Beyond the Summer

Camp Eagle Ridge #3

by Ezra Dao

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I’d be spending another summer at Camp Eagle Ridge. Especially not with my stepdad's idea of a "perfect" summer. I’d much rather spend my days in my cabin on the property, reading my favorite books, or working on my goal of becoming a professional illustrator. But I love this place, and I love my family, and I owe it to them to give them one last summer.

But when I'm paired up with the infuriatingly handsome Sutton Holm — the cocky jock with muscles for days — something inside me starts to stir. And I’m pretty sure it’s my hatred for him. After all, Sutton tried to rip my best friend away from the man he loves, didn’t he?

But as we navigate the challenges of camp together, I see a sweeter, kinder side of the man we all detest. And I begin to wonder what secrets he’s hiding behind all that anger.

And why am I so drawn to him?

Sutton and Ben’s story was originally published as Episodes 69-100 of Beyond the Summer on Kindle Vella.

Genres: M M Romance, Queer, Romance, LGBT, Contemporary, Enemies To Lovers

237 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 27, 2024

Reviews

[Fruzsina Bagin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ezra Dao's new novel, "Beyond the Summer", is a beautiful and emotional love story that reminds us to let people discover themselves at their own pace. The novel is the third in the "Camp Eagle Ridge" series, and while the previous two books were set in consecutive summers, this story takes place during the same summer as "It Starts With Summer". This time, we follow the unfolding relationship between Ben Torres and Sutton Holm, whose story Parker and Ravi have only glimpsed in the midst of their own emotional storms. Although the books in the series can be enjoyed on their own, it is worth reading them in order to get a full picture of the relationship between the characters.

At first glance, Ben and Sutton are opposites. Ben, who lived in the world of Eagle Ridge for years as a camper and then as a counselor, has always been the more reserved, introverted type – a bookworm who finds escape in stories. This year, however, he decided this would be his last summer at camp. Sutton, on the other hand, is a confident, athletic college student who comes to the camp after his ex-boyfriend, although it's a little more complicated than that. At first glance, it would be easy to judge him for his past choices, but as we delve deeper into his character, we see the insecurities, parental pressures and internal struggles he faces with his own identity.

For Ben, Sutton is the boy who broke his best friend Parker's heart, and so he does his best to make Sutton's stay as difficult as possible during the first weeks of the summer. The situation is not made any easier by the fact that not only do they have to live in the same cabin, but they also have to supervise a group of campers together. As Ben gets to know Sutton's true self – the insecurities and old traumas behind the easy smiles and arrogant behaviour – during their time together, he realises that he may have been too quick to judge. The initial animosity gradually turns into something more intimate, and Ben soon finds himself imagining himself and Sutton more and more often in the place of the protagonists while reading his erotic sci-fi novels.

Once again, Ezra Dao masterfully creates the atmosphere of the camp, which comes alive on the page in an almost tangible way. Eagle Ridge is not just a backdrop, but a living, pulsating place where everyone is trying to find their place – whether it's a quiet lakeside conversation or a challenging obstacle course. The writer sensitively and realistically portrays the emotional and psychological struggles of queer characters and the challenges of living a life constantly trying to live up to the expectations of others.

"Beyond the Summer" is not just a story of a summer romance – it's more of a journey of personal growth, forgiveness, self-discovery and letting go of expectations. Ben and Sutton's relationship develops slowly and naturally, and the story doesn't force big, dramatic twists and turns, but lets the emotions develop on their own. It's this delicate balance that really makes Ezra Dao's novel stand out from similar stories.

I received a free copy of "Beyond the Summer" by Ezra Dao via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kitchen Sink Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful love story reminding us to put aside prejudices and judgements and to let people show us who they are in their own time.

We are back in Camp Eagle Ridge. If this is your first visit I strongly suggest you rewind and start with book 1 so that you have a full understanding of all the characters and how they come to be in the position we now meet them in.

Ben, camp counsellor of a number of summers, stepbrother of the camp director Matt, is back for what he swears is going to be his last summer. He intends to pass it fulfilling his role as counsellor to the kids, reading and sketching. Oh and of course avoiding, as much as possible, his co-counsellor. That is going to be a challenge, co-counsellor means the pair have to share the group they are assigned to, and a cabin... Ben plans to do everything he can to stay far away from Sutton, literally and mentally. It works to a degree but of course he can't ignore the other man. He has his reasons, or at least he thinks he does, he thinks he is doing it for his good friend and fellow counsellor Parker but Ben is in for an awakening. Surprises are in store for him. And just in case you begin your reading by judging him in turn, just know you are going to be surprised too!

Sutton, for his part, needs to be at Camp. He needs to be as far away from his father as possible, to protect not only himself but also someone he was once close to. For a fair portion of the book it might be that you find yourself seeing Sutton the same way that Ben does but there are hints at what Sutton is going through, we see a far nicer side of him than Ben might want us to believe exists and he too has surprises for us - plenty of them. Sutton is a sportsman, a college student, closeted gay but for all that he has plenty of reason. He also has plenty of reason for the fear he holds close and deep inside but working with the children, with everyone on camp allows him to share and the more he shares the better he feels and the more help becomes available to him.

This is an incredible story. They all have been. I was riveted by this one, by the dynamic between the characters and then the steam, it came with a slow build and then BAM, it hits and it is amazing, perfectly suiting this pair of characters and their less than conventional (in some ways) relationship - you will see what I mean when you discover how each changes roles during certain moments... A beautiful story, a powerful and surprising story and one that has my heart.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are at the end of the Camp Eagle Ridge series, following up on Ben’s story. Ben’s family runs the summer camp and he is a counselor there. His friend Parker is back with his friend Ravi in his counselor’s cabin, along with a newcomer, Sutton. Things are tense because Sutton is Parker’s ex, and the ending wasn’t pretty. Sutton brings a lot of baggage with him from his family and from hiding the fact he is gay. Ben is out and proud, and has a hard time dealing with Sutton until he discovers the hidden layers in him and his need to control while Sutton wants to submit. The relationship is slow moving but very intense when the two get together and their times together are screaming hot. As Ben sees Sutton for who he really is and accepts, protects, and understands him, Sutton find the love, acceptance, and validation he so strongly craves while learning he can stand up to his father. Ben has a protective streak and intuition and understanding beyond his years, knowing how to get through to Sutton and support him as he grows in himself, as well as giving Sutton a found family and a sense of safety and a home.

A beautiful story of finding that person that really sees you and gets you, finding love and acceptance after a lifetime of fear, lovelessness, and control, of finally finding peace, security, and home in a person and a place.

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

[Lewis H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spice level (https://www.romance.io/steamrating scale) 5/5

I’m so happy that there is another book in this series and having the gang back together. In this book we see both Sutton and Ben. Sutton, on the surface is outgoing and kind of an asshole but under the surface he needed someone to be his rock and help him when he needed it the most. Ben, who is quiet, loves reading and an introvert (kinda like me) warms to Sutton after having to share a cabin with him during the camp’s season and sees what’s hidden under his surface that he keeps hidden from everyone.

“Sutton squirmed a little at the mention of a cage, and I pictured him, locked up and waiting for my key.” - This is one of my favourite quotes in the book. It could be turned into a mini series where we see the next season of camp or what happens next for this couple as they explore their relationship.

I would definitely recommend this book as it kept me turning the pages wanting to know how Sutton’s and Ben’s relationship grew after finishing the book I might start again. It would be nice to see the series continue. Maybe we would see Matt finding someone to help him with the camp in the next book of the series.

[Babara-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE BEST BOOK OF THE SERIES BY FAR!💕

In It Starts with the Summer we got an inkling of what’s brewing between bookworm Ben and Parker’s asshole ex- Sutton Holmes…

Now we get the full story on what really happened between these two frenemies at sight thrown together for the sake of Parker and Ravi…

Wow their dynamic was surprising and hot 🥵
Who would have thought that shy bookish Ben had such a dirty kinky side…

Who would have guessed Sutton was really a sexually suppressed sweetheart with a heart of gold - Ben and his stepbrother Matt and their parents did and what beautiful souls they had to comfort and support Sutton the way they did!

Sutton found his true self, his perfect person and his chosen family in this heartwarming, soulful and poignant story revolving around a camp for kids called Camp Eagle Ridge that becomes a home away from home and a safe place both for the kids and the counsellors who guide them!

Beautiful epilogues with a wedding and more surprises to come…

Was this the last book of the series or
will we get a story regarding Matt and a certain Architect?….

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

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had already a soft spot for Ben while reading the other books in this series. Him being an introvert and reading so much and at all places. The books he reads sound very interesting.

Ben didn't have the plan to do another summer at camp Eagle ridge, but some how he does it anyway because his stepfather asked him. Now he is teamed up with Sutton. A man he doesn't want to be a team with, because Sutton is Parker his arrogant ex. At first Ben thinks about him this way and it brings out a dominant side in Ben. But soon he finds out there is more to Sutton when you really look at him. The way he takes care of some of the kids at camp for example.

I felt so sorry for Sutton when I found out about his past and his parents. That must have been though, especially what happened with his first relationship. That made him acting like he does now, but luckily there is Ben taking care of him an showing him family can be a lot different as what he is used to.

[Jaclyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

the banter at the start felt off... like Ben has social anxiety and is a virginity, plus dislikes Sutton, but their very first conversation, he's talking about spanking Sutton if he isn't a good boy? I'm fine with dirty talk and insta-heat, but that just didn't feel true to the character as he'd been written to that point.

plus, while I liked the inversion of the shy virgin trope--in this one, Ben's the top from the get-go--i feel like the sex scenes would have played out exactly as-is if he were as experienced as Sutton. there's none of the hesitation or wonder or even apprehension I'd expect from someone having sex for the first time. which was just compounded by all the dirty talk.

so the sex scenes in general didn't really work for me, but I like the subplot about Sutton's dad and how that played into Sutton's approach to love. I also love Ben's family and Aiden's grandpa.

[V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ezra Dao crafts an engaging and spicy summer camp romance that balances humor, heart, and heat. The dynamic between Ben, a shy, bookish introvert, and Sutton, his brash and secretly vulnerable co-counselor, provides plenty of tension and chemistry. The setting at Camp Eagle Ridge is vividly described, offering a cozy backdrop to the developing relationships and personal growth of the characters. While some moments lean heavily into trope-heavy banter and steamy interactions, the story retains emotional depth, exploring themes like self-discovery, identity, and the complexities of human connection. Overall, it's a charming and heartfelt read, perfect for fans of M/M romances with a summery twist.

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

[Amy Fetzer · Rating 1 out of 5]

The 5 star reviews are so confusing, I feel like we read different books. Thought it’d be a quick cute little read. Instead, I had to read around typos and grammatical issues on every single page. The plot line made no sense, and was only thrown out there to establish Sutton as some evil horrible person, but it barely even gets brought up. The way the characters are described doesn’t match how they act. Also, it’s fucking weird! Sorry! An introvert who read weird monster smut OUT LOUD to his friends WHEN CHILDREN ARE AROUND is bizarre and makes zero sense. Like?? This book is bad.

I should not be finding so many spelling and grammatical errors in a book, good or bad. Like that is really just insane.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series and just seems to be getting better with each one! Do read the previous books to get to know all the characters in this summer camp setting. In this book we follow Ben and Sutton’s story and i thought the author really covered their characters and relationship development beautifully, allowing us to bond with them fully. Plenty of tension and chemistry keep us hooked till we get the ending both we and they want!!!.

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

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben and Sutton . . .

Ben is asked to work as a counselor at Camp Eagle Ridge this summer, although he would prefer to be home relaxing and reading books or working on his own projects. But he owes it to his stepdad and the rest of the family to help out. Being paired with Sutton Holm, known to be irritating, he isn’t hopeful he will enjoy his job this summer. But he gets another up-close chance to observe Sutton, and things begin to change between them. What is he hiding? Could they each be what the other needs?

[Adrianna Heaney-velu · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Beyond the Summer,” by Ezra Dao

This was a cute coming-of-age story about M/M relationship. The book is heavy on the trans and LGBTQIA+ issues and the characters growing and overcoming the hardship of these things. I would call this a more cozy style of book despite the trouble the characters go through. There was a bunch of spicy content too so it’s not a YA type of coming-of-age which was nice. 4 out of 5 stars, glad I read it.

-M/M
-Trans Topics
-Summer Camp Counselors
-Coming-of-age

Thank you for the ARC, Booksprout.

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beyond the Camp is the third book in the Camp Eagle Ridge series and while they can be read as standalones, they really are better in order. This is an opposites attract book about bookworm Ben and jock Sutton. Who knew that what Sutton needed all along was Ben to come show him what he could really have? I don't know if there will be another book in the series, but I really hope at some point we get to see what's going on with Matt.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series and it was another great addition this is Ben and Sutton’s story and each book can be read as a standalone but I think it’s better if you read them in order, I really liked Ben and Sutton as characters and their book is by favourite upto now, I’m hoping that maybe Matt gets a story.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben and Sutton are camp counselors that get off to a bad start with each other. Ben finds himself attracted to Sutton and Sutton is in the closet but soon both like each other. There are complications with Sutton's family and the guys get into steamy situations. A summer fling becomes so much more. I received a copy of this book through Booksprout and this is my voluntary opinion.

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

We're back again at Camp Eagle Ridge for a new summer season, this time featuring counselors Ben and Sutton. Read about The Mages of Aleron and see how they influence our newest couple in this steamy and erotic tale.

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

[Robert Fontenot · Rating 2 out of 5]

First, this sort of unprofessionalism would never have flown at the summer camp I worked at.

Second, I have a low tolerance for a book reading nerd virgin who also has a slamming bod and a horse cock and who goes from never been touched to dom sex god in 2.6 seconds.

Third, this book suffers from taking place at the exact same time as a previous, better volume.

[Sara Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover is very deceiving. Lol This book is so fucking hot! The raunchy, possessive sex was off the charts. The dirty talk...top tier.
The story also has a sweet undertone of a misunderstood asshole. Ben really brought out all the good in Sutton. Ben showed him so much love and attention.

I did get annoyed that nearly every sex scene Sutton mentioned how many guys he had fucked or sucked.

[Rani · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third in the series and you will enjoy it much more if the previous books have been read. Sutton and Ben are a good match and I enjoyed their story.

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

[Amanda Grange · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been IMPATIENTLY waiting for this third book of Ezra Dao's Summer series. It definitely lived up to my expectations. The chemistry between Ben and Sutton is out of this world. Beyond the Summer is pretty spicy,too, but with a solid plot.

[Shanequa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Better than the first book but still not particularly good.

[Rachel Kinsolving · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably would’ve liked this better if it wasn’t for all the typos on the kindle edition.

[Sarah☀️ Somerville · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book - it was fun and sexy.

But I didn’t enjoy it quite as much as previous books in the series. Ben didn’t feel like Ben. (And why was emancipation mentioned? Was that necessary?)

[Lady Biblio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stepping out of a comfort zone, romance. With a lot of spice. Set at a summer camp as a counselor while also stepping back into the past at the same camp.

Pacing is quick despite taking place over a whole summer. The romance is done well and there is a range of characters.

[Britney Jean | JeanInTheHeatOfBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in a spectacular series. If you haven’t dipped your toes in M/M romance you’re truly missing out.

A beautiful story of finding that person that really sees you and gets you, finding love and acceptance after a lifetime of fear, lovelessness, and control, of finally finding peace, security, and home in a person and a place.

- LGBTQIA+
- Secret Dating
- Enemies to Lovers
- Camp Romance
- BDSM
- Short Read
- Found Family