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Comped!: A fun mm contemporary romantic comedy
The trip was free. The falling wasn’t.
Mark Delgado doesn’t do vacations. He takes meetings and schedules inspections.
So when his best friend Finn drags him to a charity drag show and a queen named Ineeda Phalis diagnoses him as the saddest man in Tampa, Mark figures the night can't get any worse.
Then he wins the raffle.
His prize? A week at an all-inclusive tropical resort.
Mark arrives with three suitcases, a first aid kit, and the only collared shirt on the entire island. He's ready to flee . . . until he spots another overdressed man in the lobby.
Wes, a travel photographer with an easy grin, has absolutely no idea what he's about to do to a man who has spent his whole, careful life keeping his armor on.
The trip includes four days, a hidden cove, and a flame that burns far too hot for two grown men who both know better.
It's also the best week of Mark's life.
Mark Delgado doesn’t do vacations. He takes meetings and schedules inspections.
So when his best friend Finn drags him to a charity drag show and a queen named Ineeda Phalis diagnoses him as the saddest man in Tampa, Mark figures the night can't get any worse.
Then he wins the raffle.
His prize? A week at an all-inclusive tropical resort.
Mark arrives with three suitcases, a first aid kit, and the only collared shirt on the entire island. He's ready to flee . . . until he spots another overdressed man in the lobby.
Wes, a travel photographer with an easy grin, has absolutely no idea what he's about to do to a man who has spent his whole, careful life keeping his armor on.
The trip includes four days, a hidden cove, and a flame that burns far too hot for two grown men who both know better.
It's also the best week of Mark's life.
170 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2026
About the author
Casey Morales
55 books464 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 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 21, 2026
I enjoyed this. It's an uncomplicated short story with mature characters. Perfect read for an afternoon in the sun.
Finn was funny, the type of friend who could be overpowering but was written with heart. He's loud, brash, but genuinely cares.
Mark and Wes; the holiday is a week, but it felt unrushed. Measured.
It's short, finishes at 72% but felt complete.
Finn was funny, the type of friend who could be overpowering but was written with heart. He's loud, brash, but genuinely cares.
Mark and Wes; the holiday is a week, but it felt unrushed. Measured.
It's short, finishes at 72% but felt complete.
July 18, 2026
Bossman is a softy
I often wondered when reading the earlier released books in this series why Mark didn’t interacted that much with the characters. He held himself aloof, except when he talked with Finn. Yet, now we know he has his own SO, and he was never mentioned or hinted at in those books.
Who knew this ultimate Bossman had such hang ups about his sculpted body build, and his shyness. Anyway, I loved what his best friend Finn did to get Mark away from his beloved building sites and onto that island where he had to strut his stuff just like everybody else. Until he saw that kindred spirit and got very brave and took that leap of faith in his friend Finn was hoping for.
Onwards to next the this lighthearted fun series.
I often wondered when reading the earlier released books in this series why Mark didn’t interacted that much with the characters. He held himself aloof, except when he talked with Finn. Yet, now we know he has his own SO, and he was never mentioned or hinted at in those books.
Who knew this ultimate Bossman had such hang ups about his sculpted body build, and his shyness. Anyway, I loved what his best friend Finn did to get Mark away from his beloved building sites and onto that island where he had to strut his stuff just like everybody else. Until he saw that kindred spirit and got very brave and took that leap of faith in his friend Finn was hoping for.
Onwards to next the this lighthearted fun series.
July 17, 2026
The only thing worth having is the thing you can’t run the numbers on! – Getter to know Barbacks better!
Gifted author 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 his inimitable Barbacks – and from a grateful audience, Thank You Casey for this Prequel to that series, bringing additional insights as to all of the Barbacks characters, and why they provide such fun and entertainment.
Setting the tone of this delightful book, the opening lines invite laughter: ‘Green eyes blinked beneath glittery mascara for a full thirty seconds. Fists were balled and panted firmly on ample hips. Ruby lips pursed. The crowd laughed in anticipation of the public molestation they were about to witness. I shifted in my seat, finally beginning to understand that sitting in the front row at a drag show had been one of the worst decisions of my adult life, which was saying something for a man who had once personally co-signed a loan for his cousin’s food truck.‘
To further appreciate the antics of his Prequel, Casey provides a fine synopsis: ‘The trip was free. The falling wasn’t. Mark Delgado doesn’t do vacations. He takes meetings and schedules inspections. So when his best friend Finn drags him to a charity drag show and a queen named Ineeda Phalis diagnoses him as the saddest man in Tampa, Mark figures the night can't get any worse. Then he wins the raffle. His prize? A week at an all-inclusive tropical resort. Mark arrives with three suitcases, a first aid kit, and the only collared shirt on the entire island. He's ready to flee . . . until he spots another overdressed man in the lobby. Wes, a travel photographer with an easy grin, has absolutely no idea what he's about to do to a man who has spent his whole, careful life keeping his armor on. The trip includes four days, a hidden cove, and a flame that burns far too hot for two grown men who both know better. It's also the best week of Mark's life.’ COMPED! Is a thoroughly enjoyable new novel that enhances Casey Morales’ stature!
Gifted author 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 his inimitable Barbacks – and from a grateful audience, Thank You Casey for this Prequel to that series, bringing additional insights as to all of the Barbacks characters, and why they provide such fun and entertainment.
Setting the tone of this delightful book, the opening lines invite laughter: ‘Green eyes blinked beneath glittery mascara for a full thirty seconds. Fists were balled and panted firmly on ample hips. Ruby lips pursed. The crowd laughed in anticipation of the public molestation they were about to witness. I shifted in my seat, finally beginning to understand that sitting in the front row at a drag show had been one of the worst decisions of my adult life, which was saying something for a man who had once personally co-signed a loan for his cousin’s food truck.‘
To further appreciate the antics of his Prequel, Casey provides a fine synopsis: ‘The trip was free. The falling wasn’t. Mark Delgado doesn’t do vacations. He takes meetings and schedules inspections. So when his best friend Finn drags him to a charity drag show and a queen named Ineeda Phalis diagnoses him as the saddest man in Tampa, Mark figures the night can't get any worse. Then he wins the raffle. His prize? A week at an all-inclusive tropical resort. Mark arrives with three suitcases, a first aid kit, and the only collared shirt on the entire island. He's ready to flee . . . until he spots another overdressed man in the lobby. Wes, a travel photographer with an easy grin, has absolutely no idea what he's about to do to a man who has spent his whole, careful life keeping his armor on. The trip includes four days, a hidden cove, and a flame that burns far too hot for two grown men who both know better. It's also the best week of Mark's life.’ COMPED! Is a thoroughly enjoyable new novel that enhances Casey Morales’ stature!
July 18, 2026
A photographer catches a contractor who won't rest
I have read three books from the Barbacks series by Casey Morales, and I regret not reading this particular volume first. It serves as a prequel to the series, characterized by genuine humor, witty exchanges, and sincere enjoyment.
The narrative elaborates on Mark Delagado, who acquires a bar that he eventually operates with his friends. The setting resembles a blend of Cheers, with ownership, and Schitt's Creek in episodic form, featuring characters who genuinely care for one another. In the story, Mark becomes the target of his friend Finn—who is entrusted with managing the bar—at a drag show. During this event, Mark, a hardworking contractor unlikely to have taken a vacation, is playfully teased by the drag queen in charge for wearing a work shirt to the event and being mocked for never taking time off.
Subsequently, his fortunes change when, after being cheered on by the audience, he wins a prize—a week at a tropical resort. He brings enough clothing, including multiple work shirts bearing his construction company's name, to last several weeks, only to discover that the resort is clothing-optional. Finn enthusiastically embraces the environment, and his charismatic personality attracts an entourage that encourages Mark to relax and unwind. Wes, a travel photographer hired to capture carefully composed images at the resort, perceives Mark's true nature and assists him in overcoming his apprehension about relaxing. As this is a romantic comedy, a romantic relationship develops between Mark and Wes.
This book is an excellent, albeit brief, read. It features profound character development and facilitates an understanding of the initial three books in the Barbacks series, which I highly recommend.
I have read three books from the Barbacks series by Casey Morales, and I regret not reading this particular volume first. It serves as a prequel to the series, characterized by genuine humor, witty exchanges, and sincere enjoyment.
The narrative elaborates on Mark Delagado, who acquires a bar that he eventually operates with his friends. The setting resembles a blend of Cheers, with ownership, and Schitt's Creek in episodic form, featuring characters who genuinely care for one another. In the story, Mark becomes the target of his friend Finn—who is entrusted with managing the bar—at a drag show. During this event, Mark, a hardworking contractor unlikely to have taken a vacation, is playfully teased by the drag queen in charge for wearing a work shirt to the event and being mocked for never taking time off.
Subsequently, his fortunes change when, after being cheered on by the audience, he wins a prize—a week at a tropical resort. He brings enough clothing, including multiple work shirts bearing his construction company's name, to last several weeks, only to discover that the resort is clothing-optional. Finn enthusiastically embraces the environment, and his charismatic personality attracts an entourage that encourages Mark to relax and unwind. Wes, a travel photographer hired to capture carefully composed images at the resort, perceives Mark's true nature and assists him in overcoming his apprehension about relaxing. As this is a romantic comedy, a romantic relationship develops between Mark and Wes.
This book is an excellent, albeit brief, read. It features profound character development and facilitates an understanding of the initial three books in the Barbacks series, which I highly recommend.
September 1, 2026
Not for me.
The issue for me was that the author thought they were funny, but I felt like they were not, and the "humor" was forced and missed the mark. I absolutely love to laugh, but this book did not make me laugh at all. A character would be laughing at something that wasn't funny, and I would reread a line to make sure I didn't miss something—nope. The author likes the type of friendship that involves constant teasing, which gets old fast. Who would want to be around friends that did nothing but tease them? Finn was so annoying, very immature, and to me, was not that good of a friend. Mark's character is written well, but unfortunately, everything else about this book was a miss for me.
The issue for me was that the author thought they were funny, but I felt like they were not, and the "humor" was forced and missed the mark. I absolutely love to laugh, but this book did not make me laugh at all. A character would be laughing at something that wasn't funny, and I would reread a line to make sure I didn't miss something—nope. The author likes the type of friendship that involves constant teasing, which gets old fast. Who would want to be around friends that did nothing but tease them? Finn was so annoying, very immature, and to me, was not that good of a friend. Mark's character is written well, but unfortunately, everything else about this book was a miss for me.
July 22, 2026
What happens when a grumpy contractor wins a vacation to a clothing optional resort? And takes his best friend party boy with him? The bestie, Finn, immediately gets with the program and makes everyone his friend. The grumpy contractor, Mark, finds the one other person, not working, who is also dressed.
This book was funny and charming. The characters were well written. I loved it. It's a novella set before Barbacks the gay bar opens. The only trigger warning is to watch out if you're drinking something at the wrong time because I definitely would have spit my drink out.
This book was funny and charming. The characters were well written. I loved it. It's a novella set before Barbacks the gay bar opens. The only trigger warning is to watch out if you're drinking something at the wrong time because I definitely would have spit my drink out.
July 29, 2026
Fun story
What a fun story! This prequel to the series was such an enjoyable read. I've loved Mark ever since he appeared in the other books, so I was excited to finally get his story and it did not disappoint.
Finn and Mark win tickets for a week of sun, sand, and relaxation, only to arrive and discover they've staying at a clothing optional resort. The unexpected setting leads to plenty of laugh out loud moments.
If you've enjoyed the rest of the series, this is a must read. It was the perfect way to learn more about Mark.
What a fun story! This prequel to the series was such an enjoyable read. I've loved Mark ever since he appeared in the other books, so I was excited to finally get his story and it did not disappoint.
Finn and Mark win tickets for a week of sun, sand, and relaxation, only to arrive and discover they've staying at a clothing optional resort. The unexpected setting leads to plenty of laugh out loud moments.
If you've enjoyed the rest of the series, this is a must read. It was the perfect way to learn more about Mark.
September 14, 2026
Excellent as always, but a changed character
Mark in book one is happy and cheeky and supposed to be able to talk anyone into anything. He also has 6 dogs and his house smells like a kennel? Good grief.
In this prequel and the following books he changes and becomes dour. I'm not sure why and I'm not sure who looks after his 6 dogs when he's not home. It's odd, but I'm hoping there'll be some tying together in his book due out in October, sans Wes. 🙀 Can't wait.
Mark in book one is happy and cheeky and supposed to be able to talk anyone into anything. He also has 6 dogs and his house smells like a kennel? Good grief.
In this prequel and the following books he changes and becomes dour. I'm not sure why and I'm not sure who looks after his 6 dogs when he's not home. It's odd, but I'm hoping there'll be some tying together in his book due out in October, sans Wes. 🙀 Can't wait.
July 16, 2026
A great teaser to Bounced!
An easy reading novella, which gives an hilarious insight into Mark, who so far has been in the background of the Barbacks series. This was a fun read and has definitely left me looking forward to Mark's own story coming later this year
An easy reading novella, which gives an hilarious insight into Mark, who so far has been in the background of the Barbacks series. This was a fun read and has definitely left me looking forward to Mark's own story coming later this year
July 18, 2026
cute
This is basically the prequel to the Barbacks series and the start to Marks story. It’s cute and gives quite a bit of insight to his character. I am not sure when or if Wes will appear in the future book but hopefully he will.
This is basically the prequel to the Barbacks series and the start to Marks story. It’s cute and gives quite a bit of insight to his character. I am not sure when or if Wes will appear in the future book but hopefully he will.
July 18, 2026
I didn't want it to end...
How to fall in love with a character in the first chapter of a book... Yep read this book and you will.
I've laughed out loud and held my heart throughout this story. I can't wait for Mark's full story now!
How to fall in love with a character in the first chapter of a book... Yep read this book and you will.
I've laughed out loud and held my heart throughout this story. I can't wait for Mark's full story now!
July 18, 2026
Bravo!
Such a fun read. Through the first three books I'd look at every new character with the question, will this be the guy for Mark?
And here he had a guy already. A great pairing and a very unique plot line. Really special.
Such a fun read. Through the first three books I'd look at every new character with the question, will this be the guy for Mark?
And here he had a guy already. A great pairing and a very unique plot line. Really special.
July 19, 2026
I honestly thought Mark was going to have his own book later, but never thought it could be a prequel.
I'm so happy happy happy for him. I was feeling sad if he was single seeing all of the coupling.
I'm so happy happy happy for him. I was feeling sad if he was single seeing all of the coupling.
July 20, 2026
Happy
I love a happy romance! Learning more about Mark was fun and full of love. I can hardly wait for Mark's book in this series.
I love a happy romance! Learning more about Mark was fun and full of love. I can hardly wait for Mark's book in this series.
July 25, 2026
I love this story
I really love this book. It does a wonderful job of illustrating what accepting love into your life can mean ❤️❤️❤️
I really love this book. It does a wonderful job of illustrating what accepting love into your life can mean ❤️❤️❤️
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews