for why he treated Parker so terribly. Being closeted doesn't give you the right to use and discard someone, especially when you know that person cares for you.

[Ashley -Goldstarreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parker is a happy, go lucky, sunshiney college guy who has been going to the same summer camp since he was 12 and has been working as a counselor the past few years. It’s his last summer before adulthood comes calling and he wants to make the most of it. He’s paired with a new co-counselor, Ravi, who is a cute, nerdy guy who surprises him in many ways, good ways. But a bad surprise? His closeted ex has followed him to camp. And his ex is in the same cabin as him. It’s awkward. His heart was broken but at the same time, he thinks maybe he should use Sutton for some summer fun. Until he starts crushing on Ravi. Ravi is awkward, geeky, and hyper focused, he also is straight…until he starts noticing the gorgeous Parker. Parker and him build a friendship and then eventually a relationship. These two are so cute and sweet together and so, so sexy. The story has lots of camp fun adventures, sexy times and sweetness. Plus all the awkward potato moments! The downside of this story for me was there wasn’t much angst. I kept expecting something to happen to cause some tension but there wasn’t. Not really. It’s a cute, easy read. Very romantic in a out of the box kind of way. It is well written and enjoyable

[Marty Hamrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't certain that I'd love this story, but I absolutely did! Ravi was so interesting and well-written, and I knew immediately we were dealing with a neurodivergent character; the author did such an amazing job writing his personality and quirks and making him relatable and engaging without making him a joke (but also making him really funny and fun). Parker was definitely the epitome of a golden retriever character with his earnestness, eagerness, and sincerity as well as his need to be fun and funny; and both characters balanced each other so beautifully. What I loved was how unconditionally Parker accepted and loved Ravi, and vice versa; you might think Ravi would have been more inflexible and insisted Parker adjust to his quirks, but they just existed as-is together and it worked so beautifully. And all the secondary characters being so forthright and supportive and loving was also a lovely addition to the story. I really need to know what's going on with Ben and Sutton now, though. Can't wait for the next book in the series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Babara-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

CAMPING LOVE ❤️

“It was as if we were two puzzle pieces that fit together perfectly, and I couldn’t imagine ever wanting anything more than this connection with Ravi.”

We return to Camp Eagle Ridge with Parker Layton - the beautiful golden retriever psychology student who meets a biology student- Ravi Chandra…

Ravi Chandra- a beautiful neo-divergent man with cute quirks and mannerisms who thought he was straight until he meets his co-counsellor- Parker Leyton!

This is a sweet, low angst love story about finding your perfect person, chosen family and friends at a camp for kids with funny, poignant yet steamy moments that will entertain!

I look forward to reading more about Ben and his closeted roommate…

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nick Wells · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was very similar to the first book in the series - an awakening for a previously ‘straight’ guy, lots of spice, and almost zero slow build or jeopardy.

I did quite like both characters, who were very different but brought their own perspective, humour and fun to the story. I still would have liked a bit more build up to their romance, rather than the insta love we also got from the first book, but they did have some sweet moments.

I think it could have done with some more characters, we didn’t hear as much about the camp kids in this story compared to the first and Ben seemed to feature a little less too (his story should be fun!).

Overall, it was lacking a little for me but I enjoyed it nonetheless and will return when Ben’s story is released.

⛺️🌺🥔

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

How cute are Parker and Ravi together? I was waiting for something bad to happen, but it didn't. Making this a perfect summer camp romance.
Parker is gay and proud of it. He has been in a secret relationship which just ended, because the guy kept on insisting he wasn't gay at all. Now at camp this guy is in his cabin, together with Ben and Ravi. Ben is still Ben and loving his books. Ravi never felt something for another boy, but Parker is changing that. And they are so cute together, especially because of Ravi his autism and not having a filter at all. Love their solution to that. Also how lovely is Ravi his family?
Really enjoyed this read.

[Juniper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ravi and Parker’s story offers little angst and plenty of charm as it builds a quick and satisfying romance out of some familiar tropes: we have a nerd/jock pairing, a bi awakening that felt more realistically paced than many, and a friends to lovers relationship trajectory. Both main characters are compellingly drawn and the backdrop of a summer camp setting does really come to life on the page. It all adds up to an enjoyable read— 4.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Isabel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super fun and easy read. Surprised by the spiciness but loved it! Gave it three stars cause there was definitely editing mistakes which usually doesn’t bother me that much but there were way too many here, and right off the beginning so it through me off before I even got into it. If it weren’t for that I would’ve given it four stars. Characters were cute and it was fluffy but sometimes I got the impression that the characters weren’t really thought out, like some characteristics didn’t really go with the whole.

[Kelly Quirin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ravi came to Camp Eagle Ridge to learn about plants, but he ends up learning about himself, and love. In this summer camp romance, Parker gets his great love story. I loved how Dao developed these characters- they felt genuine. I also liked the little nods to the characters from previous books. Dao likes to write about a queer awakening, and although it makes the books a little predictable, he writes a great insta-love trope. This second installment was spicier than the first, and the spice is definitely used to drive the plot.

[Bella · Rating 2 out of 5]

I haven't read something this graphic since the wattpad days.

The first half of the book was adorable and I enjoyed it a lot. I really liked the characters as well, especially Ravi. However, the spice was really oversaturated, to the point that like 70% of the book was just spice. The author had a lot of potential to make a really good story and develop the characters more, but chose the lazy route and just filled the book with scene after scene of smut.

I would rate it 2.5⭐️ if I could, because I really enjoyed the main characters and dual pov.

[Deb Kel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this duo and this was a great addition. A well written storyline with great characters Parker and Ravi who really suit each other and are so sweet together. I think the author covered Ravi’s autism and anxiousness really sensitively and I loved how easy it was to connect to all the characters. Looking forward to more from Ezra.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anja_DK · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was book two in the feel good series of camp Eagle Ridge.
Parker is a long time participant and counselor at the camp and this year he is paired with newbie Ravi. They fall for each other in this sweet slow burn romance, full of laugh, awkward moments and acceptance.
I love this series and can't wait to revisit the camp yet again, and hopefully see Ben get his HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda Grange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ravi and Parker are perfection, and the way Ezra describes them is so beautiful. I'm so in love with their story that I didn't want the book to end. This book made me feel all the feelings. When Ravi said he was going to make Parker so addicted to him he would never leave him my heart melted. I haven't read Aiden and Jay's story yet but if it's even half as good then I here for it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great addition to the series, Parker and Ravi are so sweet together and I really loved Ravi’s family. It was good to read about Ravi and his autism, the author done a good job on writing about it and I liked how Parker and Ravi worked around some of the issues, good enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to the next story in this series.

[Urszula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutny love the story. Good reality and background. Great characters and relationships among them. Lately I enjoy more complex characters. And there are such characters in the story. All together Great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was totally enjoyable. I do wish I would have read the first book in the series first as apparently Parker is in that book too. But even not knowing that, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I went to summer camp for many, many years and Nothing that wonderful happened to me there. But this did bring back fond memories of that time in my life. I hope you enjoy this book, I know I did.