Tapped!: A fun, heartwarming mm contemporary romance

by Casey Morales

An NHL captain walks into a gay bar...

Skyler Shaw has the captain's C, a killer wrist shot, and the face of a franchise.

He's also straight. Completely, undeniably straight.

So why can't he stop thinking about the barback he met a month ago?

Jackson "Jacks" Mills was weeks from the NFL draft when his knee exploded and took his future with it. Now he's slinging drinks at Tampa's favorite gay sports bar, rebuilding a life he never planned. He's got his found family, his routine, and absolutely no business crushing on a straight hockey player who keeps showing up.

Because that's all this is. Friendship.

Just two guys who text constantly.

Who light up when the other walks in. Who keep finding excuses to stand too close and stare too long.

Friendship.

Sure, Skyler's never had a friend who makes his heart race. And maybe Jacks has never wanted to kiss a "friend" so badly it keeps him up at night.

But it doesn't mean anything.

...Right?

Tapped! is a slow-burn MM romance featuring an oblivious hockey bro discovering his "normal friend feelings" aren't so normal, a former athlete learning that needing help isn't weakness, and enough banter to fill a penalty box. Expect found family chaos, a glitter-obsessed bartender, teammates who see everything, and two idiots who are the last to know.

Can be read as a standalone but is better in series order. HEA guaranteed.

Genres: Hockey, M M Romance, Rom Com, Romance, LGBT, Gay

584 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 7, 2026

About the author

Casey 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.

Reviews

[frannilys · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was just too much that bothered me about this book:

• the humor. It’s a very childish/prankish kind of humor and just not for me.

• the inconsistency or plotholes. Like at the beginning Skyler and Jacks write each other on instagram but at the end suddenly Jacks never had a private instagram? Or Murphy was supposed to be the best friend as stated very early on but just kind of disappears or is replaced by Tyler and Erik. Or the gay panicking suddenly never happening. I could go on but you get the gist.

• why would you compare how an eight year old eats a popsicle to giving head?!? That’s so inappropriate.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I want to say if I could give this book more than 5 stars I would.

Skyler is one of those people who somehow became an NHL captain while still acting like emotions are a group project he forgot was due. The man can lead a team, handle pressure, and probably survive a playoff overtime, but ask him about feelings? Suddenly he’s buffering like bad Wi-Fi.

What makes Skyler so lovable is that underneath all the captain seriousness, he’s basically just a confused golden retriever trying very hard not to panic over Jackson. You can practically hear the internal screaming every time he sends a text. Half the romance in this book is Skyler staring at his phone like it personally betrayed him. But to his credit, he keeps trying. Quietly. Awkwardly. Heroically. The emotional support texting in this story deserves its own award category.

And then there’s Jackson—sweet, lovable, former football player Jackson—working at Barbacks while somehow surviving being surrounded by chaos 24/7. He’s shy, cautious, and fully convinced Skyler is straight, which means every interaction has him mentally preparing for disaster while the rest of us are screaming, “HE LIKES YOU, YOU BEAUTIFUL IDIOT.”

Honestly, Jackson being a huge TBL fan but never having gone to a game before is both adorable and offensive. Somebody needed to fix that immediately. The second he finally gets hockey-fan happiness, I was more emotional than I’d like to admit.

The chemistry between Skyler and Jackson works so well because neither of them has a clue what they’re doing emotionally. It’s basically two grown men texting each other like:
“Hey.”
“Hey.”
“What’s up?”
“Nothing.”
Meanwhile they’re both internally planning a wedding.

The Barbacks crew absolutely steals scenes left and right. Their found-family energy is chaotic perfection, and Benji? Benji deserves his own book immediately. No discussion. No debate. Just hand him the microphone and let him terrorize everyone for 300 pages. I would read it in one sitting.

Skyler’s teammates are equally nosy, which honestly feels medically required for hockey teammates in romance books. These men do not understand boundaries, privacy, or minding their own business, and thank God for that because it makes everything ten times funnier.

The hockey side of the story is done really well too. The games, locker room dynamics, and team atmosphere all feel authentic without drowning out the romance. And somehow the author managed to make endless texting between two men not only believable, but ridiculously entertaining.

Overall, this story is packed with laughs, friendship, awkward pining, self-acceptance, found family, emotional panic, and love. You’ll smile through the whole thing while also wanting to shake both main characters and yell, “JUST KISS ALREADY.

I received this ARC from BookFunnel and voluntarily leaving my review

Monica

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

We met Jacks in book 1, he's the barback for Finn. He is shy, introverted to newcomers but a joy to be around. Skyler Shaw is the Team Captain for Tampa's hockey team. They had interactions in book 1 that was more Skyler "fangirling" over Jacks' college football career that ended before it started. In this book, they become friends who can't seem to gett enough of each other, platonically. There's a pull that Skyler is afraid to recognize until finally he can't. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tammi Schneiderman · Rating 3 out of 5]

No spoilers* The first 60% was a great read with a couple plot inconsistencies. Then it just turned into a super sappy, rushed and unbelievable sequence of events. And more plot inconsistencies. Did I like the characters, yes. But it just felt like a different author wrote the second half, or was rushed to finish. Spice level 2.5/5. Will continue the series and hope it is more like the first book and first half of this book.

[Choyang · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Tapped' (Barbacks, Book 2) (Kindle) written by Casey Morales

August 2026

UPDATE: re-reading this whole series, which puts a big smile on my face! This series is on my permanent re-read shelf for sure.

Jacks is one of my favorite characters!

(Jacks, to Benji):
"You’re making something out of nothing. Skyler’s straight. He went through a breakup and needed someone to talk to. End of story.”

(Benji):
“The story where a famous hockey player drives across town to your place of work, asks for you by name, spends two hours in a booth with you, and then invites you to a private lunch date the next day?”

(Jacks):
“Friend date.”

(Benji):
“You keep using that word. I don’t think it means what you think it means.”

(Jacks):
“Did you 'Princess Bride' me?”

(Benji):
“It seemed appropriate given the circumstances.”

Benji hopped onto a bar stool and crossed his legs, settling in like he was preparing for a long interrogation."

One of the reasons that I like this author's works is humorous and snarky dialogue between intriguing characters; snark is my love language!

Previously: I had written a whole paragraph about why Finn & Mark hadn't hired extra crew, anticipating that the bar would get slammed on Game Nights, when Tampa Bay's own hockey team was playing either a home game or an away game. Seemed like they all were working most of the time!

However...being as how I tend to makes comments in my reviews before I've actually finished reading the book, and I just got to the part where they did hire extra crew for Game Nights...so, um, never mind.

(Jeez-a-loo, I need a better system!)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Older review:

I thoroughly am enjoying this book (still smiling), and this series!

The MCs were so mindful of protecting each other's feelings, especially Jacks awareness of this being Skyler's first time being with a guy sexually and taking things super slow and gently with him.

Great banter, fun text messages, and mostly good communication between them, with a few expected glitches here and there.

Loved the side characters, too, from Jacks' friends and support system with his work buddies, and Sky's teammates and friends, they lucked out on the family & friends sides! Benji-the-motormouth and Eric-the-Viking were my favorite side characters, although they all were pretty great!

I really liked how they each tried to handle their own stress by keeping the communication lines with their boyfriend open (for the most part) by talking through their stress...if all else fails, grab your partner and kiss them!

Loved the creative and fun covers of the books in this series (2, so far)! Whoever created these covers did a wonderful job with the design and with the choices of the models who seemed to embody the character's personalities perfectly!
(I'd go hang out at that bar with them and their friends anytime, especially during hockey games, (go Habs!... sorry Sky, lol)

They got their message across, "Love is Love"!
🙏🏾🌈💗🪷🥰☺️🌺💞

(note: while reading this I was also listening to Carla Morrison singing 'Eres Tú' and that lovely "official video" showing two guys getting married outdoors amidst their families and friends; it's really beautiful and sweet!
I was thinking of Sky & Jacks during that!)

Two thumbs up! 👍👍

[Fabigail Cohen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book 2 of series. In Book 1, side character Rod was Venezuelan and spoke perfect English. In Book 2, Rod is Brazilian and his syntax is weird. He tends to omit pronouns, which is typical of Spanish, not Portuguese. Because he doesn't speak Portuguese. Because he's from Venezuela.

[Mica Weber · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.0 Stars

This author is not for me. There is no fault with the writing, there was just not much story….

[Rishabh · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 🌟🌟🌟 - a breezy read with extremely likeable MCs, engaging despite some inconsistencies & plot holes

I enjoyed the portrayal of how the relationship developed between the leads in this book - ex FSU linebacker Jackson 'Jacks' Armstrong, whose promising career and NFL draft got completely sidetracked after his injury; and Skyler 'Sky' Shaw, Captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning (Bolts) NHL team. The added detail that Jacks used to be Sky's sporting icon/hero during his playing days added a nice depth and nuance to their association. It gives a solid grounding of past hero-worship of sorts, which becomes the initial reason why Sky is so powerfully drawn to Jacks, when he and his teammates visit Barbacks one night.

The course of their bonding - from trading DMs on insta graduating to a steady and frequent stream of texts; teasing banter and jokes which start going right upto the line of being flirtatious, to some deep and meaningful talks. A typical 'bros' bond between an athlete and a former athlete graduates into a very close and meaningful friendship; and while Jacks quickly becomes aware of his immense attraction towards Shaw, Shaw takes a bit more time to connect the dots, since he's always thus far assumed he was straight. But it's not long before he starts realizing the depth and breadth of his own burgeoning feelings for Jacks.

Some things which worked well for me - the way Sky reacts to Erik's explanation of how and when he realized what he felt for his girlfriend was love; and the way Sky realizes (with a mix of elation and terror) that this is how he feels for Jacks. I also liked the patience with which Jacks approaches Sky's sexual awakening/self-realization; he never forces the pace and follows Sky's comfort levels in sparking and deepening their intimacy. I also enjoyed the found family vibes and supportive atmosphere all round - from Jack's colleagues and friends (Finn, Benji, Mia); as well as Sky's teammates (Tyler, Erik and Murphy).

That said, there were several niggles through this book which prevented me from rating this higher. Some of the humor and jokes were genuinely funny, other exchanges just seemed rather juvenile and not the kind of banter one would expect from men in their late 20s. Some comic sequences were stretched too far (like the one where Sky invites Jacks and his friends to meet him after the game, and the conversation which flows after that). It was witty enough to begin with, but then just went on....and on....and on....Some of the quips were hilarious, but some (especially after Tyler and Erik join them) just fell flat.

There were also some very obvious inconsistencies which momentarily took me out of those respective scenes. For instance, right at the beginning, Jacks and Sky start corresponding over insta DMs - but towards the end of the book, Jacks says he's never had an instagram account.

Sky's sexual awakening/realization was handled quite well, but also contained glaring inconsistencies. When he's begun to accept his attraction to Jacks, Sky is depicted as not having a single clue about how men can be physically intimate with each other. To such an extreme degree that upon doing a google search, Sky is flabbergasted by the images of men having penetrative sex. But then, almost as an afterthought later on in the book, it's revealed that Sky's younger brother is out as gay, and so is his uncle. Sky and his brother are portrayed as being extremely close siblings, so how likely is it that after his own brother came out, Sky still doesn't have the slightest clue about how two men can have sex? Even if he himself hadn't realized his own attraction to men, surely he'd have known, on a theoretical level, as to how intimacy between queer men worked.

I also had some niggles with the pacing - the last 20 to 25% of the book just seemed to be racing to the finish line. Some aspects which needed to have a more in-depth focus were too fast-tracked and therefore missed out on the gravitas they ought to have had. The epilogue also kind of felt a bit perfunctory - would have liked the focus to be more on Jacks and Sky and their emotions; rather than being spread over more people.

So overall, this was a fairly enjoyable read which drew me in to Jacks and Sky's love story - but left me wishing that it had been executed better.

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

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacks and Skyler . . .

Jackson Mills ("Jacks") was struggling with an overfilled ice bucket he estimated had to be 4,000 pounds. His arms were screaming and he broke out in a sweat. The bartender/owner Finn shrugged and told him it was his job, then continued mixing a drink. Then Benji's voice called out to his "audience" of regulars as he stood there with three bottles clutched in his hands, a shaker balanced on his head, and a container of glitter tucked under his arm as he prepared to perform his tricks for the bar regulars --tricks that would be breaking health code compliance! Needless to say, it was a disaster. The glitter that got away from him reached the air conditioner and flew over the entire bar. Much of it fell in the fresh ice bucket that Jacks will now have to refill again. Benji himself was covered in glitter, but he somehow actually caught the 3 bottles! The customers cheered... and begged for an encore! Finn yelled no and grumbled about the glitter now down the back of his pants. Benji immediately reassured him that "Chase likes a little sparkle, trust me", which did not go over well in calming Chase's fiance -- Finn. Then Benji began serving customers the cocktails enhanced with glitter that he claimed added texture while Finn moaned about a lawsuit! Their bar was well known for constant chaos by now. Finn's co-owner Mark looked up from his spreadsheet to ask if he should ask what happened. At the single word "Benji", he said nevermind and added "glitter incident" to his insurance claim just in case. Chase, a lawyer, rolled his eyes and asked himself why he went into law as a career while Benji told Jacks that the glitter on his face brought out his eye color. They were all a crazy sort of "family", but it seemed to work well.

With the hockey game underway, Jacks thought back to six weeks ago when NHL captain Skyler Shaw had walked into the bar and raised eyebrows. He had seemed to recognize Jacks and even knew his college jersey number and remembered football games Jacks had been part of years ago. But he never came back to the bar a second time like he promised. And now he and his buddies are on the TV screen hopefully winning the big hockey game now in progress! Skyler may be straight, but he also can't stop thinking about the barback Jacks he had met over a month ago. Jacks, a talented athlete, had expected to be drafted into the NFL but his knee exploded and ended all chance for that future. And Jacks knows he shouldn't be crushing on a straight hockey player. This is only friendship. But it seems to feel like something more. Is it something they might pursue? Or will they continue living the ruse that they are just friends? The story is humorous and delightfully "cute" as they muddle around in uncertainty not realizing they already have won the heart they have longed for.

[Kitchen Sink Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started the Barbacks series I knew Casey Morales had written something that was going to be a bestseller, one that I would be coming back to over and over again. I haven't laughed out loud so often when reading for a long time. And the romance - swoon!!!

Then I read 'Tapped!' I stand corrected, I have now laughed out loud more than ever and completely lost my heart to Jacks and Skyler. Not only are they the most adorable couple I have ever come across they somehow have managed to be the most clueless too! Their cluelessness is one of their most endearing qualities too. As the reader we can see what they can't and rather than being frustrating it's absolutely adorable. I wanted to wrap them both in the biggest hug and honestly I wouldn't mind if they wrapped me in big hugs too but since they only have eyes for one another I'll forgive them for not thinking of it!

Jacks is the Barback, the one who was almost in the NFL draft but who's busted knee put an end to any chances he would have had. Skyler is the hockey team Captain for the local team, they are going places with their game this year. He and some teammates have heard of the bar, decide to visit. JAck's and Skyler's fates are sealed in that moment. After Skyler gets over his shock at seeing his idol in person, yes, he has a poster (which may or may not be framed and hanging in his lounge) of Jacks, they actually start talking. It's not smooth, it's not clever but it is real, very real. They could see themselves becoming friends. It can't be more because Skyler is undeniably straight. At least that is what he tells himself, his friends have other ideas and Jacks, well he has hopes!

These two 'friends' spend all their spare moments texting one another, light up when the other walks into a room, find more excuses than you might realise are possible, to stand close to one another and the fact that Jacks wants to kiss Skyler really doesn't mean anything, does it? It can't, surely, since Skyler doesn't feel the same, although we know differently. This book has my heart, it's taken over, it's embedded in me now, the characters not only develop from book 1 but they grow into their own, we have all their stories running into one another and the experience is nothing short of incredible.

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

[Jim Freihofer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book #2 in Casey's "Barbacks" series. It can be read stand-alone, but to get the full impact you need to read the series in order. MC's are Jacks (short for Jackson), former FSU linebacker who gave up football after a devestating injury and is now lead barback at a gay sports bar in Tampa, along with Skyler, the captain of the Tampa Bay Lightening NHL team. This series is "low angst" rom-com material, and guaranteed to make you laugh from Chapter 1.

Four open-minded hockey players from the Lightning decide to pay a surprise visit to the new gay sports bar that has quickly become the go-to venue for Lightning hockey fans. Skyler, the team captain, and Jacks, the curly-haired barback, develop some instant chemistry during the encounter. What starts out as a friendship between these two jocks slowly but surely evolves into something much deeper emotionally, and then eventually physically. Turns out that Skyler has been privately jonesing for Jacks for awhile, including having one of Jacks' FSU football jerseys professionally framed over his living room couch. So when the fireworks start with Skyler making the first move, it's totally believable. Jacks gets all my love & respect for the way he nurtures Skyler through Skyler's coming-out process. There are plenty of issues to be dealt with that will keep you turning the pages, and eventually we get their HEA in the Epilogue (boy, it's a really dramatic HEA too!).

IMHO there are a few missing pieces in the plotline. Jacks' framed jersey on Skyler's LR wall doesn't get any play. And Skyler's agent is not involved at all in Skyler's eventual public coming-out. Little issues like that. But overall this is a great second addition to the series. Can't wait for Benji's story to follow this one! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Book Hoarder · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a senior at FSU Jackson Armstrong was described as a generational talent linebacker. He had everything going for him and his life laid out and then two weeks before the NFL Draft he blew up his knee at practice and just like that his career was over before it ever started and he would never play football again. Now he was working at BarBacks, the new gay sports bar in Ybor. His life as a barback was hauling kegs and bussing tables and keeping the ice bins full. But he worked out, kept his body toned and looked forward to hockey nights. When the Tampa Bay Lightning were playing the crowds in the bar were wild and the owners couldn’t have been happier. One afternoon three big guys wandered into the bar, said they were on the team and heard this place was their biggest fan draw in town and they wanted to see what it was about. Skyler, Erik and Tyler were friendly to everyone, but Jacks couldn’t take his eyes off golden hair team captain Skyler Shaw. Who was undeniably straight. Six weeks later they were back with a fourth teammate. Nice to everyone, signed autographs, overtipped when they left. So Jacks couldn’t figure it out when Skyler kept coming back to the bar alone just to hang out and talk. Lots and lots of texting, every day. Then lunch at the taco stand. When Erik proposed to his girlfriend, Skylar asked him how he knew. And Erik’s answer turned Skyler’s life around, his reason for failed relationships and unhappy girlfriends, his feelings for Jacks.
Tapped is more than just an MM contemporary romance. It’s waking up from everything that has been wrong in your life to find everything that’s now so right. It’s love, no second guessing, authenticity and courage. That being Honest about who you are wasn’t just brave, it was necessary. It’s 10 but I can only give five stars.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed all of Casey Morales’s books, but I’m really invested in these fun rom-com novels centered on Barbacks. Barbacks is a gay sports bar, a place where one can go and watch that hockey rom-com series, or whatever sports ball game is on that night, have a few drinks with friends, or a date – and not be propositioned by half-naked strangers dancing to too-loud music. It’s also devoted to the local hockey team, the Lighting Bolts.

Here, Bolts Captain Skyler strikes up a friendship with Jackson, the actual barback for Barbacks. Skyler has a framed poster (and jersey) from Jackson’s glory days playing football for Florida University. One injury in Jackson’s senior year destroyed his dream of playing pro ball. Skyler and Jackson are drawn to one another, though it takes Skyler a minute or ten to figure out that he really wants to date Jackson.

I like the slow burn, the getting to know one another via text message and random lunches. I like that it takes these guys for-freaking-ever to actually have sex. And I especially like that once Skyler figures it all out, he’s all in. It does take him awhile to get to that point, though. Jacks has some great ways of describing Sky and his teammates. According to him, Sky has “golden retriever energy,” and Murph looks “like Yosemite Sam had mated with Popeye and turned to hockey.”

The team’s full throated welcome of Jacks as Sky’s boyfriend is amazing – especially the ancient Viking ritual. Happy tears again, Morales. But, then, I always do cry at weddings…

Now, after already engineering a glitter apocalypse, I’m a little afraid to read Benji’s story in the next book!.

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

[Babara-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

SWEET, FUNNY AND INSPIRATIONAL !💕 🏈🍹🍺🏒🌈💞

I received an ARC from BOOKSPROUT but unfortunately the file was too big to download, so Kindle Unlimited came in handy!

Barbacks is becoming the place to be in Tampa with all its zany, heartwarming staff and patrons who love ice hockey and gay ice hockey love series’s!

We met Jackson Armstrong in book one as the sweet burley barback who was once a NFL draft pick shoe-in until a deliberating career injury…

Skylar Shaw Captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning NHL team walked into Barback’s sport gay bar with his closest teammates one night and laid eyes on his football hero Jackson Miller and so began a friendship of texting and bro “dates” that changed both their lives…

“It’s only a message, Three letters. One tap” Hey…

Skylar’s sexual awakening was hilariously funny and sweet with Jacks patient guidance and acceptance that was so awe inspiring and sweet not to mention his teammates support, family support and a found family of Barbacks staff!

“When you kissed me, it felt like every single thing that had ever gone wrong in my life had been leading me to that exact moment. It felt as though every heartbreak and every lonely night was actually the universe clearing a path to you.”

There were a couple of inconsistencies and plot holes but that did not deter me from their beautiful love story!

I loved the epilogue with that twist which was heartfelt and heartwarming so be forewarned to keep the tissues handy!

I look forward to see what Benji and his neighbour has in store next!

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

[Max C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tapped! Barbacks Book 2 by Casey Morales is fantastic. He has a way of creating a world that you want to be a part of. It draws you in and you never want to let go :) I loved Jacks and Skyler.

"...We keep being happy, we keep being honest, and we keep being us...We keep proving that love stories don't have to be complicated or angsty or filled with obstacles to be extraordinary."

All your favorite characters from book one are still featured including Finn, Chase, Mark, Benji, and of course your Tampa Lightening players. Book two focuses on Jacks and Skyler, who met in book one...Well being mutual fanboys of each other gives them an in to talk and start a friendship which leads to more which leads to more and more if you know what I mean.

I loved that their love story wasn't complicated, I loved that they had a support system and people who loved and looked out for them because not everyone does. I'm not necessarily sure I feel the reaction from the hockey community at large would have been as accepting as it seemed like in the book. They did mention there were random haters but they had good people who had their backs family found and related. The spice level is pretty standard, it is passionate and hot but you can feel the love and emotional connection so it wasn't just hooking up it meant something to them and that is beautiful. I whole heartedly recommend this book.

i received this as and advanced reader copy via booksprout for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Glenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A straight hockey team captain changes when he meets his teenage hero

The characterization of this work as a heartwarming romance is entirely appropriate. Author Casey Morales' second installment in this series depicts a gay bar frequented by hockey enthusiasts, which functions as a communal or brotherhood-like gathering.

One character, Jackson "Jacks" Mills, experienced a career-ending knee injury. In Book 1, when the local hockey team captain, Skyler Shaw, visits the bar alongside fellow team members to express their appreciation for the establishment's support, he recognizes Jacks and mentions that he has framed Jacks' jersey in his residence. Jacks is quite shy and tends to refrain from engaging prominently in interactions.

Nevertheless, the two individuals have much to discuss, which has led their relationship to settle into a friendly zone. This work is categorized as a romance, imbued with numerous humorous lines. However, certain segments do not flow as seamlessly as those in Book 1.

Despite these inconsistencies and occasional juvenile humor, the book remains engaging and difficult to put down. An important element of the narrative is the heartfelt speech delivered by one of the hockey players, explaining his decision to marry his beloved, which significantly influences Sky's development. The language employed and the sincerity conveyed in the speech exemplify the player's deep affection for the woman he adores and wishes to be with at all times.

It's not a short read, but it was a great ride.

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘For the first time in my life, I wasn’t worried about the future’ – Fun with the barbacks!

The inimitable Casey Morales continues to create fascinating and authentic realms for his MM romances. His series now includes Nashville Spicy, Heartstrings of Honor, Of Crowns & Quills, Of Shadows & Secrets, Land of Jade & Fire, and now Barbacks – a welcome step away from his historic war novels and visits into Asian realms, and focuses on fun, happiness, and light hearted romance!

Setting the tone of this delightful book, we meet Jacks, the Barback: ‘The ice bucket weighed four thousand pounds. Okay, maybe not four thousand, but my arms were screaming as I hoisted it onto the bar.’ Next, Skyler, the hockey captain: ‘I still wasn’t used to the private jet thing. Every time I walked up those steps and ducked through that door, some part of my brain short-circuited. But that was my life now.’ And as the story flows, Jacks wins hearts as the patient, protective bartender whose quiet strength and unwavering support provide the perfect anchor for Skyler's journey of self-discovery. Add a superb cast of supporting actors and the result - a thoroughly enjoyable new novel that enhances Casey Morales’ stature!

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Barbacks series. This is the story of Skyler Shaw and Jackson "Jacks" Mills. Skyler is the Captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning local hockey team. Jacks is a barback at Tampa's favorite gay sports bar. He never got to enjoy his expected career in the NFL due to a knee injury just before the draft. When Skyler and a few teammates drop by one night to support the largest fanbase bar in the city, he recognizes Jacks. He followed his career and was a huge fan of his playing. In fact, he has a framed poster of Jacks and his jersey somewhere at home. The two meet as two respected professional athletes and slowly become friends. Jacks is gay but he knows that Skyler is straight. Neither one is aware that statement might be changing. This is their story. I enjoyed how their relationship started through texting. It is always easier to be honest when you are not face to face. There are an amazing amount of secondary characters for either of them. The team camaraderie is really enjoyable. The found family among the bar staff is another group to enjoy. The book is well written and easy to read. A sweet romantic comedy. I look forward to the next book in this series.

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

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun and genuinely sweet sports romance. I’m always a sucker for the “straight guy absolutely not realising he’s falling in love” trope, and Skyler delivered that perfectly. Watching him slowly spiral from “we’re just friends” into full-on heart-eyes over Jacks was both hilarious and adorable.

The chemistry between them felt really natural. I loved that the relationship had time to build instead of rushing straight into romance. The constant texting, the banter, the excuses to spend more time together, it all made the payoff feel worth it. Jacks was probably my favourite though. He was patient, grounded, and so supportive without losing his own personality in the relationship.

The found family vibes were also fantastic. The bar crew and teammates added so much humour and warmth to the story, and the whole book had that easy, low-angst rom-com energy that makes it hard to put down.

Overall, this was a really charming slow burn with lovable characters, great chemistry, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Definitely left me excited for more in the series.
I received an arc and this is my honest review

[Mommysuz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacks had his football career cut short right before he was drafted to the pros, and now he finds himself working at Barbacks a place that has become his family. Every time the Lightnings play, the bar goes all out celebrating and supporting the team. When the Lightnings players hear about it and stop by to thank them, that’s when Skyler realizes the guy behind the bar is none other than his college football idol, Jacks. Skyler is such a huge fan he even has a framed picture of Jacks.

Mia reminds me so much of Sisi from Casey’s The Nursling. Casey really knows how to write the best side characters. I honestly want to be friends with them. Like all of Casey’s books, this one is another winner. You’ll find yourself smiling from beginning to end.

The only thing I wish had been included was the scene at Barbacks during Skyler’s press conference. I can only imagine the absolute craziness there. All the cheering and screaming would have been so much fun to experience.

And Benji’s book is next.  OMG, I’m jumping and squealing like a teenage girl! I cannot wait to see how much glitter is going to explode

[Deborah Moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, my goodness! Tapped! is so much fun! I was giggling on the first page. This story had me laughing, snickering, swooning and fanning myself. Sometimes on the same page. This is what happens when a "straight" hockey player walks into a gay bar after he finds the barback used to be his favorite college football player, until a career ending injury. I mean, the hockey player has a framed poster of him. And maybe a framed jersey, too. Maybe. He'll never tell.

This story takes Skylar, the hockey player, and Jack's, the football player turned barback, through their friendship to love. There is romance and swooning and kisses along the way, along with snarky side characters, thrilling hockey games and heat.

This is book two in Casey's Barbacks series, so if you've read book one, you'll see some of the characters from that book. And there's a lovely HEA. I am really enjoying this series, set in a fictional gay sports bar in Tampa. The characters are realistic and fun. I'm learned a lot about hockey too.

[Mary Gilli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Casey has a true gift in his writing that keeps me reading book after book of his. Tapped did not disappoint. I will caution readers to be aware of who is around them when they read Tapped!! I laughed out loud so many times in this book my husband thought I was going crazy. The secondary characters - Benji, Murph are some of the funniest characters I've ever read. The story is rich in love, laughs, found family and friendship. The writing brings out all of the feels.

The main characters are lovable but they haven't been lucky in love. They meet at a gay bar where one of them is a barback and the other is a straight NHL captain. They have instant chemistry but each believes the other cannot possibly want to be in a relationship with them. Their found families help them along the way and encourage them to be open to dating and falling in love.

I would highly recommend Tapped if you are looking for a fun heartwarming story with lovable characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Emily M · Rating 4 out of 5]

it’s Casey, what else can I say?

Casey Morales is back with a queer romcom guaranteed to make you laugh out loud and melt your heart.

I love the low angst and found family vibes of this series. No third act break up is giving me all the life right now.

Skylar’s queer awakening is handled so well with enough angst and worry to make it believable but not so much to make it stressful.

I think the author handled particularly well Jacks’s concerns as Skylar is working out his identity and it mirrors so well with another of the author’s previous series.

There was plenty of action still from the bar and all the wild and fun characters we grew to love in the first book. I love when authors keep the past characters coming back so we can see how they’re doing. We’ve grown invested in them in previous books so of course we want to see them being blissfully happy in their HEA!

Bring on Benji! I’m so ready for that goofball to get his romance on! The poor guy deserves it after all the wild dating stories he’s been put through!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please catch me, I'm swooning. This is may be the sweetest and most romantic book Casey Morales has written. This second book in the series focuses on two athletes, one whose career ended in college and one who is in the thick of professional sports. Jacks is happy with his life working at Barbacks with his crazy found family. He once was a rising college football star, but an injury ended all of that. Skyler is an NHL star who has come face-to-face with his football idol working as a barback. There is instant chemistry between them that they both keep rationalizing as friendship. But as they grow closer, Skyler has to admit to himself that he's not exactly straight and that Jacks might be worth coming out for. This was exactly the kind of low angst, warm hug of a book that I needed in my life. These two MCs were both sweet and supportive and nothing but good to one another. I was smiling the whole way through and just soaking up the happiness. Totally recommend.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of Barbacks. While it can be read as a standalone for maximum enjoyment read the books in series order.

'Tapped! is a slow-burn MM romance featuring an oblivious hockey bro discovering his "normal friend feelings" aren't so normal, a former athlete learning that needing help isn't weakness, and enough banter to fill a penalty box. Expect found family chaos, a glitter-obsessed bartender, teammates who see everything, and two idiots who are the last to know.'

Luv'd everything about this story!

The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

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

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first book in this series and really liked it but this second book I love. Jacks works as a barback at Barbacks the gay bar, he met Skylar a professional hockey player when Skylar came to the bar after finding out Barbacks shows all their hockey games and makes every hockey night special. Jacks is a former college football star and gay and has found a family working at Barbacks. Skylar is straight but is obsessed with Jacks and his time as a football star, he has Jacks’ jersey framed and knows every game he played. Skylar slowly realizes with the help of his friends that he has feelings for Jacks. Jacks is such a sweetheart and Skylar is amazing. If you love a low angst story where 2 people fall in love with each other then this is the story for you.
Story 4.75, Spice 2
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in the author’s Barbacks series featuring a gay owned bar that welcomes everyone, no matter who they are.

This was such an awesome book! I swear, it was full of laughs with all of the MCs’ nutty friends yet still so dang sweet my heart just melted. There was absolutely no angst, no drama and, best of all, no third act breakup! No questioning, no denials, no harassment, just pure acceptance from, not only THEIR families, but also from the found family they chose to surround themselves with and that was EVERYTHING!!

I have absolutely nothing negative to say about this book, it was amazingly good and something I can easily see myself rereading, even with as long as it is, it was absolutely worth it. 5 stars.

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

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack's is living life as a barback at Barbacks. Skyler plays hockey for the Lightening, a captain. Their courtship is built on friendship and understanding. The book is humorous despite the side characters, Murph and Benji, hogging more than their share of the jokes. It's also great to have encouragement from all sides on the bi-awakening, little angst. There is the sympathy for the sacrificial naugas, such depths of empathy. " Home was no longer a place; it was a person." Profoundness interlaced with humor, warmth and the infusion of love. The full naming never gets old. Who could ask for more in a book? Casey has done it again, another favorite to add to his profile and my growing list by him. I received a copy of this and this is my voluntary opinion.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like usual, Casey Morales gives us a fun filled love story, with imperfect characters that choose to be imperfect together. The relationship between Skyler and Jacks doesn’t come out of the blue, and it isn’t all sunshine and roses from the very first glance: it grows by showing up for each other, by being themselves with each other, by choosing to be vulnerable and see what happens and how the other person treats the mushier parts that are usually hidden from view, it grows when they choose to take a risk and are honest and open, when they decide that being together is worth the possible backlash and scrutiny from others, it grows bit by bit, day by day, conversation by conversation, and it’s beautiful to behold.

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

[Angi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skylar, the straight captain of the Tampa NHL team has become friends with Jacks the NFL draft pick who blew out his knee and now is a part of the crazy family at Barbacks, the hottest gay sports bar in Tampa. Skylar knows his feelings don’t seem right for a straight guy who can’t get enough of his cute gay friend. Casey Morales writes these characters that you just get attached to, each one is uniquely amazing. Skylar and Jacks are the two sweetest characters with these huge hearts. They just fit perfectly together and as their relationship unfolds my heart could hardly stand it. This book is funny, sweet and maybe the best work from Casey Morales yet.