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Spruce Texas #9
Hot Mess Express
BRIDGER
Peace and quiet. That's all I'm looking for after two grueling tours in the Army.
Pete swears I'll find it if I join him on a trip to Spruce, Texas to reunite with his old military pal Cody.
What I find instead is the human hurricane called Anthony Myers.
We start off on the wrong foot. And that's followed by too many more wrong feet to count—or forgive.
That cocky, baby-faced, certifiable hot mess is loud, chaotic, and impossible to ignore.
He thinks he's gonna run me out of this town, but I've dealt with worse,
growing up defending my vulnerable brother and mother against our drunk father.
I'm more than equipped to handle a small-town menace
who's clearly got a chip on his shoulder for outsiders.
Besides, the more I encounter him, the pettier I'm inspired to be,
and two can play these games.
ANTHONY
This summer's been a total train wreck.
But I just found my groove with Juni, my new bestie and drinking partner-in-crime.
The last dang thing I need is an uptight, rule-abiding muscle-head named Bridger ruining my fun.
I'm everything he can't wild, reckless, and in his face.
But that doesn't give him the right to look down on me
with his annoyingly pretty blue eyes—like I'm nothing but the mess he can't fix.
Now my peaceful hometown of Spruce is a warzone of a different kind,
and I just might be the one and only thing standing between him
and the peace he's apparently so desperate to find.
Or maybe I'm the chaos he never knew he needed.
HOT MESS EXPRESS is a steamy, laugh-out-loud return to Spruce, Texas full of fiery clashes and undeniable chemistry, where the line between love and hate burns hotter than ever.
✔️ M/M enemies-to-lovers
✔️ Reckless party boy & stoic military vet
✔️ Small-town
Have you read all the books in the Spruce Texas series?
Football Sundae
Born Again Sinner
Heteroflexible
Wrangled
Rebel At Spruce High
Summer Sweat
Hopeful Romantic
Mr. Picture Perfect
Hot Mess Express ◄◄
(with more to come!)
What about the Texas Beach Town spin-off series?
In Too Deep
Crusher
Far From Paradise
(more on the way!)
Peace and quiet. That's all I'm looking for after two grueling tours in the Army.
Pete swears I'll find it if I join him on a trip to Spruce, Texas to reunite with his old military pal Cody.
What I find instead is the human hurricane called Anthony Myers.
We start off on the wrong foot. And that's followed by too many more wrong feet to count—or forgive.
That cocky, baby-faced, certifiable hot mess is loud, chaotic, and impossible to ignore.
He thinks he's gonna run me out of this town, but I've dealt with worse,
growing up defending my vulnerable brother and mother against our drunk father.
I'm more than equipped to handle a small-town menace
who's clearly got a chip on his shoulder for outsiders.
Besides, the more I encounter him, the pettier I'm inspired to be,
and two can play these games.
ANTHONY
This summer's been a total train wreck.
But I just found my groove with Juni, my new bestie and drinking partner-in-crime.
The last dang thing I need is an uptight, rule-abiding muscle-head named Bridger ruining my fun.
I'm everything he can't wild, reckless, and in his face.
But that doesn't give him the right to look down on me
with his annoyingly pretty blue eyes—like I'm nothing but the mess he can't fix.
Now my peaceful hometown of Spruce is a warzone of a different kind,
and I just might be the one and only thing standing between him
and the peace he's apparently so desperate to find.
Or maybe I'm the chaos he never knew he needed.
HOT MESS EXPRESS is a steamy, laugh-out-loud return to Spruce, Texas full of fiery clashes and undeniable chemistry, where the line between love and hate burns hotter than ever.
✔️ M/M enemies-to-lovers
✔️ Reckless party boy & stoic military vet
✔️ Small-town
Have you read all the books in the Spruce Texas series?
Football Sundae
Born Again Sinner
Heteroflexible
Wrangled
Rebel At Spruce High
Summer Sweat
Hopeful Romantic
Mr. Picture Perfect
Hot Mess Express ◄◄
(with more to come!)
What about the Texas Beach Town spin-off series?
In Too Deep
Crusher
Far From Paradise
(more on the way!)
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 29, 2025
131 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Daryl Banner
98 books2,006 followersDaryl Banner is a USA Today Bestselling author, composer, and performer. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Houston Honors College with a degree in Theatre and Psychology. He is happily married to his piano. Theory suggests this is why he writes romance.
During Daryl Banner's time in college, he wrote, composed, and produced a musical under Tony Award-winning musical and Theatre producer Stuart Ostrow, as well as two original plays produced under the mentorship of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lanford Wilson, who also mentored Daryl through the writing of his very first novel. In addition to new adult and M/M romance, Daryl also writes post-apocalyptic fantasy as well as dystopian.
Join his mailing list here to be the first to hear about his new releases! He awards an Amazon gift card every newsletter:
https://www.darylbanner.com/subscribe...
Follow him on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/author/darylba...
Like him on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/DarylBannerW...
Connect with fellow readers in Daryl's Doorway:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Daryl...
Fun facts about Daryl Banner:
- He is an obsessive self-taught pianist.
- He is a huge video game enthusiast.
- He left his day job of 10 years to tour with a 2-woman-1-man original musical.
- He's been remixing video game music for over 20 years. One of his remixes is featured in the major motion picture "The Spy Who Dumped Me". Check out his work here: http://www.youtube.com/DarylBanner
- He composes original soundtracks that accompany his books and series, including The Beautiful Dead and OUTLIER. He is also the award-winning composer of the audio drama Janus Descending, as well as several films, games, podcasts, and other media. You can enjoy his music here: http://darylbanner.bandcamp.com
During Daryl Banner's time in college, he wrote, composed, and produced a musical under Tony Award-winning musical and Theatre producer Stuart Ostrow, as well as two original plays produced under the mentorship of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lanford Wilson, who also mentored Daryl through the writing of his very first novel. In addition to new adult and M/M romance, Daryl also writes post-apocalyptic fantasy as well as dystopian.
Join his mailing list here to be the first to hear about his new releases! He awards an Amazon gift card every newsletter:
https://www.darylbanner.com/subscribe...
Follow him on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/author/darylba...
Like him on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/DarylBannerW...
Connect with fellow readers in Daryl's Doorway:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Daryl...
Fun facts about Daryl Banner:
- He is an obsessive self-taught pianist.
- He is a huge video game enthusiast.
- He left his day job of 10 years to tour with a 2-woman-1-man original musical.
- He's been remixing video game music for over 20 years. One of his remixes is featured in the major motion picture "The Spy Who Dumped Me". Check out his work here: http://www.youtube.com/DarylBanner
- He composes original soundtracks that accompany his books and series, including The Beautiful Dead and OUTLIER. He is also the award-winning composer of the audio drama Janus Descending, as well as several films, games, podcasts, and other media. You can enjoy his music here: http://darylbanner.bandcamp.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
November 13, 2025
I loved Anthony and Bridger's story!
April 1, 2025
I seriously loved Hot Mess Express. Bridger and Anthony are total opposites—grumpy ex-military guy meets chaotic party boy—and watching them clash (and fall for each other) was such a fun ride. Their chemistry is wild, the banter had me cracking up, and there were also a few moments that really hit me in the feels. The additional characters in the book add the right amount of flavor to make this one steamy dish of goodness!
This book has everything I love about the Spruce, Texas series—small town vibes, hilarious moments, heart, heat, and characters you can’t help but root for. If you’re into enemies-to-lovers with tons of tension and big emotions, this one’s definitely worth picking up.
This book has everything I love about the Spruce, Texas series—small town vibes, hilarious moments, heart, heat, and characters you can’t help but root for. If you’re into enemies-to-lovers with tons of tension and big emotions, this one’s definitely worth picking up.
April 13, 2025
In this adventure set in the gay-friendly town of Spruce, Texas, former friends reconnect from their time in the Army. Cody, the subject of another entry in the series, has married the man who is now the pastor of the most popular church in Spruce. He was seriously injured, and Trey, now his husband and pastor, helped Cody recover despite his self-destructive tendencies. Their love story inspires and encourages Anthony, a lost soul struggling with low self-worth while showing signs of brilliant observation, who harbors resentment towards Bridger, the man coming to meet Cody and his new husband as he seeks renewal after two tours in the Army.
Bridger is a man transformed by military discipline and life. He's devoted to his physical health and the regimen he learned in the military. Their first meeting at an unconventional gas pump, where Anthony accidentally gets sprayed with gasoline while giving Bridger directions, is far from charming, especially when Anthony harshly lashes out at Bridger, calling him an idiot.
Later, Anthony turns into a recurring annoyance, showing up at a restaurant where he's working, and at other places where he takes on part-time or fill-in jobs. He aimlessly drifts through life with these temporary gigs. His anger towards Bridger for the gas incident fuels Anthony's desire to provoke him.
Bridger perceives Anthony as the "hot mess” he labels himself, but also sees the potential for who he could become and recognizes the caring soul within him. Anthony recognizes the relationship of Cody and Trey, the pastor and his former nurse, as solid and enviable, as inspiration for what he wants.
It's a lovely story of redemption, driven by the encouragement and accurate assessments of Anthony's behavior, which enhance Bridger's compassion for him and the possibilities ahead.
For readers of the first eight books in this series, it revisits some characters without all of them making appearances, instead providing updates through remarks by others. It's a welcoming read for those who have reached the ninth installment of Daryl Banner's series set in Spruce, Texas, and featuring the Texas Beach Town spin-off. These recurring characters (including Anthony, who appears in previous books) offer a sense of familiarity and comfort as Anthony and Bridger become yet another happy and purposeful gay couple in the special town of Spruce, Texas.
Daryl Banner's writing is distinctive in that he provides contextual clues about the characters throughout the book, along with a list of characters at the beginning to clarify their relationships. It's a quick and enjoyable read, free of manufactured drama that can often be disappointing.
Bridger is a man transformed by military discipline and life. He's devoted to his physical health and the regimen he learned in the military. Their first meeting at an unconventional gas pump, where Anthony accidentally gets sprayed with gasoline while giving Bridger directions, is far from charming, especially when Anthony harshly lashes out at Bridger, calling him an idiot.
Later, Anthony turns into a recurring annoyance, showing up at a restaurant where he's working, and at other places where he takes on part-time or fill-in jobs. He aimlessly drifts through life with these temporary gigs. His anger towards Bridger for the gas incident fuels Anthony's desire to provoke him.
Bridger perceives Anthony as the "hot mess” he labels himself, but also sees the potential for who he could become and recognizes the caring soul within him. Anthony recognizes the relationship of Cody and Trey, the pastor and his former nurse, as solid and enviable, as inspiration for what he wants.
It's a lovely story of redemption, driven by the encouragement and accurate assessments of Anthony's behavior, which enhance Bridger's compassion for him and the possibilities ahead.
For readers of the first eight books in this series, it revisits some characters without all of them making appearances, instead providing updates through remarks by others. It's a welcoming read for those who have reached the ninth installment of Daryl Banner's series set in Spruce, Texas, and featuring the Texas Beach Town spin-off. These recurring characters (including Anthony, who appears in previous books) offer a sense of familiarity and comfort as Anthony and Bridger become yet another happy and purposeful gay couple in the special town of Spruce, Texas.
Daryl Banner's writing is distinctive in that he provides contextual clues about the characters throughout the book, along with a list of characters at the beginning to clarify their relationships. It's a quick and enjoyable read, free of manufactured drama that can often be disappointing.
March 31, 2025
"Hate is just love with another name." There is nothing I love more than immersing myself in the lives of the quirky people in Spruce Texas. All of the residents have something to teach us and story after story has lessons learned whether intentional or not. Anthony has been a thorn in many residents' sides for years. We've heard story after story in the past Spruce books about his adventures and issues and I, for one, have hoped for him to have his story. Hot Mess Express delivers in a big way. But Anthony isn't the only one who needs to find his purpose. Bridger is also floating on the wind without a clear direction and boy do these boys clash in a serious series of unfortunate events. Everything about this one had me smiling and sighing and swooning and just so completely in love with all of the characters who encompass Spruce.
March 31, 2025
The title says it all!!! Wow what a rollercoaster ride! At times I wanted to punch Anthony, but at the same time I just wanted to give him a big hug and never let go. Bridger(love the name btw) is also at loose ends after leaving the military and looking for something to ground him. This book shows how important it is to not take the first impression as truth and look a bit deeper. Both characters had issues to work out. And need each other to do so. I was so happy to be back in Spruce Texas!!! I needed a bit of sassiness in my life. We get to get reacquainted with Cody and Trey as well as introduced to some new characters. Although can easily be read as a standalone, I highly suggest you check out the whole Spruce series. Can’t wait to return again !!
April 3, 2025
SWOOOON!
Please I adore bridge and Tony! 😂😂
The way they ribb each other back and forth from the very beginning made me giggle and kick my legs!
My absolute favorite thing is how bridger never tried to change Anthony realized how truly special he is, he was just misunderstood.
They are so perfect for each other, what a perfect tear jerking ending!! Tearing up at work while I had to finish it!!
I’m so glad Juni also got her happy ending as well!
I adored all these characters together so much!!
What a great read,
Please I adore bridge and Tony! 😂😂
The way they ribb each other back and forth from the very beginning made me giggle and kick my legs!
My absolute favorite thing is how bridger never tried to change Anthony realized how truly special he is, he was just misunderstood.
They are so perfect for each other, what a perfect tear jerking ending!! Tearing up at work while I had to finish it!!
I’m so glad Juni also got her happy ending as well!
I adored all these characters together so much!!
What a great read,
March 31, 2025
Anthony and Bridger are just what each other need to get their lives on track. This is a beautiful story of self-discovery and the thin line between love and hate.
May 13, 2025
5 spruced stars!!
RTF...
RTF...
April 2, 2025
Love the Spruce series
Love this family
Loved Anthony and Bridgers heartstopping intense emotional insta love
That banter
Gripping
All the feels
Gimme more
Love this family
Loved Anthony and Bridgers heartstopping intense emotional insta love
That banter
Gripping
All the feels
Gimme more
April 27, 2025
28 year old military vet Bridger is accompanying his best buddy Pete to Spruce, TX in order to reunite with a vet who saved his life. The first person he meets in the small town is the clearly hung-over gas station clerk who has an attitude bigger than Texas. This is Anthony, the town's resident hot mess express. 24 years old and grinding to pay bills with a series of odd jobs, he's kind of viewed as a failure because he was dismissed from boot camp due to injury, quit vet school with the bills to pay, his parents are trying to bring him into the family business, and he has been involved in more than one spectacle in town. He lives with his bestie, Juniper who bankrolls their rent and drinking sprees across town. So yeah, he's kind of got issues. Bridger and Anthony don't hit it off. In fact, it's more hate on first sight, even after an accidental gas shower. Things devolve into a series of "pranks" that Anthony puts Bridger through, even as the older man patiently tries to resolve things.
Honestly I felt this book was a hot mess itself. There were moments where it was funny, but in the long run, it was fairly dull. I kept skimming long passages of overwritten internal monologuing that didn't go anywhere. Neither character were relatable or realistic (in fact they read as very flat and undeveloped, Bridger especially), and the prose was just boring.
You know you've got a long-winded (and probably out of control) series when the author includes both a foreword and afterword to explain the couples, the places, and the books of the series to date.
2 stars.
Honestly I felt this book was a hot mess itself. There were moments where it was funny, but in the long run, it was fairly dull. I kept skimming long passages of overwritten internal monologuing that didn't go anywhere. Neither character were relatable or realistic (in fact they read as very flat and undeveloped, Bridger especially), and the prose was just boring.
You know you've got a long-winded (and probably out of control) series when the author includes both a foreword and afterword to explain the couples, the places, and the books of the series to date.
2 stars.
June 26, 2025
3.5⭐️
I love Spruce! It's the first series I fell into in the MM Romance world. It's like returning home when a new book gets released.
This addition to the series brings us way back to books 2 & 3. Anthony was introduced in book 3, causing drama all the way back then. Bridger is linked to Cody from book 2 when Cody saved Bridger's bestie Pete, which got Cody sent home from the army injured. (Did you get all that?)
In the Kindle Unlimited ebook version, there is a cheat sheet guide to the characters in the beginning of the book and a cheat sheet guide of each book's storylines at the end, which help ALOT, since its been so long since I've read them. Those guides are not printed in the paperback form.
This was 300% angst! Like holy cow!
When Bridger rolls into Spruce with his friend Pete to visit Cody and his husband, they have a splashy run-in with Anthony that sends everything on an express one-way ticket to disaster. Anthony is a mess, always has been. I relate, although I have my reasons while Anthony just needed to be believed in and loved. Bridger just retired from the army and is a pretty stiff individual who likes rules and order. He goes with Pete to try to find some peace and quiet only to get a loud mouth constantly in his face.
Their chemistry isn't subtle and made me question if they were too much of an opposites attract situation. But with their obsession with bathrooms finally smack the ceiling, things start to slide into place... over and over and over. 3/5🌶.
The ensemble was good. It was great seeing Trey and Cody again and getting life updates and how their relationship has grown as individuals and a couple. A bunch of other characters' names were dropped, and some with minor details on what was happening with them like Tanner & Billy. Pete and Juni were awesome new additions that added so much more to the story that I could have ever asked for.
It was a good visit to Spruce. I did have a hard time connecting with the characters and plot thou bc it seemed far removed from the past several books. Like this should have been book 4 instead of 9. But it was written well and with chaotic ADHD humor. The message of the story was straightforward and had meaning once those pieces were placed together.
Can't wait to return!
💜Happy Reading🫶
I love Spruce! It's the first series I fell into in the MM Romance world. It's like returning home when a new book gets released.
This addition to the series brings us way back to books 2 & 3. Anthony was introduced in book 3, causing drama all the way back then. Bridger is linked to Cody from book 2 when Cody saved Bridger's bestie Pete, which got Cody sent home from the army injured. (Did you get all that?)
In the Kindle Unlimited ebook version, there is a cheat sheet guide to the characters in the beginning of the book and a cheat sheet guide of each book's storylines at the end, which help ALOT, since its been so long since I've read them. Those guides are not printed in the paperback form.
This was 300% angst! Like holy cow!
When Bridger rolls into Spruce with his friend Pete to visit Cody and his husband, they have a splashy run-in with Anthony that sends everything on an express one-way ticket to disaster. Anthony is a mess, always has been. I relate, although I have my reasons while Anthony just needed to be believed in and loved. Bridger just retired from the army and is a pretty stiff individual who likes rules and order. He goes with Pete to try to find some peace and quiet only to get a loud mouth constantly in his face.
Their chemistry isn't subtle and made me question if they were too much of an opposites attract situation. But with their obsession with bathrooms finally smack the ceiling, things start to slide into place... over and over and over. 3/5🌶.
The ensemble was good. It was great seeing Trey and Cody again and getting life updates and how their relationship has grown as individuals and a couple. A bunch of other characters' names were dropped, and some with minor details on what was happening with them like Tanner & Billy. Pete and Juni were awesome new additions that added so much more to the story that I could have ever asked for.
It was a good visit to Spruce. I did have a hard time connecting with the characters and plot thou bc it seemed far removed from the past several books. Like this should have been book 4 instead of 9. But it was written well and with chaotic ADHD humor. The message of the story was straightforward and had meaning once those pieces were placed together.
Can't wait to return!
💜Happy Reading🫶
April 17, 2025
I love this trope, so I was really disappointed! Anthony was obnoxious and annoying, and not in a funny or charming way. Poor Bridger, if he’s supposed to wind up with that in the end. I DNF’d around the 70% mark. I just couldn’t finish it.
January 9, 2026
📘 Hot Mess Express by Daryl Banner
Aka: the final stop in the Spruce Texas, but my heart is chanting “encore, encore” like a feral theatre kid.
Let me start with this truth: if this is the last book in the Spruce universe, I will be accepting thoughts, prayers, and additional chapters via emotional support Kindle downloads. Because Spruce doesn’t feel like a setting, it feels like home. Messy, loving, queer, ride-or-die home.
Now… Anthony.
Oh, Anthony. Patron saint of what could possibly go wrong will absolutely go wrong.
When we first met him in Heteroflexible, he was… let’s be honest… deeply unlikable. Defensive. Chaotic. A walking red flag wrapped in unresolved feelings. Then he pops back up in Mr. Picture Perfect, slightly redeemed, slightly improved, still a disaster, but a disaster you start rooting for. And by the time we hit the auction?
Whew. That man could trip over good luck if it handed him a helmet and a map.
Which is why his love story with Bridger hits so hard.
Their relationship doesn’t glide in on a white horse, it stumbles in, bruised knees and all. They start rough. Guarded. Unsure. Anthony is convinced the universe has him on some sort of personal vendetta, and Bridger? Bridger is patience personified. He sees Anthony not as a problem to fix, but as a heart worth choosing. Again and again.
What unfolds is a love story about learning to stay. About letting someone see the mess and deciding you’re not too much. About finding softness where you expected judgment. Bridger doesn’t rescue Anthony, he meets him. And Anthony, for the first time, believes he might actually deserve the good thing that showed up.
And listen, this series? Not a single miss.
Billy and Tanner still own my whole heart (and yes, I squealed at the update in their lives). Jimmy and Bobby remain elite-tier comfort characters. Every couple in this series feels intentional, earned, and emotionally satisfying. That is not easy to pull off and yet, here we are.
Now let me put on my detective hat for a second 🕵️♀️✨
TJ.
Sir. You have been mentioned in every book like a literary Chekhov’s Gun of unresolved potential. He deserves his love story. Deserves it loudly. My money is absolutely on him crossing paths with Mae’s “gorgeous” brother (yes, that one from Mr. Picture Perfect). The groundwork is there. The vibes are vibing. The math is mathing.
So if this truly is the end? It’s a damn good one, warm, heartfelt, hopeful.
But if there’s more Spruce in the future?
I’ll be seated.
Snacks ready.
Heart open.
Manifesting TJ’s happily ever after like it’s my side hustle. 💖🚂✨
One last thing I have to say because I’ve seen it pop up in reviews and it makes me roll my eyes so hard I see my own brain. People joke that there must be “something in the water” in Spruce with so many gay couples, and honestly? Good. Let it be gay water. Let it be communal hydration. No one ever questions an entire small-town romance series stacked wall-to-wall with straight couples, but suddenly queer love shows up repeatedly and it’s treated like a statistical anomaly instead of… representation. What I find refreshing is that Spruce feels lived-in and inclusive, queer relationships front and center, yes, but straight relationships are still present, mentioned, growing, evolving in the background like real life. It doesn’t feel forced; it feels normal. And speaking of characters I’d happily follow next: I would absolutely love a Kelsey love story. She’s been there, she’s layered, and I think she’d make for a fascinating, heartfelt romance of her own. If Spruce keeps flowing, I’ll keep drinking. 🥤🌈
Aka: the final stop in the Spruce Texas, but my heart is chanting “encore, encore” like a feral theatre kid.
Let me start with this truth: if this is the last book in the Spruce universe, I will be accepting thoughts, prayers, and additional chapters via emotional support Kindle downloads. Because Spruce doesn’t feel like a setting, it feels like home. Messy, loving, queer, ride-or-die home.
Now… Anthony.
Oh, Anthony. Patron saint of what could possibly go wrong will absolutely go wrong.
When we first met him in Heteroflexible, he was… let’s be honest… deeply unlikable. Defensive. Chaotic. A walking red flag wrapped in unresolved feelings. Then he pops back up in Mr. Picture Perfect, slightly redeemed, slightly improved, still a disaster, but a disaster you start rooting for. And by the time we hit the auction?
Whew. That man could trip over good luck if it handed him a helmet and a map.
Which is why his love story with Bridger hits so hard.
Their relationship doesn’t glide in on a white horse, it stumbles in, bruised knees and all. They start rough. Guarded. Unsure. Anthony is convinced the universe has him on some sort of personal vendetta, and Bridger? Bridger is patience personified. He sees Anthony not as a problem to fix, but as a heart worth choosing. Again and again.
What unfolds is a love story about learning to stay. About letting someone see the mess and deciding you’re not too much. About finding softness where you expected judgment. Bridger doesn’t rescue Anthony, he meets him. And Anthony, for the first time, believes he might actually deserve the good thing that showed up.
And listen, this series? Not a single miss.
Billy and Tanner still own my whole heart (and yes, I squealed at the update in their lives). Jimmy and Bobby remain elite-tier comfort characters. Every couple in this series feels intentional, earned, and emotionally satisfying. That is not easy to pull off and yet, here we are.
Now let me put on my detective hat for a second 🕵️♀️✨
TJ.
Sir. You have been mentioned in every book like a literary Chekhov’s Gun of unresolved potential. He deserves his love story. Deserves it loudly. My money is absolutely on him crossing paths with Mae’s “gorgeous” brother (yes, that one from Mr. Picture Perfect). The groundwork is there. The vibes are vibing. The math is mathing.
So if this truly is the end? It’s a damn good one, warm, heartfelt, hopeful.
But if there’s more Spruce in the future?
I’ll be seated.
Snacks ready.
Heart open.
Manifesting TJ’s happily ever after like it’s my side hustle. 💖🚂✨
One last thing I have to say because I’ve seen it pop up in reviews and it makes me roll my eyes so hard I see my own brain. People joke that there must be “something in the water” in Spruce with so many gay couples, and honestly? Good. Let it be gay water. Let it be communal hydration. No one ever questions an entire small-town romance series stacked wall-to-wall with straight couples, but suddenly queer love shows up repeatedly and it’s treated like a statistical anomaly instead of… representation. What I find refreshing is that Spruce feels lived-in and inclusive, queer relationships front and center, yes, but straight relationships are still present, mentioned, growing, evolving in the background like real life. It doesn’t feel forced; it feels normal. And speaking of characters I’d happily follow next: I would absolutely love a Kelsey love story. She’s been there, she’s layered, and I think she’d make for a fascinating, heartfelt romance of her own. If Spruce keeps flowing, I’ll keep drinking. 🥤🌈
March 31, 2025
Hot Mess Express is truly the perfect title for this latest from Daryl Banner. We get the story of the man who through several books in this Spruce Texas series always made memorable albeit wild appearances, no matter how brief, and piqued my interest right along with the rest of the Banner faithful. Anthony Myers is one of the most lovable menaces I've ever had the pleasure of reading about. Right from the start, he's incorrigible, loud and a bit of a pain in the arse. But as the chapters flew by, I found myself not only understanding him better but fully invested in him finding his footing once and for all.
What a ride. I'm still amazed at how Bridger brought an amazing amount of calm to the whirling dervish that is Anthony. This visit to Spruce with his bestie Pete turns into so much more than he could've imagined with a frustrating first impression of Anthony and his gruff ways. But when you're in such a small town where everyone knows everyone and their business, we don't have to wait long until Bridger and Anthony are in each other's presence as the two former soldiers in arms, Pete and Cody, offer up plenty of opportunities for these newfound frenemies to be around one another.
And as much as I truly loved the seemingly slow burn but is in actuality a short week-long discovery of feelings both Bridger and Anthony have never felt before, the side love story featuring Juniper and Pete was the perfect counter and levity for all the angst and heavy our boys go through. Juni and Pete were a crazy-good distraction and I adored their penchant for sexual adventure making me laugh right along with Bridger and Anthony as they stayed in that god-awful motel. Their connection was easy and to me provided true joy in this sometimes difficult and unsure journey.
In addition, truly heartfelt moments btw Juni and Anthony provided yet more insight into their seemingly adrift lives with a vulnerability I found to be quite beautiful. As much as Anthony drove me insane with his antics, outbursts and ridiculousness, getting to witness his affection for Juni showed his growth, his desire to change and that perhaps being with a disciplined yet very sexy man like Bridger was indeed what he needed all along.
There is plenty of heat, desire, passion and wicked great steam as Bridger and Anthony find their own kind of sultry rhythm with real feelings emerging between them. They have a lot to consider as Kansas and Texas are quite far from each other but I was hopeful that Spruce would become their home together. They just needed some time to figure it all out.
With help from Cody and Trey, their own issues with their parents another sweet tangent in this book, I was certain all 4 characters would figure out their stuff and realize that a short trip to reunite two former soldiers clearly turned out to be the new chapter Bridger, Pete, Anthony and Juni needed to find their own brand of happiness.
Overall, Hot Mess Express is sure to please Daryl Banner fans with its wit, compassion and smexy romps. With the real meaning of friendship being the ultimate gift for even the most lost of souls.
4 big stars!
What a ride. I'm still amazed at how Bridger brought an amazing amount of calm to the whirling dervish that is Anthony. This visit to Spruce with his bestie Pete turns into so much more than he could've imagined with a frustrating first impression of Anthony and his gruff ways. But when you're in such a small town where everyone knows everyone and their business, we don't have to wait long until Bridger and Anthony are in each other's presence as the two former soldiers in arms, Pete and Cody, offer up plenty of opportunities for these newfound frenemies to be around one another.
And as much as I truly loved the seemingly slow burn but is in actuality a short week-long discovery of feelings both Bridger and Anthony have never felt before, the side love story featuring Juniper and Pete was the perfect counter and levity for all the angst and heavy our boys go through. Juni and Pete were a crazy-good distraction and I adored their penchant for sexual adventure making me laugh right along with Bridger and Anthony as they stayed in that god-awful motel. Their connection was easy and to me provided true joy in this sometimes difficult and unsure journey.
In addition, truly heartfelt moments btw Juni and Anthony provided yet more insight into their seemingly adrift lives with a vulnerability I found to be quite beautiful. As much as Anthony drove me insane with his antics, outbursts and ridiculousness, getting to witness his affection for Juni showed his growth, his desire to change and that perhaps being with a disciplined yet very sexy man like Bridger was indeed what he needed all along.
There is plenty of heat, desire, passion and wicked great steam as Bridger and Anthony find their own kind of sultry rhythm with real feelings emerging between them. They have a lot to consider as Kansas and Texas are quite far from each other but I was hopeful that Spruce would become their home together. They just needed some time to figure it all out.
With help from Cody and Trey, their own issues with their parents another sweet tangent in this book, I was certain all 4 characters would figure out their stuff and realize that a short trip to reunite two former soldiers clearly turned out to be the new chapter Bridger, Pete, Anthony and Juni needed to find their own brand of happiness.
Overall, Hot Mess Express is sure to please Daryl Banner fans with its wit, compassion and smexy romps. With the real meaning of friendship being the ultimate gift for even the most lost of souls.
4 big stars!
May 9, 2025
Spruce, Texas is one of my favorite fictional towns to spend time in. When I saw a new installment in the Spruce series had been released, I couldn’t resist the temptation and instantly bought it. Now, I’ve finally gotten around to reading Daryl Banner’s
Hot Mess Express.
After two tours in the Army, all Bridger wants is a little peace and quiet. That's why he agrees to accompany his pal Pete to Spruce, Texas to reunite with his old military buddy Cody. The last thing he anticipates is meeting someone like Anthony Myers. Although Anthony may be regarded as the town trainwreck, beneath his signature brand of grumpiness and goofiness Bridger sees something special that's going to make leaving Spruce harder than he imagined.
The hilariously memorable encounter between Bridger and Anthony tickled me more than anything else I have read this year. It was glorious. So stupidly funny, yet sexy at the same time. It set pretty high expectations for the rest of the novel, which it mostly met. I thought Anthony was well developed and after his memorable appearance in my favorite novel in the series, Heteroflexible, I was more than ready to see his character take center stage. I even fell in love with Juniper and the dynamic she and Anthony share. My primary issue with Hot Mess Express is that I never really developed a complete understanding of Bridger’s character. He felt a bit flat in comparison with Anthony, which was disappointing. There were hints of an interesting history, but he felt underdeveloped.
If I’m being completely honest, I typically don’t enjoy romance series that take place in a homotopia where everyone seems to be gay, an ally, or on the cusp of an awakening. It removes some of the grit and challenges queer people face, but on the other hand it is exactly what some readers are looking for and I would encourage readers with those preferences to look among the citizens of Spruce for their romance fix. The side characters are charming, and there’s aways a least a little angst with a more than generous helping of humor to sweeten the effect. Despite some of my issues with Bridger, I had a lot of fun reading this one
The hilariously memorable encounter between Bridger and Anthony tickled me more than anything else I have read this year. It was glorious. So stupidly funny, yet sexy at the same time. It set pretty high expectations for the rest of the novel, which it mostly met. I thought Anthony was well developed and after his memorable appearance in my favorite novel in the series, Heteroflexible, I was more than ready to see his character take center stage. I even fell in love with Juniper and the dynamic she and Anthony share. My primary issue with Hot Mess Express is that I never really developed a complete understanding of Bridger’s character. He felt a bit flat in comparison with Anthony, which was disappointing. There were hints of an interesting history, but he felt underdeveloped.
If I’m being completely honest, I typically don’t enjoy romance series that take place in a homotopia where everyone seems to be gay, an ally, or on the cusp of an awakening. It removes some of the grit and challenges queer people face, but on the other hand it is exactly what some readers are looking for and I would encourage readers with those preferences to look among the citizens of Spruce for their romance fix. The side characters are charming, and there’s aways a least a little angst with a more than generous helping of humor to sweeten the effect. Despite some of my issues with Bridger, I had a lot of fun reading this one
April 7, 2025
‘Respect. Empathy. Dignity. Compassion.’ – Then come the sizzles!
Author/composer Daryl Banner graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in Theatre and Psychology. His writing includes new adult romance, M/M romance, post-apocalyptic fantasy, and dystopian. According to his brief biography he is ‘most inspired by the smart and unlikely hero, but urges you (the reader) not to fall in love with them; they may deceive you with their innocence.’
This is the ninth novel in Daryl’s always excellent Spruce Texas Romance series, and after an excellent distillation of the people and places in Spruce, Daryl introduces the principle characters - Bridger and Anthony, and Bridger’s mind is evident in the Prologue: ‘I guess the worst day of my life starts with being woken up from an amazing dream by Pete’s snoring at 3:03 AM. After talking myself out of smothering him with a pillow…I stuff my ear buds in and look up a track of soothing ocean waves to drown out Pete’s dragon nostrils, only for that to get interrupted ten minutes in by an overly enthusiastic ad for Viagra…’ Daryl’s skillful writing creates images with a few words, and then this continuation of his survey of the populace of Spruce, Texas blossoms fully as a romance within the atmosphere of a hot bachelor pageant soars. Said before, and say again - Daryl Banner just gets better and better with his gift for writing. Here is fine Southern atmosphere and a terrific romance. Read this one twice for all the character details – and become a frequent Banner flyer!
Author/composer Daryl Banner graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in Theatre and Psychology. His writing includes new adult romance, M/M romance, post-apocalyptic fantasy, and dystopian. According to his brief biography he is ‘most inspired by the smart and unlikely hero, but urges you (the reader) not to fall in love with them; they may deceive you with their innocence.’
This is the ninth novel in Daryl’s always excellent Spruce Texas Romance series, and after an excellent distillation of the people and places in Spruce, Daryl introduces the principle characters - Bridger and Anthony, and Bridger’s mind is evident in the Prologue: ‘I guess the worst day of my life starts with being woken up from an amazing dream by Pete’s snoring at 3:03 AM. After talking myself out of smothering him with a pillow…I stuff my ear buds in and look up a track of soothing ocean waves to drown out Pete’s dragon nostrils, only for that to get interrupted ten minutes in by an overly enthusiastic ad for Viagra…’ Daryl’s skillful writing creates images with a few words, and then this continuation of his survey of the populace of Spruce, Texas blossoms fully as a romance within the atmosphere of a hot bachelor pageant soars. Said before, and say again - Daryl Banner just gets better and better with his gift for writing. Here is fine Southern atmosphere and a terrific romance. Read this one twice for all the character details – and become a frequent Banner flyer!
June 3, 2025
4.5⭐️
A return to Spruce! It’s been a while since I’d last touched down in Spruce and man oh man did I miss it. Anthony and Bridger were such a fun time! They sure didn’t make it easy to fall for one another though - def didn’t get off on the right foot and it just seemed to tumble down hill from there. I see parts of myself in Anthony - and in how he is just floundering - massive chip on his shoulder making him jaded and bitter towards new folks that he feels are looking down on him - while still trying to be a decent person to his community. He is a dang mess and I love him dearly. Bridger is his perfect match especially once he allows himself to see beyond the tough exterior Anthony puts up and realizes they have more in common than he originally thought. I loved the side little plot with Juni and Pete! They were absolute chaotic and adorable love bugs. I kinda want Daryl to give them a little novella so we can get that first weekend together from their perspective, that’d be 🔥🔥🔥💁🏻♀️. This had a lots of humor and banter and still had time to hit me in the feels from time to time. This was a great addition to this series and if he decides to continue it I’ll definitely be back for more.
A return to Spruce! It’s been a while since I’d last touched down in Spruce and man oh man did I miss it. Anthony and Bridger were such a fun time! They sure didn’t make it easy to fall for one another though - def didn’t get off on the right foot and it just seemed to tumble down hill from there. I see parts of myself in Anthony - and in how he is just floundering - massive chip on his shoulder making him jaded and bitter towards new folks that he feels are looking down on him - while still trying to be a decent person to his community. He is a dang mess and I love him dearly. Bridger is his perfect match especially once he allows himself to see beyond the tough exterior Anthony puts up and realizes they have more in common than he originally thought. I loved the side little plot with Juni and Pete! They were absolute chaotic and adorable love bugs. I kinda want Daryl to give them a little novella so we can get that first weekend together from their perspective, that’d be 🔥🔥🔥💁🏻♀️. This had a lots of humor and banter and still had time to hit me in the feels from time to time. This was a great addition to this series and if he decides to continue it I’ll definitely be back for more.
June 1, 2025
Story: 3.5
Audiobook: 1.5
The book was cute, though it was too long, considering very little happened plot wise. However, the audiobook was not great. I wish Mr. Banner would stick to writing. There isn't enough of a difference in the voices of the two lead characters, and I far too often had to wonder who was speaking. Additionally, the way the author voices the female characters, particularly Juni, is totally off-putting. There's just something off about his delivery overall. It's a little over acted, and his cadence can sound strange to my ears. There's also the unusual choice to emphasize words where no emphasis is needed. The strange cadence and unnecessary emphasis would be totally fine if it was one character, as it could be attributed to an individual's way of speaking, but all the characters spoke this way. I don't think I will be listening to any more of Mr. Banner's books where he is listed as narrator.
Audiobook: 1.5
The book was cute, though it was too long, considering very little happened plot wise. However, the audiobook was not great. I wish Mr. Banner would stick to writing. There isn't enough of a difference in the voices of the two lead characters, and I far too often had to wonder who was speaking. Additionally, the way the author voices the female characters, particularly Juni, is totally off-putting. There's just something off about his delivery overall. It's a little over acted, and his cadence can sound strange to my ears. There's also the unusual choice to emphasize words where no emphasis is needed. The strange cadence and unnecessary emphasis would be totally fine if it was one character, as it could be attributed to an individual's way of speaking, but all the characters spoke this way. I don't think I will be listening to any more of Mr. Banner's books where he is listed as narrator.
March 31, 2025
It's lovely to be back in Spruce again and to get to know another couple.
When Bridger joins Pete on his trip to see Cody, who Pete served with, he did it to find peace and quiet. And instead he found Anthony and a tornado of feelings.
Bridger and Anthony starts off as enemies but there's also explosive chemistry right from the start. And when they keep running into each other their feelings slowly change.
I really enjoyed them bickering and trying to one up one another, but I enjoyed it even more when they acknowledged that they had real feelings for each other. They really bring out the best of each other and make each others better.
The book is funny, well written an full of romance and I love Spruce, Texas
When Bridger joins Pete on his trip to see Cody, who Pete served with, he did it to find peace and quiet. And instead he found Anthony and a tornado of feelings.
Bridger and Anthony starts off as enemies but there's also explosive chemistry right from the start. And when they keep running into each other their feelings slowly change.
I really enjoyed them bickering and trying to one up one another, but I enjoyed it even more when they acknowledged that they had real feelings for each other. They really bring out the best of each other and make each others better.
The book is funny, well written an full of romance and I love Spruce, Texas
April 3, 2025
Did Anthony need a book?
Do you like enemies to lovers? Think angry guys who drink and party too much to hold down a job is sexy? What about aggressive guys? If so, you'll like this book better than I did.
Anthony was an antagonist to Jimmy and Bobby, and injured himself in the bachelor auction talent segment in Cole's book. He's angry and aimless and exhausted for reasons.
Bridger just got out of the military. He's at loose ends, feeling like he lost his purpose. Even though Anthony was aggressive toward him at first, he thinks he's hot and decides to give him a shot.
Bridger never feels real to me. He's too patient. Too interested when Anthony gives him every reason not to be.
I read the whole book because I love Spruce, and Anthony does get better at the end.
Do you like enemies to lovers? Think angry guys who drink and party too much to hold down a job is sexy? What about aggressive guys? If so, you'll like this book better than I did.
Anthony was an antagonist to Jimmy and Bobby, and injured himself in the bachelor auction talent segment in Cole's book. He's angry and aimless and exhausted for reasons.
Bridger just got out of the military. He's at loose ends, feeling like he lost his purpose. Even though Anthony was aggressive toward him at first, he thinks he's hot and decides to give him a shot.
Bridger never feels real to me. He's too patient. Too interested when Anthony gives him every reason not to be.
I read the whole book because I love Spruce, and Anthony does get better at the end.
April 4, 2025
Welcome back to Spruce folks! I hope you enjoy the trip.
"Hot Mess Express, right here, this guy, a ticket for one." Truer words have never been spoken. Anthony was a mess going somewhere to happen, all the time. If everyone says that he is a loser, well, he was just out to prove everyone right. And then, bam, Bridger drops into his lap, or, more likely soaked him with gasoline.
Oh, holy cow! The jukebox song banter had me laughing so hard. And after all the BS, Anthony just needed someone to believe in him and hold him with strong arms once in a while. Is that so hard to ask for? Yes, yes it was. I loved seeing Anthony come into his own with a little help from a hottie with tight buns.
A total must read!!
"Hot Mess Express, right here, this guy, a ticket for one." Truer words have never been spoken. Anthony was a mess going somewhere to happen, all the time. If everyone says that he is a loser, well, he was just out to prove everyone right. And then, bam, Bridger drops into his lap, or, more likely soaked him with gasoline.
Oh, holy cow! The jukebox song banter had me laughing so hard. And after all the BS, Anthony just needed someone to believe in him and hold him with strong arms once in a while. Is that so hard to ask for? Yes, yes it was. I loved seeing Anthony come into his own with a little help from a hottie with tight buns.
A total must read!!
March 29, 2025
Going back to Spruce is always a fun time and this one is especially great for me as it combines two of my favorite tropes...enemies to lovers and gay awakening/first time romance. Anthony is just misunderstood but has been trying the patience of so many residents in Spruce for so long that it seemed like he would never be redeemed. He meets his match in Bridger and together they provide some pretty funny moments as well as some serious intense chemistry that eventually explodes. I had so much fun reading this one and laughed a little too loudly in some parts, while swooning in others. Absolutely a joy to read!
***** 5 ***** "all on board the hottest mess express ever" stars
***** 5 ***** "all on board the hottest mess express ever" stars
April 12, 2025
Absolutely love!!
I have read all the Spruce Texas and DreamWood Isle books. These books are some of my favorites! I read this one in a day because it was so good. I didn't want to stop reading it. I had to know what happened. Reading the books that Daryl Banner has written brought me into the world of romance novels. Even inspiring to try my hand at writing a romance novel myself.
I love how all the books have the same characters and give them all a happy ending. This book is definitely worth reading and you won't regret it. I don't want to spoil anything in the book. All I can say is that it has the right amount of romance and spicy that I adore.
I have read all the Spruce Texas and DreamWood Isle books. These books are some of my favorites! I read this one in a day because it was so good. I didn't want to stop reading it. I had to know what happened. Reading the books that Daryl Banner has written brought me into the world of romance novels. Even inspiring to try my hand at writing a romance novel myself.
I love how all the books have the same characters and give them all a happy ending. This book is definitely worth reading and you won't regret it. I don't want to spoil anything in the book. All I can say is that it has the right amount of romance and spicy that I adore.
March 31, 2025
I wasn't even finished with the first chapter and I was already hooked. This book draws you in very fast. It also gives promise to more tales from Cody and Trey (one of my favorite Spruce couples). This is truly one of my favorite Spruce stories since Football Sundae. I love how this story comes together. I really like following the stories of more than just the main two people. Anthony Myers has been one of the people in Spruce I've wanted to know more about ever since he was introduced ages ago. It's really nice to get more of his story.
May 4, 2025
Most of us know someone like Anthony. His journey to finding happiness and balance is long and tumultuous. If you have been reading the Spruce Texas series since the beginning, you are familiar with Anthony's difficult journey. His story is the reason I enjoy this series. The characters are people we might know who just need a little push in the right direction to find a bit of peace and some love.
This is a lovely story with a wonderful message that makes me wish everyone had a real Spruce, Texas, to escape to.
This is a lovely story with a wonderful message that makes me wish everyone had a real Spruce, Texas, to escape to.
May 6, 2025
I loved this story. Two screwed up guys--completely in different wats--fight and hate each other and then it's magic. Great cast of characters from the other books in this series, who are always welcome family in Spruce, TX.
For some reason, Daryl Banner wrote one of my favorite first chapters. Can't say why, honestly, but it started me off happy as a claim. (It might have been Bridger's thoughts on Anthony and the whole gas station debacle. I just found it perfect, that hating someone's attitude, but being totally intrigued at the same. it was done so well.
My favorite beginning.
For some reason, Daryl Banner wrote one of my favorite first chapters. Can't say why, honestly, but it started me off happy as a claim. (It might have been Bridger's thoughts on Anthony and the whole gas station debacle. I just found it perfect, that hating someone's attitude, but being totally intrigued at the same. it was done so well.
My favorite beginning.
June 4, 2025
I love Daryl Banner's Spruce Texas series. This latest addition brings back some characters that have been missing from his books or not given the time other side characters have received.
Here, one of Cody's (book two's lead) friend comes to visit and brings a friend. This friend sparks an enemies to lovers romance with the self proclaimed town reject. He's a hot mess and wayward while the military guy, Bridge (yes, that name!) provides a sense of calm and peace.
This was a fun read. It was cute and I always enjoy a return to Banner's world.
Here, one of Cody's (book two's lead) friend comes to visit and brings a friend. This friend sparks an enemies to lovers romance with the self proclaimed town reject. He's a hot mess and wayward while the military guy, Bridge (yes, that name!) provides a sense of calm and peace.
This was a fun read. It was cute and I always enjoy a return to Banner's world.
October 14, 2025
sweet and well paced
I really enjoyed this world, I liked how it explored the positives and the negatives of small towns, how all the relationships are complicated without being overly angsty and I love Bridger and Anthony together. I won’t lie, it did take me a while to warm up to Anthony,
Initially he was quite frustrating, definitely stuck in a hole and just keep digging vibes, but I enjoyed his growth throughout the book.
I also really enjoyed our side characters of Juni and Pete, I love that they are more complex r interesting characters with emotions and depth.
I really enjoyed this world, I liked how it explored the positives and the negatives of small towns, how all the relationships are complicated without being overly angsty and I love Bridger and Anthony together. I won’t lie, it did take me a while to warm up to Anthony,
Initially he was quite frustrating, definitely stuck in a hole and just keep digging vibes, but I enjoyed his growth throughout the book.
I also really enjoyed our side characters of Juni and Pete, I love that they are more complex r interesting characters with emotions and depth.
April 21, 2025
Mess from a Master
Daryl Banner's latest Spruce, Texas novel pulls off a near miracle.
That act is the salvation of Anthony, one of the messiest messes an enemies-to-lovers romance could have.
And his "opponent" in this love match, Bridger, is so controlled and cool, how they will make a match seems impossible.
But pulling off the impossible is just one of Banner's tricks. Filled with Spruce regulars and a new couple, Hot Mess Express is another roller-coaster success.
Daryl Banner's latest Spruce, Texas novel pulls off a near miracle.
That act is the salvation of Anthony, one of the messiest messes an enemies-to-lovers romance could have.
And his "opponent" in this love match, Bridger, is so controlled and cool, how they will make a match seems impossible.
But pulling off the impossible is just one of Banner's tricks. Filled with Spruce regulars and a new couple, Hot Mess Express is another roller-coaster success.
September 19, 2025
This is better than the last one. Lots of angst, which tiptoed up to the line of being too much, but stepped back. Great main characters. Plot was predictable, but still worked since the author is one of the best MM writers out there. We had met a lot of the secondary characters in previous books, and the new ones were just as great. Daryl has a knack for character development that few authors have. They're all interestinb, but not enough to overtake the main characters.
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