What do you think?
Rate this book
The Brazen Boys #4
Dog Tags
*** Each novella in The Brazen Boys series is a standalone M/M romance. They can be read in any order. ***
THE BRAZEN BOYS SERIES:
#1 : "Dorm Game (The Brazen Boys)"
#2 : "On The Edge (The Brazen Boys)"
#3 : "Owned By The Freshman (The Brazen Boys)"
#4 : "Dog Tags (The Brazen Boys)"
#5 : "All Yours Tonight (The Brazen Boys)"
#6 : "Straight Up (The Brazen Boys)"
Growing up, Jesse was lonely, bullied, and misunderstood. Brandon was the scary, messed-up boy next door.
When Jesse hears that Brandon is home on leave from the military, he discovers his childhood neighbor’s Army training has turned him into a hard-bodied beast. Jesse can’t keep his eyes off of him.
They are no longer children. They have different needs. The summer just became full of possibilities.
***Contains: M/M sexuality and adult language.
THE BRAZEN BOYS SERIES:
#1 : "Dorm Game (The Brazen Boys)"
#2 : "On The Edge (The Brazen Boys)"
#3 : "Owned By The Freshman (The Brazen Boys)"
#4 : "Dog Tags (The Brazen Boys)"
#5 : "All Yours Tonight (The Brazen Boys)"
#6 : "Straight Up (The Brazen Boys)"
Growing up, Jesse was lonely, bullied, and misunderstood. Brandon was the scary, messed-up boy next door.
When Jesse hears that Brandon is home on leave from the military, he discovers his childhood neighbor’s Army training has turned him into a hard-bodied beast. Jesse can’t keep his eyes off of him.
They are no longer children. They have different needs. The summer just became full of possibilities.
***Contains: M/M sexuality and adult language.
122 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2015
49 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
Daryl Banner
96 books1,993 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
![Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1626057011i%2F10717098._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
February 21, 2020
RATING 3.5 STARS
Dog Tags is book four in The Brazen Boys novella series by Daryl Banner. This is a series of M/M novellas, all stand alones.
Jesse is in his third year of college as a music performance major. He shares his childhood home with his step brother. Growing up, Jesse was frequently bullied. He always knew who he was, what his choices were. So he kept to himself. Jesse grew up next door to Brandon Kinney who was his own age but who also kept to himself. They were never friends but they did know each other. He knew that Brandon had joined the Army and had heard he was home on leave. When Jesse and his brother are invited over to the Kinney’s for dinner, he can’t believe how much Brandon has changed. He is definitely filled out in all the right places and he can’t take his eyes off of him.
Jesse and Brandon spend the summer getting to know each other in an entire new and wonderful way. Only Jesse knows that Brandon is leaving at the end of his leave. Brandon has never suggested that this was anything more than just some fun. But can Jesse avoid letting his own heart get attached?
This is very short and told entirely from Jesse’s point of view. It’s scorching hot. I enjoyed it but just wished for more.
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Dog Tags is book four in The Brazen Boys novella series by Daryl Banner. This is a series of M/M novellas, all stand alones.
Jesse is in his third year of college as a music performance major. He shares his childhood home with his step brother. Growing up, Jesse was frequently bullied. He always knew who he was, what his choices were. So he kept to himself. Jesse grew up next door to Brandon Kinney who was his own age but who also kept to himself. They were never friends but they did know each other. He knew that Brandon had joined the Army and had heard he was home on leave. When Jesse and his brother are invited over to the Kinney’s for dinner, he can’t believe how much Brandon has changed. He is definitely filled out in all the right places and he can’t take his eyes off of him.
Jesse and Brandon spend the summer getting to know each other in an entire new and wonderful way. Only Jesse knows that Brandon is leaving at the end of his leave. Brandon has never suggested that this was anything more than just some fun. But can Jesse avoid letting his own heart get attached?
This is very short and told entirely from Jesse’s point of view. It’s scorching hot. I enjoyed it but just wished for more.
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
March 10, 2017
This one's so damn hot, I can forgive the abrupt HFN ending.
Not gonna lie, Dog Tags is not a typical romance. There are no whispered endearments, but there is plenty of slick, sweaty action.
Not gonna lie, Dog Tags is not a typical romance. There are no whispered endearments, but there is plenty of slick, sweaty action.
August 9, 2018
That was HOT! Finally some MM where the big muscly dude is the top, unlike most of the MM I've read lately. #fantasyfulfilled. :D
January 18, 2023
This was a short read like all the Brazen boy books. I really enjoyed it. I’m going to immediately read the sequel on the advice of another reviewer.
May 26, 2015
Sweet, darling, sexy, romantic, unexpected circumstances involving a delightfully enigmatic MC, and a very enjoyable, though too short, read. These guys were so much fun to read.
June 4, 2015
1.5 stars
January 31, 2016
A seriously sexy, superbly written smutty bit of M/M awesomeness!! Loved it!!
June 6, 2015
Not sure how to review this, a strange read, but I did enjoy it!
All told from Jesse's POV. It starts out as a hook up with the "kid next door he grew up with" who has now returned on leave from the army. Brandon is the strong silent type, weird at school, but now just hard and dangerous looking! From the hookups, begins a slow-burn emotional connection and the possibility of a real future together. The first time they kissed was just an "awwww" moment.
I'm not sure I connected with either of them, but reading between the lines, I got a feeling that they'd found their meant to be. It was a novella read, so the ending was a HFN, but it raised a grin, so all's good.
All told from Jesse's POV. It starts out as a hook up with the "kid next door he grew up with" who has now returned on leave from the army. Brandon is the strong silent type, weird at school, but now just hard and dangerous looking! From the hookups, begins a slow-burn emotional connection and the possibility of a real future together. The first time they kissed was just an "awwww" moment.
I'm not sure I connected with either of them, but reading between the lines, I got a feeling that they'd found their meant to be. It was a novella read, so the ending was a HFN, but it raised a grin, so all's good.
June 4, 2015
Excellent!
Intrigued by the return of his neighbour, Jesse plays with himself...all the time! At first, I didn't think I'd enjoy this story until he meets his neighbour Brandon - not the first time since they went to school together - and the story becomes one that I cannot stop myself from reading. From sex to a HEA, this is a great MM story!
My one pet peeve, Jesse repeating things in threes. The first time was cute, the thousandth time (ok I'm exaggerating!) it annoyed me. But that's just me. The story is wonderful, nonetheless!
Intrigued by the return of his neighbour, Jesse plays with himself...all the time! At first, I didn't think I'd enjoy this story until he meets his neighbour Brandon - not the first time since they went to school together - and the story becomes one that I cannot stop myself from reading. From sex to a HEA, this is a great MM story!
My one pet peeve, Jesse repeating things in threes. The first time was cute, the thousandth time (ok I'm exaggerating!) it annoyed me. But that's just me. The story is wonderful, nonetheless!
May 24, 2015
One of my favorite Brazen Boys. Excellent military M/M romance with some very hot scenes and a forward written by a soldier who is very LGBT accepting.
***** 5 ***** "you can ride me anytime soldier boy" stars
***** 5 ***** "you can ride me anytime soldier boy" stars
December 24, 2019
Brandon isn’t really a manwhore per se, no cheating in this, but... and I quote “i’ll Fuck anything”... hence, manwhore.
May 24, 2015
Pretty sure that Dog Tags just muscled its way into top spot and is now my favourtie Brazen Boys novel.
A new brazen boy just hit my kindle and this time hes got dog tags. This is a m/m romances with a military flare. Jessie notices that Brandon, the boy next door who he went to high school with, is back home from the army for a few weeks over summer. And all that time hes been enlisted has made him in to one fine specimen. Brandon was alway the silent broody scary guy and school and now Jessie's brother wants him to go next door and get him to mow their lawn. Naturally Jessie is a bit apprehensive, its no easy thing to ask your hunky next door neighbour to mow your lawn.
Daryl always manages to make me laugh, this time with lines like this "Please, listen to the tune and don't mind the Spear Of Destiny in my pants."
I always have a soft spot for characters that tend to ramble internally as you read.
I had a big grin on my face as I read this, its so much sweeter than some of the other stories and my romantic heart likes that. Dog tags has a wee bit more of a story entwined in to it and honestly I can't find a single fault. To be it was just perfect.
I read this in one sitting and regretfully it didn't take me long at all to finish it. I'm excited to see what the next brazen boy has in store for us.
A new brazen boy just hit my kindle and this time hes got dog tags. This is a m/m romances with a military flare. Jessie notices that Brandon, the boy next door who he went to high school with, is back home from the army for a few weeks over summer. And all that time hes been enlisted has made him in to one fine specimen. Brandon was alway the silent broody scary guy and school and now Jessie's brother wants him to go next door and get him to mow their lawn. Naturally Jessie is a bit apprehensive, its no easy thing to ask your hunky next door neighbour to mow your lawn.
Daryl always manages to make me laugh, this time with lines like this "Please, listen to the tune and don't mind the Spear Of Destiny in my pants."
I always have a soft spot for characters that tend to ramble internally as you read.
I had a big grin on my face as I read this, its so much sweeter than some of the other stories and my romantic heart likes that. Dog tags has a wee bit more of a story entwined in to it and honestly I can't find a single fault. To be it was just perfect.
I read this in one sitting and regretfully it didn't take me long at all to finish it. I'm excited to see what the next brazen boy has in store for us.
January 1, 2016
I am really enjoying this series. Each book is a lot of fun to read and each story has it's own signature voice.
Dog Tags
the newest Brazen Boys to be released is my new favorite.
Jessie and Brandon have been neighbors since childhood. Growing up Jessie was the kid who was always picked on at school and Brandon was the silent outcast that everyone was afraid of. The two were never quite friends but when Brandon returns home on leave from the Army they are awkwardly brought together by Jessie’s stepbrothers need for a nicely mowed lawn. Brandon’s lawn moving services in exchange for piano lessons by Jessie leads to daily sexual encounters that then leads to so much more.
I think for romance readers this story is the most relatable. It definitely has some great erotic moments but also has the most heart. The relationship between Jessie and Brandon is really sweet and felt the most realistic and complete.
Another great addition to the series :)
Jessie and Brandon have been neighbors since childhood. Growing up Jessie was the kid who was always picked on at school and Brandon was the silent outcast that everyone was afraid of. The two were never quite friends but when Brandon returns home on leave from the Army they are awkwardly brought together by Jessie’s stepbrothers need for a nicely mowed lawn. Brandon’s lawn moving services in exchange for piano lessons by Jessie leads to daily sexual encounters that then leads to so much more.
I think for romance readers this story is the most relatable. It definitely has some great erotic moments but also has the most heart. The relationship between Jessie and Brandon is really sweet and felt the most realistic and complete.
Another great addition to the series :)
May 27, 2015
Quick and easy read! There was only one thing that kept me from LOVING it: The ending was abrupt. I didn't feel like the boys got the resolution they deserved and it wasn't a cliffy indicating that there was more to come. It just kinda left me feeling "Eh." But sexy times, heroics, a bit of excellent character development, and the word "fuck" got a great exercise! Those are all big fat plusses for me! Well done, Daryl!
May 24, 2015
Like the other reviewers, I have to agree that this one is my new favorite!! Daryl has an amazingly talented way of writing something that can be hot and steamy yet still insanely thought provoking. The Brazen Boys series, although m/m erotica, definitely brings up points that touch in anyone's relationship. I love that Daryl continues to crank these out at such a rate and still be quality.
June 1, 2015
So Like a Man
Brandon never says why he came to Jesse's defense in 6th grade. Ronnie never says why he has a change of heart. And Jesse just says enough to let Brandon know he's what he needs. A beautiful speech in a few words.
Brandon never says why he came to Jesse's defense in 6th grade. Ronnie never says why he has a change of heart. And Jesse just says enough to let Brandon know he's what he needs. A beautiful speech in a few words.
June 5, 2015
3.5 Short stories generally aren't my thing but the writing is done well and the characters are real enough so I guess the author did what a writer of a short story is supposed to do. Doesn't hurt that I have my own personal kink for I.D. tags either.
May 24, 2015
Dog Tags just became my new favorite Brazen Boy. It’s smokin’ hot, fun, and has a few of those tender moments that hit you right where it counts. I think I’m going to go read it again.
May 24, 2015
Another winner!! Keep em coming...I'm really enjoying these short stories...
July 5, 2015
Loved this !!! Definitely my favourite of the Brazen Boys series so far !!! Fantastic !
August 12, 2015
I wanted way more character development than this short novella offered. The raunchy sex is omni-present but the character development, let alone the romance development, not so much.
March 21, 2017
3.5 Stars!
November 20, 2017
Really hot story!
January 25, 2016
Jesse is a band nerd type who spends his free time playing video games. Brandon was always the big scary kid in school. After high school Jesse went to college and Brandon joined the Army. An even bigger well-muscled Brandon returns for leave and stars in Jesse's fantasies. Obviously, the boys have some catching up to do. *grin*
This was a super enjoyable read for me. I never know what to expect from this author. He keeps me on my toes. Even though it's a novella, a complete story is told incorporating a unique spin on the everyday while giving us hits at military life. This author always has an underlying message whether he's writing about zombies or futuristic superpowers or men doing the sexy with other men. I think the point to take away from this book is to always take the time to appreciate what you have.
FULL REVIEW CAN BE FOUND AT http://fangirlmomentsandmytwocents.bl...
August 2, 2015
think this may be my favorite Brazen Boys books yet!!! I just love Daryl Banner's writing!!! Once again when I got to the last page of this story, I kept jabbing at my kindle hoping for at least another page or two .. I'm not demanding lol! I will say that I hope Daryl is busy writing the next Brazen Boys book! Each is a standalone and I'm enjoying them! Jesse and Brandon have been neighors most of their lives. Jesse was the kid picked on in school and a music nerd. Brandon was the loner reject everyone made rumors about and was afraid of. Jesse and Brandon were never friends, never spoke, and only did now because Brandon came home on leave from the Army. Jesse's stepbrother brought them together by wanting Brandon to mow their lawn, and in exchange, he asked Jesse to give him piano lessons. It's really a keyboard! Well, the lessons led to so much more .... three weeks of passionate, steamy, raw sex! I just lived and felt their relationship. This book had the best lines in it. The humping the couch scene while looking out the window still has me laughing!!!! I absolutely loved this book and its what I needed to read to make me laugh and smile. A BIG 5 star for me!!!!
May 26, 2015
Dog Tags is a standalone m/m novella told from the POV of Jesse.
Kids are cruel. If we are lucky, we are lumped in the faceless crowd starting in middle school through high school. Whether you are named a band geek or the crazy kid, school can be hard. You are treated by the label you are given even though you are so much more than that.
While so different, Jesse and Brandon both had been labeled at school. Jesse’s label even carried into his own house. When Jesse and Brandon take the time to look past the labels, they find something more about each other. Something that they both have been searching for their whole lives: acceptance. “I see you” had me swooning. Everyone wants to be seen for who they really are.
Now to the good part: the sexy. Dog Tags was hot. Brandon was so demanding sexually while being giving to Jesse. I get Jesse’s need/want for the dog tags. There is something about a man in uniform out of uniform.
I floved the ending. I felt Dog Tags is the best of the Brazen Boys yet.
Follow Daryl Banner on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DarylBannerW...
Kids are cruel. If we are lucky, we are lumped in the faceless crowd starting in middle school through high school. Whether you are named a band geek or the crazy kid, school can be hard. You are treated by the label you are given even though you are so much more than that.
While so different, Jesse and Brandon both had been labeled at school. Jesse’s label even carried into his own house. When Jesse and Brandon take the time to look past the labels, they find something more about each other. Something that they both have been searching for their whole lives: acceptance. “I see you” had me swooning. Everyone wants to be seen for who they really are.
Now to the good part: the sexy. Dog Tags was hot. Brandon was so demanding sexually while being giving to Jesse. I get Jesse’s need/want for the dog tags. There is something about a man in uniform out of uniform.
I floved the ending. I felt Dog Tags is the best of the Brazen Boys yet.
Follow Daryl Banner on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DarylBannerW...
January 20, 2016
This book. ::shakes head:: I FLOVED this book so hard! I have no words to really explain it. M/M is one of my favorite genre's next to dystopian. (I know, they have nothing in common right?)
Look, I try not to really talk about what happens in the books too much so as not to give anything away, but in this one I will make an exception. Cause when Brandon throws Ronnie out of the house for being a douche, that's when I kinda fell in love with him.
Ronnie: Big brother thinks he know everything and I really don't like his passive aggressiveness.
Jesse: cute boy next door, majors in music which tells me he is smarter than the average bear. (did I just age myself with that comment?)
Brandon: okay, nice bod notwithstanding: He has a depth and wisdom that completely blew me outta the water.
I think this is my favorite of all the Brazen Boys so far. I will def be reading the next one if the author keeps it up.
Favorite quote:
I'm snapped back to the present, the memory dropping to the floor and shattering like a glass of water.
Look, I try not to really talk about what happens in the books too much so as not to give anything away, but in this one I will make an exception. Cause when Brandon throws Ronnie out of the house for being a douche, that's when I kinda fell in love with him.
Ronnie: Big brother thinks he know everything and I really don't like his passive aggressiveness.
Jesse: cute boy next door, majors in music which tells me he is smarter than the average bear. (did I just age myself with that comment?)
Brandon: okay, nice bod notwithstanding: He has a depth and wisdom that completely blew me outta the water.
I think this is my favorite of all the Brazen Boys so far. I will def be reading the next one if the author keeps it up.
Favorite quote:
I'm snapped back to the present, the memory dropping to the floor and shattering like a glass of water.
June 15, 2015
This is my first Daryl Banner book, and I was very impressed. I'll be reading more of his work. This story is interesting, with deep thought filled characters, and excellent, very hot M/M sex. What more could you ask for? Jesse, Music major, is attracted to the neighbor next door. Brandon is in the Army and home for leave. Things with them get steamy right away. The reader has to laugh at the "humping" the couch scene. It reminded me of the scene in the "Lucky One" movie where she is watching the guy unloading supplies and she keeps scrubbing the same pot in the sink, over and over and slower and slower. Funny moment that captures the feeling. Brandon is dominant, strong, and different. Jesse is totally enthralled. I love the "dog tags" !!!! Jesse's brother Ronnie is a creep, but Brandon shows him the exit. Loved the last part where Brandon comes home for Thanksgiving and shows up on Jesse's doorstep with the dog tags on. Loved it! Well written, funny and feeling, this story has it all.
Highly recommend. ENJOY !!!
Highly recommend. ENJOY !!!
Read
July 27, 2016This is probably one of my favorites in the Brazen Boys series. I enjoyed the storyline of Jesse reconnecting with Brandon, the strong, silent hero who protected him from bullies in school. There's something satisfying about seeing their lives come full circle as adults and bringing them back together.
It's easy to see why this was the first Brazen Boys story to receive a sequel. The storyline deserved a second chapter.
It's easy to see why this was the first Brazen Boys story to receive a sequel. The storyline deserved a second chapter.
May 27, 2015
OHMYGIDDYANT…..this is my favorite Brazen Boy yet!
‘I see you’. I’m not a gushy type of person but this had me going awwwwww – 2 people who have never been accepted, accepting each other – sob!
Brandon – military, brooding, hot as hell and home on leave.
Jesse – music major who loves his video games……
I never knew mowing the grass could be such a ‘pleasurable’ experience!
Daryl had me laughing as usual with his greatly delivered lines : ‘I’m staring through the fence like a creeper in my underwear’ and 'Yeah that’s my hard C alright'!
The ending, oh the ending….'I’m gonna come back, I’m gonna live and I’m gonna be yours'…..I loved it, not just loved but my fondness, attachment and infatuation for the Brazen Boys grows and grows!
Daryl is just such a fantastic writer, each book I read I fall in love with! Bring on the next please!
‘I see you’. I’m not a gushy type of person but this had me going awwwwww – 2 people who have never been accepted, accepting each other – sob!
Brandon – military, brooding, hot as hell and home on leave.
Jesse – music major who loves his video games……
I never knew mowing the grass could be such a ‘pleasurable’ experience!
Daryl had me laughing as usual with his greatly delivered lines : ‘I’m staring through the fence like a creeper in my underwear’ and 'Yeah that’s my hard C alright'!
The ending, oh the ending….'I’m gonna come back, I’m gonna live and I’m gonna be yours'…..I loved it, not just loved but my fondness, attachment and infatuation for the Brazen Boys grows and grows!
Daryl is just such a fantastic writer, each book I read I fall in love with! Bring on the next please!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews