Down Bad

Spruce Texas #11

by Daryl Banner, Eric Battershell (Photographer)

Letting your hot neighbor ruin your life is one thing.
Letting him into your bed is another.

WYATT
I have a problem. His name is Diego Valdez.
Tattooed. Hotheaded. Built like a bad decision.
He's my former neighbors' nephew, left to watch their house until it sells.

Now he's got me pinned against a wall at two in the morning, glaring at me like I've done something wrong just by existing.

With my parents off in an RV to "find themselves", I've been left running their flower shop and earning the title of Spruce's resident people-pleaser. I say yes too much and smile at strangers.
I've never met a problem I couldn't kill with kindness.
Until Diego.

Inviting him inside is obviously the last thing I should do, right?

DIEGO
I don't trust guys like Wyatt Callahan.
Too sweet. Too friendly. Too nice.

So ending up inches from his face with my hands on the guy wasn't exactly the plan.
Neither was wanting to kiss him.

All I wanted was peace and quiet.
A break from the noise that drove me to this town.
A place to disappear until my aunt and uncle's house sells.

Then this guy has the nerve to smile at me.
Looking the way he does.

I don't know what he wants. Or what I want.
And with the house for sale, I'm running out of time to figure it out.

From USA Today bestselling author Daryl Banner, DOWN BAD is a steamy hottie-next-door romance in the Spruce Texas series packed with stolen kisses, bad ideas, one very traumatized orchid, and a guaranteed happy ending. Can be read as a standalone.
✔️ M/M grumpy/sunshine
✔️ Hottie next door
✔️ Opposites attract
✔️ Small-town romance

Have you read all the books in the Spruce Texas series?
Football Sundae
Born Again Sinner
Heteroflexible
Wrangled
Rebel At Spruce High
Summer Sweat
Hopeful Romantic
Mr. Picture Perfect
Hot Mess Express
Forever Strong
No Fool For Love Songs
Down Bad ◄◄
(with more to come!)

What about the Texas Beach Town spin-off series?
In Too Deep
Crusher
Far From Paradise
Hearts Adrift
(more on the way!)

Genres: M M Romance

356 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 16, 2026

About the author

Daryl 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:
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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

Reviews

[MJLovestoRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daryl Banner has taken the grumpy/sunshine trope and made it extraordinary with Down Bad. We're back in Spruce, Texas and this time around this talented author gives the people-pleaser in Wyatt Callahan the seemingly most hardened man in Diego Valdez to call his own. And oh my goodness, what a difficult task that becomes. Wyatt is everyone's favorite florist as he is truly Spruce's most beloved son. He would do anything for anyone and does quite often, which in turn aggravates the living heck out of his new neighbor, Diego. These two are like oil and water and yet there is an attraction neither one can deny. Not that Diego lets on that he even has any kind of outward emotion, but in his own tense way, seems to be the only one in this small town who sees Wyatt for who he truly is, wanting to protect him with everything he has.

I was fully invested in Wyatt trying his best to break down Diego's stoic ways, but didn't expect it to be as difficult as it was. And yet, I loved how patient he was with the temporary resident, who was only in Spruce to help facilitate his aunt and uncle's sale of their house. But Wyatt didn't care one bit that he might take all the time until the house was sold to get Diego out of his comfort zone and yeah, perhaps into his bed.

The fact that Diego was so closed off almost became a challenge to Wyatt as he continued to help where he could in the smallest of ways in order to get to know the sexy mechanic. I have to say that the more subtle actions like getting Diego a toolbox and sending over food after one of Wyatt's Saturday night soirees is what made this book so special to me. It was really sweet to watch Diego's walls start to crumble ever so slightly by Wyatt's kindness that was truly second nature to him. It's like Diego was in an alternate universe when he landed in Spruce and honestly, with the cast of characters who are integral to this story and offer up more laughs than I can count, I think I might feel the same way he did. Wyatt's tight group of friends, many who have already had the Banner treatment with their own books, are full on crazy. And I mean that in the very best way but omg, what a crew! I was in stitches so many times as opinions are always at the ready, whether welcomed or not, as Wyatt is only trying to figure out his relationship with Diego, try and make his parents' flower shop more profitable and truly his own and navigate a sudden visit from his rapid-talking sister who never hesitates to spout whatever she is thinking. The poor guy had his hands full, but I was proud he finally saw the light and would finally start living the life he deserved, good-natured opinions be damned!

This book had a poignancy I have not seen from the good people of Spruce for quite a while. Although there are plenty of lighter moments, there were many that brought a tear to my eye as we get a glimpse into Diego's past and his and Wyatt's rougher times trying to define what happens between them. They have many a sexy tryst that feels so right but it was tough going as these two truly are polar opposites. And sometimes, as both realize that attraction and chemistry simply aren't enough.

But both men bring out the best in each other, even when they may not agree that it's for the greater good of their well-being. Theirs is a tough road to happiness with many, many bumps and detours, but I was more than pleased that sometimes swallowing one's pride is worth it if, at the end of that road, you find the love of your life.

I love being back in Spruce with these familiar faces while getting to enjoy a new romance that is both steamy and heartfelt. Down Bad is definitely one of my new favorites from this series and showcases Daryl Banner's talent for offering up a story that is witty, heartwarming and spicy. With a combo like that, it's no wonder I can't get enough of his words.

5 big stars!

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘He’s a bit rough around the edges’ – Two more Spruce, Texas gentlemen entertain!

Author/composer Daryl Banner graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in Theatre and Psychology. His writing includes new adult romance, M/M romance, post-apocalyptic fantasy, and dystopian. According to his brief biography he is ‘most inspired by the smart and unlikely hero, but urges you (the reader) not to fall in love with them; they may deceive you with their innocence.’

This is the twelfth novel in Daryl’s always excellent Spruce Texas Romance series, and after an excellent distillation of the people and places in Spruce, Daryl introduces the principle characters – Wyatt and Diego, opening with Wyatt’s thoughts: ‘I’d be so easy to murder. I never lock the door. Even when I sleep. Who needs to, living in a peaceful town like Spruce, Texas? Then one night you’re wide awake at 2 AM shucking thorns off roses at the kitchen sink because you run a flower shop, your to-do list fills faster than you can empty it, and you are incapable of saying no. You hear a sound…’

And that well developed character’s story reads as follows: ‘WYATT - I have a problem. His name is Diego Valdez. Tattooed. Hotheaded. Built like a bad decision. He's my former neighbors' nephew, left to watch their house until it sells. Now he's got me pinned against a wall at two in the morning, glaring at me like I've done something wrong just by existing. With my parents off in an RV to "find themselves", I've been left running their flower shop and earning the title of Spruce's resident people-pleaser. I say yes too much and smile at strangers. I've never met a problem I couldn't kill with kindness. Until Diego. Inviting him inside is obviously the last thing I should do, right? DIEGO - I don't trust guys like Wyatt Callahan. Too sweet. Too friendly. Too nice. So ending up inches from his face with my hands on the guy wasn't exactly the plan. Neither was wanting to kiss him. All I wanted was peace and quiet. A break from the noise that drove me to this town. A place to disappear until my aunt and uncle's house sells. Then this guy has the nerve to smile at me. Looking the way he does. I don't know what he wants. Or what I want. And with the house for sale, I'm running out of time to figure it out.’ Said before, and say again - Daryl Banner just gets better and better with his gift for writing. Here is fine Southern atmosphere and a terrific romance. Read this one twice for all the character details – and become a frequent Banner flyer!

[Sue Ouellet-Cofsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spruce Texas is where it is at. This beautiful community that brings us the best of characters in every single way. Somewhere there is always a smile for you and a helping hand when you need it. Sometimes though it is hard to ask for help and even harder to say no when you need to. Wyatt knows this first hand. He is the helper, the confidant, the smile, the go-to guy for nearly everyone in the town and saying no has never been his thing. Not even with his family. We all need boundaries though and Diego (the new hot neighbor) has thoughts. Lots of them it seems although he is very stingy with the smiles and the thoughts. Diego doesn't let ANYONE in. What is it about Wyatt that starts breaking down those walls. Both men have different issues to face and differing ways to go about it. Will they find their way to each other? Spruce is getting bigger and bigger all the time so I can't even imagine who's story will come next. Stay tuned.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. These guys are amazing. I love their dynamic.
I love that we get to meet and get to know these amazing characters and get to revisit some of the characters I fell in love with in previous books.
This book sucked me in and I didn't want to stop it I just wanted to keep devouring this story and characters. It has it all cute, protective, amusing, hot boys. Now that I finished his book I'm looking forward to catching up with them in a book yet to come I hope.
There are many books in this series and you don't need to read them in order because they are stand alone books but it is fun when others in the town pop up in the story and you know them.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I absolutely loved this book. Wyatt and Deigo are charismatic and so loveable. Getting to catch up with other residents from Spruce is always fun!!

I love how protective Deigo is, he really shows how much he cares by possibly overstepping when it comes to how others are treating Wyatt. I like that he is like that. Wyatt is the sweet, people pleaser of the two.

I hope we get more of these two in another Spruce book, they may be my favorites!

[Teresa Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series
Love this family
Loved Wyatt and Diegos heartstopping broken beautiful love story
Gripping
All the feels. Gimme more

[Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two souls meant for each other finally make it

Daryl Banner is an excellent world-builder. If you’re coming to the series with this, the 12th book, you may miss some of the charm of the towns he has created and filled with complex yet relatable characters.

In this installment, Wyatt Callahan is content with his life, the house his parents left him while they travel the world in their RV, and the business they entrusted to him. The community loves him and appreciates his kindness, attentiveness, and willingness to help.

Diego Valdez, however, doesn't see Wyatt that way. He doesn't trust Wyatt when he comes by the house Diego is watching for his aunt and uncle until it sells. Suspicious of Wyatt's kindness, Diego pushes him away. He’s experienced deep sadness in his family: his father has died, and his mother simply left.

The two men share an early kiss as they get to know each other. Diego remains wary of kindhearted Wyatt, seeing him as too weak to stand up for himself. He watches Wyatt lower prices at his floral shop and continue doing business with a man Diego really despises for the way he treats Wyatt.

Wyatt's hesitation to let Diego into his heart is the central conflict of the story. It feels realistic, especially for Diego, who trusts no one but his uncle. Diego's pleas for Wyatt to be less giving create distance between them. But after a clash over standing up to bullies, something begins to change. What follows is a black-and-white-movie kind of ending, with the town rallying around Wyatt and a sister recognizing how much Diego cares for her brother.

There's angst and some frustration along the way, but these characters are so well-crafted by Mr. Banner, and the happiness they find feels well-earned in this special town. His metaphors are powerful, the dialogue real, and relationships between would-be lovers, Wyatt's sister, and the community is superb.

[Ron Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard-boiled Love Story
It took me a bit to get into the story of Down Bad. The opening scene jolted me and I thought I was in for a certain type of story but that is NOT what happened. I’ve been visiting Spruce, TX for a while now and I thought there was nothing that could surprise me about it. That was until I met poor, sweet Wyatt! He is the poster child for “good intentions”, so much so I thought it would be easy for him to find love. But as his story unfolds I realized that there is such a thing as “too nice” and its easy to take advantage of that, even well-intentioned. Seeing the truth though the eyes of someone who doesn’t trust easily, like new-in-town, Diego, I saw the dark edges of Spruce. This story made me rethink what nice truly means. The highs and lows of Wyatt’s and Diego’s coupling was sometimes hard to witness. Many parts left me unsettled but eager to find out how they would overcome the obstacles. This is a deep story with many facets, but Daryl expertly navigates us through all of them. By the end of this awesome story I was emotionally exhausted but satisfied! I can’t wait to see what story next comes out of Spruce, TX! I highly recommend returning to Spruce for this story or if its your first time, you will enjoy the journey!

[Kaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Down Bad is the latest in the Spruce Texas Romance series by Daryl Banner. It introduces two new characters, Wyatt and Diego. Although it’s part of a series, it works as a standalone, though readers may benefit from knowing the side characters. It’s a male-male romance with a slow burn, but it’s definitely worth it.

Wyatt, a Spruce local and an all-round nice guy, owns the local florist shop and enjoys making people happy, sometimes at the expense of his own happiness.

Wyatt meets bad boy mechanic Diego when Diego moves in next door to house-sit for his aunt and uncle while their house is being sold.

Wyatt likes to talk, whereas Diego is quiet, but that might be a front for something deeper.

At first, Diego rejects Wyatt’s attempts at being neighbourly and friendly, but over time, he begins to accept his new neighbour.

They have a roller-coaster of experiences as they find their way to each other, taking the reader on a roller-coaster of emotions along the way.

These new characters are strong and interesting, and some old favourites appear throughout the book too.

I have not read a Daryl Banner book that I didn’t like, and Down Bad did not disappoint.

Highly recommended for lovers of romance.

Love is love.

[Ross Broadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Down Bad is an awesome addition to the Spruce, Texas Romance series. I absolutely love these books—so much so that I’ve already read them several times—and this installment is no exception.

I don’t think I’ve ever rooted for two characters to get together so quickly or so completely. Their story pulled me in right away, and I found myself completely invested in them.

One of my favorite things about this series is the way the author continues to bring characters from previous books into the story. It makes Spruce, Texas feel like a real, connected community rather than just a setting for each individual romance. As someone who grew up in a very small town, I especially appreciate that. When you live in a small town, you tend to know a lot of people—and somehow, everyone is connected!

Another wonderful addition to a series that I already love. If you’re a fan of Daryl Banner, Down Bad is definitely one you’ll want to read!

[Felipe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice man finds his stubborn true love

This was a story that took time to develop but once it did it just kept going. Wyatt is a very nice man almost too nice that people take advantage of him. Diego is a stubborn man that moved in next door to take care of the home while I waiting to be sold. Wyatt goes out of his way to welcome Diego but it almost seems fruitless. Diego eventually starts to develop feeling for Wyatt and they have heated sexual encounters, would have been nice to see the trust between them to have sex without restrictions. As things progress and their feeling being to grow they just can’t seem to really say that they need each other. Although they never declare that they love each other they do sort of say it not in a convincing way but I suppose calling each other boyfriend will work for them.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Lordy...this newest entry to the Spruce Texas series was seriously so much fun while also being steamy and emotional. I loved the push-pull from Wyatt and Diego and how they each grew with help from each other. Seeing so many other favorites from previous books in the series was great too...it was like one big (mostly happy) family reunion. You don't have to necessarily read all the previous books in the series to enjoy this since Wyatt and Diego are new characters, but it would really enhance the experience to know who the other guys/couples are. There is a glossary at the start of the book to catch you up on everyone, so that is also really helpful. Enjoy!!

***** 5 ***** "my maybe not-so-bad neighbor next door" stars

[Readingwithmypack · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

I am a Spruce, Texas fan through and through. The reason? Daryl consistently writes stories that tug at your heart strings but also do a wonderful job at showing how your partner is more than someone that fixes you or makes you better, it's someone that loves you through all the good and the bad. They help you grow. They get mad at you. They sometimes do stupid things in the name of "helping you". And you figure it out because you know they're worth it. That's what this story shows in all of its glory and Diego and Wyatt are just ridiculous and sweet and all the good things. 11 books in and I find a reason to love each and every one of them and I am already looking forward to reading the next!

[Brenda Motza · Rating 5 out of 5]

10 Bazillion Stars!

I absolutely loved my trip back to Spruce. Who wouldn't. That town has some of the most colorful and interesting people.

Wyatt was a yes man. Always eager to please people. Diego, not so much. He had an angry chip on his shoulder that Wyatt just couldn't break. Oh, the steam factor between these two was off the charts, but Diego didn't know how or just didn't want to put in the effort to verbalize his feelings. It was easy for Diego to try to fix things, but he didn't know how to stand back and be supportive.

I just loved how these two men grew into their own skin. It was just beautiful to watch from the sidelines.

This book is a total must read....NOW!

[Kelly Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit I didn’t know what the phrase “Down Bad” meant. But with Daryl Banner’s books the title is never the draw for me; it’s his writing! This Spruce Texas book is edgier than some….still sexy and funny as hell, which Banner is known for! In the story Diego is closed off and gruff, seemingly using the least words possible to communicate. While his neighbor, Wyatt, has a ready smile and tumbling words. Together they learn what loving someone means (themselves and others). These guys are “blooming”. I’m giving this book 5 stars due to its complexity and heart.

[Debby Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Down bad for this book

I will drop anything to read the next book in this series. This book was no exception and no disappointment! It hooked me from page one until the last sentence! I think I read it in 3 days and now I'm sad it's over. Such a sweet story. I wish I could just buy a ticket and fly down to Spruce for a vacation!!!

[Cindy Fong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spruce has another couple to root for. Wyatt and Diego are complete opposites but yet the spark still lit. In this great MM enemies to lovers story. We get to watch the growth and connection between Wyatt and Diego grow. Pairing up was never the plan. But destinies had other ideas. Bolstered by a cast of friends and other known Spruce couples, Wyatt and Diego fit right in with their HEA!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never turn down a chance to return to Spruce! Always great stories that feel like coming home to visit.

Wyatt and Diego seem to be such an unlikely couple, but there's an undeniable chemistry and need for each other that draws in all the heat and emotions

[devil · Rating 5 out of 5]

So happy to be back in Spruce. There's just so many fun, interesting characters throughout the whole series... and, Diego and Wyatt were a great addition. Their HEA was wonderful. Highly recommended!

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very special, extremely well written book with two very decent characters that push each other to grow. I loved the character development and enjoyed every minute of the book.

[D.W. Michaels · Rating 5 out of 5]

RTC—————🌟

[Jimbo · Rating 5 out of 5]

5-star fun and romance and at this point a whole town worth of characters!

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.7

[DLB2572 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wyatt & Diego

This may be my new favorite of the series. It was such a good grumpy/sunshine story. I was hooked right from the start.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

[Samuel Rosado Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

heartwarming and charming

Darryl delivered a wonderful story of the ability to change and move on with life. Diego and Wyatt warmed us with their charm and adversity.

[Bryan Mercer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

Was great from the first word on the first page!! The characters were very different and Dominic was the best !!

[Rachel · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Endlessly02]

I did not like the narration on this