Wrangled

Spruce Texas #4

by Daryl Banner

I didn't want to attend my ten-year high school reunion in small-town Spruce, Texas.
I'm happy living my west-coast life as an aspiring (struggling) fashion designer, free from the stifling heat of my hometown.

But I have a score to settle with my high school arch nemesis: Chad Landry,
the insufferably gorgeous and overly confident former captain of the Spruce High wrestling team.
And what better chance will I get to put him in his place?

So color me surprised when I, upon arriving at the reunion, discover Chad to be a completely - and frustratingly - changed man. Now a rancher looking after sweet cuddly animals, Chad is a loving member of the Spruce community, donating to charities, attending church, and as gentle-natured as they come.

Who is this man? Where did the arrogant bully of my past go?

But I'm not so easily fooled as everyone else.
I know the real Chad, and over the course of my weekend here in Spruce,
I'm determined to prove just how despicable he really is deep down.

Until the night we find ourselves alone, on an unplanned journey of soul-searching and self-discovery, and Chad at last reveals his shocking secret to me - a secret ten years in the making.

✔️ M/M second chance romance
✔️ Feel-good redemption
✔️ Small-town

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
(with more to come!)

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

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Audiobook, Contemporary, LGBT, Gay

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 25, 2020

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

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wrangled is book four in the Spruce Texas series by Daryl Banner. This is a M/M, enemies to lovers romance that can be read as a stand alone. I did read the first book in this series some time ago, Football Sundae, but did not read the next two books. This book is told entirely from Lance’s point of view.

It’s been ten years since Lance Goodwin left his home town of Spruce, Texas after high school graduation. He followed his dream, went to Los Angeles and enrolled in design school. Fashion was his life and he wanted to be a famous fashion designer some day. But following his dreams wasn’t the only reason he couldn’t get out of Spruce fast enough. He’d been bullied all through high school by one of his classmates. He had made his life miserable. Now it’s time for their ten year reunion and Lance is going back to Spruce to face his high school demon. To finally put his past to rest. Only things didn’t go as planned.

“What is it with soft eyed, strong jawed country boys that makes the fierce focus they give everything so sexy?”

Chad Landry lives and works on his family’s ranch in Spruce. Lance had hoped that Chad had let himself go like so many others in their class. But no, if anything, he got sexier. The time has been good to Chad. And it seems as though Chad has a few things to say to Lance. He wants to make what he did right. He also has a secret he’s been keeping all these years that he wants to share with him.

“He’s a striking vision of rancher godliness. A man ripped right out of my deepest darkest fantasies.”

Chad and Lance finally realize as adults what they missed as teenagers. That they have a connection. That there is something between them that is undeniable and beautiful and wonderful. But Lance’s life is in Los Angeles. Chad’s is in Spruce on his ranch. They live completely different lives. There is no way they could make this work long term. Is there?

“Love is the secret.”

Okay! (big deep breath) I enjoyed this book so much. I loved both Chad and Lance. I was prepared to probably rate it five stars. Until the epilogue. Until the ending. I was just so disappointed. I don’t want to spoil anything. So basically I can’t say anything! I just couldn’t believe that the author left it like that. I wish I could say more but I can’t. I suppose some might think it’s a happy ending. But I didn’t at all. I’ll rate it four stars but the way I’m feeling at this moment, it really should be less. I’m trying to be honest though because I really did love the book up until that point when I didn’t.

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
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[Shile (Hazard's Version) on-hiatus · Rating 3 out of 5]

The last book curse got me. 😤

This was a little disappointing. I found it a little bit hard to connect to Lance and Chad.

Anyhoo it was still sweet.

[Hugo #freepalestine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - 4 stars
The ex wife plot thingy doesn't make any sense,
First Chad admitted to Lance that Lance is the first person he told that he was gay but then the ex wife is like out of nowhere no foreshadowing or signs whatsoever "Yeah he told me he thinks he's gay" fucking plot holes man, check your writing before you publish it.
The way it was so abrupt too, and when I'm starting to like it as well,
It ruined the entire book for me.
But my god Chad I do love his personality tho, he's got that southern charm, that you couldn't help but fall In love with.
The switch up here is so abrupt like Lance mood swings on the third act, it doesn't make any sense. It's just some lazy writing not really well thought-out.
All I asked is a smoother transition between chapter, this book would've way better especially with a character like Chad, Lance tho I have some mixed feelings about him.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one! Very entertaining and I want some one on one time with Chad ;)

[Gustaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reread July 2022
Okay so I liked this better the second time around even though I still haven't forgiven Lance for being mean to Billy.

Original review
I am a little bit disappointed by this one. Probably because The Spruce Texas series is one of my all time favorite series and I had a tiny bit too high expectations.

Lance wasn't a very likable MC from times to times. He was very quick to jump to conclusions and sometimes just... rude. When he was rude to Billy I was ready to give him a piece of my mind. Don't touch my Billy, he's one of my all time favorite characters. And the break-up... Over voicemail... No, I was not having that. Chad however, was a sweetheart.

I think this story would've needed Chads POV too.

But it's still set in Spruce. I love that southern town. And the people. And the hot men. Is Harrison's book the next one? I do think so.

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

Every time I read a new Daryl Banner story, especially a Spruce, Texas story, I find myself saying, "This is my favorite". But yeah, THIS one IS my favorite. There is so much to love. You have small town bullies, small town minds, something in the water that grows these big beautiful gay men. You have redemption, secrets, wonderful friendships-new and old. You find forgiveness and beauty around every corner. Lance made me smile. Chad is just....yeah just sigh. Jo made my head spin but I loved her so much. There was a whole lot of growing up done here and every word was magical. "The world's as big or as small as you want it to be. Makes no difference in the end. What matters is what you do with what you got, and how much happiness you find in it, don't you think?"

[Shiney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this enemies to lovers story! Spruce Texas is always one of my favorite places to be when I read. I enjoyed getting to know Spruce from someone else's perspective instead of just the immediate group that we've come to know and love. I'm really looking forward to the possibility of Harrison getting his story.. and I wonder if there might be a story out in Brady also?
The cover model was definitely a perfect choice to represent Chad! 💗

[MJLovestoRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wrangled is definitely my favorite in this series of Spruce Texas standalones. Daryl Banner crafts a story that is filled with an underlying angst as Lance Goodwin comes back to his hometown for his 10 year high school reunion. Seeing one Chad Landry was something he'd have to face one way or another, but never in his wildest dreams, and to be honest here, he did dream about the sexy cowboy, did he ever think that he and the rancher could ever end up in each other's arms.

I loved that Banner decidedly kept the story focused around the reunion and all the drama that would undoubtedly occur. Using the fact that Lance had been mercilessly bullied for most of his high school years, gave the successful clothes designer an edge that he was able to use wisely as he encounters those who made his life miserable. His preconceived notions that his hometown was still full of clueless bumpkins managed to render him speechless a bit as he came to realizations not only about Spruce but himself as well.

It's almost as if Lance transforms before our very eyes as he suddenly sees not only Chad but so many others in a different light. Maybe it's the maturity at 28 vs 18 or maybe it's just that the phrase, 'people change' is abundantly clear. Who knew a hesitant trip back home could give Lance the courage to finally be himself.

The incredible sexy trysts had a deep kind of feel about them, using the god-awful bullying once thrust upon Lance from Chad as a sort of erotic foreplay now occurring between them. The demands from both men both in and out of bed were filled with a promise of amazing experiences as they laid to rest the previously held animosity once and for all. Both understanding just what the high school occurrences were really about.

The secondary characters, most former classmates, added the right touch of reality and provided the jaded Lance a chance to decidedly slay some of his demons. A few like Jo and Owen stole the show more than once and I really enjoyed their perspective and support. This book is truly about finding your way and coming to the realization that the path you choose can have a detour or two. Just stay true to yourself.

Lance and Chad find themselves at a crossroads a few times in this story but all the angst and indecision make the ending all the more sweet. I really enjoyed how it all concluded, with the hope that more is still around the corner for not only our couple but many others in the little town of Spruce, Texas. I happily give Wrangled a solid 5 stars!

[Denise H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The class reunion is shaking things up !

Here in Spruce, TX. the high school 10th reunion is happening. Lance, 28, a clothes designer, is traveling from L.A. to finally tell off the bullies that tortured his school years. Chad, 28, has taken over the family ranch, now that his Dad’s in prison. It’s been tough, but he’s got a thriving beef cattle ranch. He’s wanting to apologize to Lance for his past, because he’s changed, learned his actions were awful, and wants a clean start, and has something to tell Lance.
It’s a touchy, tough homecoming for Lance, and most of the men and women in his class were to blame for not helping him. Quite a few folks get a talking to.
Then, he gets time with Chad and the anger is there, but he listens.
There are ups and downs, with Lance calling out the guilty and discovering even more about himself.
Chad and Lance have a kiss, and the world tilts on it’s axis.
Hot sex, deep passion and new emotions rock each man.
The outcome is super, fun, and meaningful, with an amazing epilogue.
Enjoy !

=====

[Papie · Rating 4 out of 5]

One word comes to mind when describing Daryl Banner’s books: FUN! Wrangled is no exception. Lance was the gay kid in HS bullied by wrestler Chad and his buddies. Turns out Chad was maybe being mean to Lance because he was gay and secretly attracted to him. They reunite at their 10 year HS reunion where we also reunite with the fun cast of characters of the previous books in the series, and some hot sexy fun starts.

[Janja · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sorry for bad rating..but not sorry!

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chris Chambers, the narrator did an excellent job... but the two main characters have communication issues to put it mildly. Lance had hated Chad and almost everyone else in this little Texas town since high school, and this reunion was his chance to get his revenge and tell them all what he felt. Lance had been bullied it seems, by almost, if not the entire school...and Chad had been hiding a secret for the past 10 years, that probably would have made him a target for the bullies also. Their 10 -year high school class reunion brought everyone together for the first time in those 10 years...Lance from California where he was a budding fashion designer, and Chad from his ranch in Spruce where he had remained after taking over the ranch from his father. After Lance confronts Chad, the one of the main sources of his frustration, he begins to realize that his perceptions and experiences may not be exactly what or how he remembers them. Chad goes out of his way to apologize to Lance for his past, telling him that he's sorry and that he’s changed, and that he knows his actions were awful, and wants a clean start...and has something else to tell Lance. Almost the entire book goes on before Chad reveals his secret and he and Lance begin a relationship...Bully and Victim to Lovers. Neither of the main characters were especially likable. Lance had a plan for a hateful, vengeful mission to fulfil...seemingly on the entire student population, and Chad jerked him around instead of just saying what he wanted Lance to know and telling him the secret he had kept for10 years...and was still keeping it seemed. The funny thing was that I believe that almost everyone in Spruce, Texas already suspected what Chad's secret was. Not a bad story but it went on WAY too long in this on again, off again...we can't have a long-distance relationship vain. I've had better.

[Mariah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
note: this only has one POV, different MO from the rest of the series :/

[Julie Leopold · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful return to Spruce Texas with all the sass and drama you’ve come to love. I loved Lance and Chad’s story!! History is confronted. Old friends visited, and new realizations enlighten. Dust off your Texas twang and hanker on down to Spruce for laughs, tears and a few surprises.

[Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m in love with this series. I normally don’t like bully to lovers books but I couldn’t put this one down. I’m so invested with this town. The characters just get better with each new book. I can’t wait to see what’s next.

[Addicted2M/M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay. Some cute moments but the characters weren't particularly likeable, especially Lance.

[Ed Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this as an audiobook. Chris Chambers does a great job as he’s done on all the Spruce, Texas books. I could really picture Chad from his voice. He also did a great job on Lance.

In fact, I hated Lance for the first half of the book. He carried such a chip on his shoulder. No one could ever be happy who’s so upset over something that happened 10 years ago. He obviously came to the reunion to show off how successful he’d become. In stead, when everyone was being nice to him he was being an ass.

Once Chad came in the picture everything changed. He’s grown up and is no longer a bully. In fact, he’s sorry for the way he treated Lance in school. It’s a slow burn as Lance finally realizes he needs to grow up also.

I’ve loved all the Spruce, Texas books. I hope this isn’t the end. After all this is the gayest little town in Texas.

[MaryAnne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh DNF

Lance is just such an intensely unlikable character, I cannot spend another second in his head.
I'm at 28% and so far he just seems like an easily distracted shallow guy stuck in the past, childishly lashing out at everyone in Spruce. And it says a lot about him that he's best friends with his ex's fiance and doesn't say anything when he finds out they're staying at his place when he's gone. Grow a spine, Jesus

[Monica Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow...... a fun and hot return to Texas with all those cute and hunky guys. It is always interesting to see what happens at a ten year high school reunion, and Lance definitely wasn’t expecting what happened with his bully crush Chad. Daryl always writes some fun and sexy M/M romances. Check them out!

[Starr (AKA Starrfish) Rivers · Rating 3 out of 5]

It got boring...

[Brenda Motza · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! This book was so good. I binged...read until my Kindle needed a recharge and binged some more.

I freaking love Chad and Lance. Lance was constantly bullied by Chad in high school and Lance couldn't wait to show up for their ten year HS reunion, just to shove it in everyone's face just how well he was doing out in LA after he left that dirt water town. Well, things surely didn't go as planned.

I literally said out loud....OMFG, at the end of chapter 15 and trust me, you will too. Now, I have you wondering don't I? Well, I guess you are just going to have to read it now.

I absolutely love Daryl's writing and I have fallen in love with all of these wonderful boys in Spruce, Texas. Now, I am wondering...Harrison? Because I am curious as to what Lance mentioned to Chad about this boy.

This book is a total must read. You don't have to read the other books centered around Spruce but you would be sorely missing out on some fabulous stories.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I loved this couple. I loved watching them maneuver their changing relationship. I loved how their personalities really jpee off the pages. It made them seem more like real life then characters in a book. I loved how this book unfolded and I didn't want it to end. It sucked me into their world of Spruce.
I love every time I get to revisit Spruce and catch up on the other characters I have had previously fell in love with in the other books. This is a stand alone but it will leave you wanting to go back and meet the other characters if you haven't already.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! Always happy to go back to Spruce Texas!! Jordan was the perfect book model for this book. I'm sure he is smiling down on Daryl and Eric (photographer). I love this series of standalones. You will want to read them all when you get to know the characters.

The Laugh out loud moments, the moments you feel sad or angry at a character but most of all it makes you want to be in Spruce Texas hanging out with all the characters

Thank you Mr. Daryl for taking me away from reality to spend some time in your wonderful setting with your amazing characters

[Cindy Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! I loved this book!
I’m a big fan of the Spruce Texas Romance series and Wrangled was a fantastic addition! I loved Chad and Lance! This story was a wild emotional ride of anger, pain and forgiveness. Lance had a rough time in high school due to Chad’s actions. Lance returns to Spruce for his high school reunion. This story is their journey through past pain, to understanding, forgiveness and love. Chad and Lance were perfect together! I loved their story! I love Spruce Texas! I can’t wait for the next book!

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chad made Lance’s high school years a living hell. He bullied him mercilessly. When Lance decides to got to his 10 year class reunion he wants to tell him off. Chad regrets the way he treated Lance and wants to make amends.

This was a great enemies to lovers romance. I loved how everyone had a different perspective on high school. Set in the fabulous Spruce, TX we got to touch on the lives of a few of our past friends. A great feel good book of redemption.

[Kelly Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daryl has a knack of killing you (in the best possible way) with a wide range of emotion and Wrangled has them all. From anger and humiliation to forgiveness and peace ultimately ending at passion and love. SO FREAKIN GOOD! Wrangled is all heart and the Spruce Texas setting is the perfect backdrop for this romance. 5 Stars! 5 Hearts! & 5 Rainbows!

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was yet another fantastic installment in the Spruce, Texas series.
Lance comes home to Spruce for his 10 year high school reunion. He is dreading running into his high school bully, Chad. Chad tries very hard to get Lance to forgive him and Lance is not even interested in what Chad has to say. I loved that Chad never gives up on Lance and always has faith that things will work out.

[Lori Hammons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chad pulls off a couple of pretty big gestures to get Lance to forgive, and then keep, him. These guys are proof people can change. I just love the characters and their interactions with one another in Spruce, Texas.

[devil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing story in the Spruce universe. Chad and Lance had great chemistry, sexy but playful. It was heartwarming to see Chad fight for Lance...twice. I just loved the whole book. Definitely recommended!

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started out with a fairly interesting premise where the former bullied student returns to the town for his ten year high school reunion and decides to "get revenge" by showing them all how well he is doing now that he has escaped the small Texas town of Spruce. There are some poignant moments as the story unfolds where we see that the two MC's have practically been in love with each other since freshman year of high school, but that thread quickly loses significance as the romance progresses into a "how will we ever survive a long distance relationship?" which. to me, wasn't all that much fun. Not a lot of sexy times in this book either. An entire week of sexy time is summed up in, "Stuff happened." The end, while foreseeable, was not terribly satisfying but decent enough. Not one of my favorite DB books, but I'll still one click the next one.