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Popped: A funny contemporary mm romance
Not yet published
Expected 2 Apr 26He came for the burger but stayed for the bartender.
Finn O'Brien had two making a killer cocktail and spectacularly bad decisions. So naturally, he quit his soul-crushing job to co-own a gay sports bar in Tampa with his best friend. What could go wrong?
Well, forgetting to actually promote their grand opening, for one.
On the bright side, while Finn stood behind a bar with no customers and a growing pile of bills, a rumpled blonde in a crooked tie shuffled in and parked himself in a corner booth.
Chase didn't talk much.
Finn talked too much.
Chase was buttoned-up, guarded, and allergic to fun.
Finn was a mess of freckles and bad jokes who didn't know when to quit.
They had absolutely nothing in common—except the way Chase kept showing up, night after night, claiming he was just there for the burger.
Between a meddling best friend, a kitchen staff placing bets on when Finn would finally make a move, and the world's slowest-burning attraction, Finn had a bar to save, a found family to build, and a grumpy lawyer to crack—one colorfully named drink at a time.
Popped! is the first book in the Barbacks series—a slow-burn rom-com for anyone who's ever stress-organized a spreadsheet, crushed on someone completely unavailable, or wondered if it's weird to learn a regular's order by heart.
(It was weird. Finn knew it was weird.)
If you like the swoony slow burns of Riley Hart, the sharp banter of Eden Finley, or the found-family warmth of a TJ Klune novel—but with a lot more whiskey, you'll love this series.
Finn O'Brien had two making a killer cocktail and spectacularly bad decisions. So naturally, he quit his soul-crushing job to co-own a gay sports bar in Tampa with his best friend. What could go wrong?
Well, forgetting to actually promote their grand opening, for one.
On the bright side, while Finn stood behind a bar with no customers and a growing pile of bills, a rumpled blonde in a crooked tie shuffled in and parked himself in a corner booth.
Chase didn't talk much.
Finn talked too much.
Chase was buttoned-up, guarded, and allergic to fun.
Finn was a mess of freckles and bad jokes who didn't know when to quit.
They had absolutely nothing in common—except the way Chase kept showing up, night after night, claiming he was just there for the burger.
Between a meddling best friend, a kitchen staff placing bets on when Finn would finally make a move, and the world's slowest-burning attraction, Finn had a bar to save, a found family to build, and a grumpy lawyer to crack—one colorfully named drink at a time.
Popped! is the first book in the Barbacks series—a slow-burn rom-com for anyone who's ever stress-organized a spreadsheet, crushed on someone completely unavailable, or wondered if it's weird to learn a regular's order by heart.
(It was weird. Finn knew it was weird.)
If you like the swoony slow burns of Riley Hart, the sharp banter of Eden Finley, or the found-family warmth of a TJ Klune novel—but with a lot more whiskey, you'll love this series.
595 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 2, 2026
9 people want to read
About the author
Casey Morales
44 books421 followersCasey Morales is an LGBT storyteller and the author of multiple bestselling MM romance novels. Born in the Southern United States, Casey is an avid tennis player, aspiring chef, dog lover, and ravenous consumer of gummy bears.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am often asked by other readers if I can suggest a MM romance book that doesn't include much angst. This first edition of Casey's new series "Barbacks" is exactly that, so sit back and enjoy a great MM rom-com starring Finn & Chase. Finn is a ginger Irish boy stuck in a dead-end bartending job in Tampa. Chase is working his way up as an associate lawyer in a small family practice law firm. They literally bang into each other on the sidewalk, and the rest is history!
Finn's bestie Mark convinces Finn to leave his current boring gig and go into partnership with him opening a new gay bar in Tampa with a sports theme. Mark has already selected the building and location, so he pulls Finn over to check it out. While standing on the sidewalk assessing, around the corner comes lawyer Chase who's late for work and in a big enough hurry that he bangs right into Finn sending paperwork flying. There is a mutual atraction from the get-go, but there's no time to pursue it. We then spend multiple chapters getting background info on both of these MC's and also the details on the bar setup. Then it's time for the Grand Opening. To Finn's surprise, the hunky lawyer stops by. There's some awkward stops-and-starts, but the sparks fly and off we go on their romantic adventure.
The supporting cast of both Finn's and Chase's friends and family provide us with plenty of laughs along the way. And also some real potential for the next editions to the series. Ultimately we get Finn & Chases's HEA in the Epilogue so now I can't wait for Jacks (the barback) & Skyler (the Tampa Bay Lightning captain)'s story coming up next! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Finn's bestie Mark convinces Finn to leave his current boring gig and go into partnership with him opening a new gay bar in Tampa with a sports theme. Mark has already selected the building and location, so he pulls Finn over to check it out. While standing on the sidewalk assessing, around the corner comes lawyer Chase who's late for work and in a big enough hurry that he bangs right into Finn sending paperwork flying. There is a mutual atraction from the get-go, but there's no time to pursue it. We then spend multiple chapters getting background info on both of these MC's and also the details on the bar setup. Then it's time for the Grand Opening. To Finn's surprise, the hunky lawyer stops by. There's some awkward stops-and-starts, but the sparks fly and off we go on their romantic adventure.
The supporting cast of both Finn's and Chase's friends and family provide us with plenty of laughs along the way. And also some real potential for the next editions to the series. Ultimately we get Finn & Chases's HEA in the Epilogue so now I can't wait for Jacks (the barback) & Skyler (the Tampa Bay Lightning captain)'s story coming up next! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
March 13, 2026
“I met a boy tonight. He gave me his number. We’re going to see each other again. God, he’s cute and Irish and . . . I’ll stop now.”
Popped! by Casey Morales is the first book in his new series Barbacks. I’ve literally just closed it and I have to say, it’s hands-down one of the best times I’ve had reading in a while. I caught myself grinning like an idiot or actually laughing out loud at these characters and their chaotic energy more times than I can count. Casey just has this way of writing that’s totally addictive. Once I start, I’m glued to the pages.
When I saw the ARC for Popped!, I grabbed it immediately because I knew it’d be good, but I honestly didn’t expect to like it this much. I’m not even a “bar person” in real life, so the fact that a story centred around one hooked me this hard is saying a lot!
The whole cast is top-tier. Obviously, Finn and Chase are adorable together, but the entire Barbacks crew is what makes it special. Every single staff member has their own vibe and those specific quirks that make them feel like real people. That “happy chaos” energy they have is just infectious.
Also, the theme nights were a plus. Loved that. And as a fan, having the hockey element woven in was the ultimate cherry on top for me. I’m already dying to get my hands on the next book. Jacks and Skyler, I’m ready for you!
Highly recommended!
Thank you, Casey Morales for this free eARC. This is my honest review and recommendation.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a 5 star book for the first 2/3rds and a 3 star for the last 1/3 - for me. This is a romance between Finn, bartender/owner and Chase, lawyer. They meet when Chase runs into Finn outside the bar Finn is about to open.
I absolutely loved the first 2/3rds of this book - where Finn and Mark (best friend) work on setting up the bar and figuring out how to get the customers to come. During this time Finn and Chase start a slow burn romance - both are too busy to really 'get down' to it at first.
The last third of the book (& this is something that is in most (all?) of Casey's books) is the section where the over-involved friends take over the plot. They're found family, which is nice, but they're also wayyyy too involved and wayyyy to judgmental. They make wayyy too many threats ('if you hurt him') and give wayyy too much advise for folks who are ALL single. I understand that this is the part that many readers consider 'funny' - I just don't see it that way and find it annoying.
The ending is very nice, too - where there's a proposal and an HEA. Chase and Finn fit together well, and it's a low drama/no breakup romance with plenty of spice once they finally get together.
If you usually like Casey's books, then MY problem with them is not going to be YOUR problem. Truly did love the part about the bar, and I would have given it 5 stars if not for them over-involved, loudmouthed friends.
I absolutely loved the first 2/3rds of this book - where Finn and Mark (best friend) work on setting up the bar and figuring out how to get the customers to come. During this time Finn and Chase start a slow burn romance - both are too busy to really 'get down' to it at first.
The last third of the book (& this is something that is in most (all?) of Casey's books) is the section where the over-involved friends take over the plot. They're found family, which is nice, but they're also wayyyy too involved and wayyyy to judgmental. They make wayyy too many threats ('if you hurt him') and give wayyy too much advise for folks who are ALL single. I understand that this is the part that many readers consider 'funny' - I just don't see it that way and find it annoying.
The ending is very nice, too - where there's a proposal and an HEA. Chase and Finn fit together well, and it's a low drama/no breakup romance with plenty of spice once they finally get together.
If you usually like Casey's books, then MY problem with them is not going to be YOUR problem. Truly did love the part about the bar, and I would have given it 5 stars if not for them over-involved, loudmouthed friends.
Review of advance copy received from Auteur
A new series by Casey Morales? Of course I’m all in!
The promise of a funny, lighthearted series without any drama is fully delivered.
The characters are funny and endearing. And Finn and Chase are adorable. We love watching them get closer, even if it’s a little awkward. It’s nice to see that they’re honest with each other right away—no drama, just two men getting to know each other and falling in love.
I already love this series. And I love the world of the bar that Finn and Mark are building.
I can’t wait to read the next book!
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Une nouvelle série par Casey MORALES ? Bien-sûr je fonce !
La promesse d'une série drôle et légère sans drama est parfaitement tenue.
Les personnages sont drôles et attachants. Et Finn et Chase sont adorables. On aime les voir se rapprocher un peu maladroitement. C'est agréable de voir qu'ils sont honnêtes l'un envers l'autre immédiatement, pas de drama, juste deux hommes qui apprennent à se connaître et tombent amoureux.
J'adore déjà cette série. Et j'aime l'univers de ce bar que Finn et Mark construisent.
J'ai hâte de lire le prochain tome !
The promise of a funny, lighthearted series without any drama is fully delivered.
The characters are funny and endearing. And Finn and Chase are adorable. We love watching them get closer, even if it’s a little awkward. It’s nice to see that they’re honest with each other right away—no drama, just two men getting to know each other and falling in love.
I already love this series. And I love the world of the bar that Finn and Mark are building.
I can’t wait to read the next book!
-----
Une nouvelle série par Casey MORALES ? Bien-sûr je fonce !
La promesse d'une série drôle et légère sans drama est parfaitement tenue.
Les personnages sont drôles et attachants. Et Finn et Chase sont adorables. On aime les voir se rapprocher un peu maladroitement. C'est agréable de voir qu'ils sont honnêtes l'un envers l'autre immédiatement, pas de drama, juste deux hommes qui apprennent à se connaître et tombent amoureux.
J'adore déjà cette série. Et j'aime l'univers de ce bar que Finn et Mark construisent.
J'ai hâte de lire le prochain tome !
Review of advance copy received from Author
I got an ARC of Popped, the start of a new M/M series from the author, and dived in head first to a fun world in a fast-moving Tampa neighborhood with two friends who failed at dating each other, starting up a gay bar. They're earnest, scrappy, and mostly know what they're doing. We get a meet-cute between bartender Finn and Chase, a young lawyer struggling to keep up with his workload in a sidewalk collision of case files as Finn is scoping the bar's location. Fast forward a few weeks and Chase wanders into Finn's bar.
Readers are as invested in the success of Barbacks as they are with these two slightly awkward but eager guys as they fumble towards a relationship that takes its time to heat up. The bar shows off a gay hockey show, gains a local loyal crowd for its sports nights, and hires a crew of eager personalities to make the bar a success.
The guys are fun, the plot keeps you coming back for more, and I'm kind of hungry for a burger and tostones right now.
Readers are as invested in the success of Barbacks as they are with these two slightly awkward but eager guys as they fumble towards a relationship that takes its time to heat up. The bar shows off a gay hockey show, gains a local loyal crowd for its sports nights, and hires a crew of eager personalities to make the bar a success.
The guys are fun, the plot keeps you coming back for more, and I'm kind of hungry for a burger and tostones right now.
Review of advance copy
This was such an enjoyable read - no angst, instead two men finding each other by chance and then sweetly and steadily developing their relationship, supported and encouraged by friends. The story is full of those special moments in a new relationship - the butterflies, the moments of smirking & smiling at each other when you know what you're feeling is special and reciprocated - all these moments captured so beautifully in words. There's also plenty of humour throughout the book, and some amusing text exchanges and conversations. I loved the bar concept, and how they brought it to life. Highly recommend this book for a feel-good love story, beautifully written, no angst and plenty of humour. Can't wait to read the next in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story is funny, swoony and romantic. And I loved it! This includes a "meet ugly" wherein one character literally runs into the other. It's slow burn but when the characters finally get together, the heat is on! (Looking at you chapter 25) The characters are well written, including the side characters, and believable.
The storyline is fun: two friends, one so done with his job and ready to quit, and the other who's ideas don't always work out, decide to open a gay sports bar. Hilarity ensues. The second MC is an overworked lawyer. I really loved Finn, the bar owner, and Chase, the lawyer.
This is book 1 in Casey's new series, Barbacks
The storyline is fun: two friends, one so done with his job and ready to quit, and the other who's ideas don't always work out, decide to open a gay sports bar. Hilarity ensues. The second MC is an overworked lawyer. I really loved Finn, the bar owner, and Chase, the lawyer.
This is book 1 in Casey's new series, Barbacks
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
This was all I was looking forward to and then some. I love it. This new series from Casey Morales is amazing and I'm hooked. I love the names, the fabolous crazy characters and the atmosphere of the whole universe created around Barbacks. It's fun, entertaining, sweet and spicey. All in one. The MC's are perfect for each other and I'm so glad they are the first pair out to find happiness.The writing is excellent and the language is creative and fun. Now I'm impatiently waiting for the next one. Highly recommend to start this new series, Barbacks.
This was all I was looking forward to and then some. I love it. This new series from Casey Morales is amazing and I'm hooked. I love the names, the fabolous crazy characters and the atmosphere of the whole universe created around Barbacks. It's fun, entertaining, sweet and spicey. All in one. The MC's are perfect for each other and I'm so glad they are the first pair out to find happiness.The writing is excellent and the language is creative and fun. Now I'm impatiently waiting for the next one. Highly recommend to start this new series, Barbacks.
Read
March 14, 2026Accidents can have unexpected consequences. Chase was running late for work when he collided with Finn outside what would soon turn into Barbaks. Finn left his dead-end bartending job to become part owner of Tampa's newest gay bar. Chase needs to eat when he walks into the new bar and sees the man he's been thinking of ever since they collided on the sidewalk. Thus starts a love story that will pull at you as these two wrestle with feelings that seem too fast but right like never before.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Finn and Chase's story is full of delightful characters that I found sweet, protective, funny, kindred souls that makes this book so heartwarming ❤️. Their journey since that fated meet cute on the sidewalk...slow build of their relationship, great banter, the found family/friends support, the mental stress, job struggles thungs we all can relate you can relate to...highly recommend I can't wait for the next book in the series...
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
This was different than Casey's other stories (which I absolutely loved), and was very fun and exciting to read.
Finn and Chase are delightful and both love to spiral internally until their besties bring them out of it.
Hilarious, thoughtful, loving, kinda dirty and such a wonderful story.
Cant wait for the rest of the Barbacks books to come.
I received an ARC from Book Sirens for my honest review.
Finn and Chase are delightful and both love to spiral internally until their besties bring them out of it.
Hilarious, thoughtful, loving, kinda dirty and such a wonderful story.
Cant wait for the rest of the Barbacks books to come.
I received an ARC from Book Sirens for my honest review.
Review of advance copy
This will make you smile
This is a lot of fun. Even though not much really happens, I was hooked throughout, very keen to finish it. It’s believable, full of characters you’d like to meet, and for such a simple story, it’s a riot of happy chaos from start to finish.
This is a lot of fun. Even though not much really happens, I was hooked throughout, very keen to finish it. It’s believable, full of characters you’d like to meet, and for such a simple story, it’s a riot of happy chaos from start to finish.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews