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Photographer Dante has one rule: never mix business with pleasure. But when a young, hot new client tests his boundaries and pushes him to the limit, Dante finds his solitary little world split wide open - and questions everything. How long will Dante be able to resist his new client before caving to his secret desires?
Season 2 of the fun and popular "Boys & Toys" series follows the lives of the youthful Connor, his frat-bro roommate Brett, their tough landlord Dante, and a brooding male stripper named Zak. They all share an apartment complex in the thrilling heart of the downtown "gayborhood" full of life, partying, and the endless pursuit of love - and they each have a story to tell.
NOTE: "Dante" is a fast-paced, stand-alone romance with humor, steam, and light-to-no angst. It is not required to read Boys & Toys Season 1 first. Season 2 features a cast of four all-new leading men, though cameos from season 1 may occur.
Season 2 of the fun and popular "Boys & Toys" series follows the lives of the youthful Connor, his frat-bro roommate Brett, their tough landlord Dante, and a brooding male stripper named Zak. They all share an apartment complex in the thrilling heart of the downtown "gayborhood" full of life, partying, and the endless pursuit of love - and they each have a story to tell.
NOTE: "Dante" is a fast-paced, stand-alone romance with humor, steam, and light-to-no angst. It is not required to read Boys & Toys Season 1 first. Season 2 features a cast of four all-new leading men, though cameos from season 1 may occur.
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2020
104 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Daryl Banner
96 books1,991 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:
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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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 12, 2021
A nice little glimpse into the fun of the gay BDSM scene, though I do so wish we'd gotten to see more.
August 4, 2020
I couldn't wait to read Dante, having read and loved every book in this series so far. Dante didn't disappoint. He's been so mysterious in the previous stories and I was so excited to find out what makes him tick. Once again, I was surprised by Mr. Banner and the direction he takes his guys. Can't wait for the next installment!
September 20, 2020
Review to come.
August 11, 2020
Let’s talk kink, shall we? I honestly never thought that I would use the word “kink” and “Daryl” in conjunction with one another but yet here we are! And let me just say... it was glorious. “Dante” gives us a very interesting peek into the life of a fetish photographer and the trials and tribulations that one in said profession must go through. Add to the fact the Dante can be as closed off as his camera shutter and is a product of an interracial couple... well Dante has many social and emotional hurdles to overcome in life. Not to mention the classic and never tiring “professional/client” line that is always deliciously tempting to cross over. Once again Daryl steps out of his “comfort zone” and knocks it out of the park. Is there nothing that this man can’t write about?
And DANTE! Oh our ever-mysterious side character creeping through Connor and Brett’s books like the sexy panther he is... what a treat! Ever since the first whispered mention of him in”Connor”, I have been salivating at the bit waiting for his story. Tye, his muse, was a great match for Dante and his exploration as a BDSM-virgin was realistic and as it should be. Safe, Sane and Consensual. Daryl eases the readers into the beginnings of BDSM as well as Dante guides Tye into the lifestyle. It was well done in my opinion.
I applaud Daryl on the subject broaching of racial stereotyping and sensitivity. It was a very fluid and smooth introduction to just the tip of the iceberg that many POC’s have to go through on a daily basis. Yet it’s not controversially approached or comes off as a huge statement. It’s tactfully and gracefully stated and weaves into the story with panache and with the right intention. The book is as sweet as Daryl is
And DANTE! Oh our ever-mysterious side character creeping through Connor and Brett’s books like the sexy panther he is... what a treat! Ever since the first whispered mention of him in”Connor”, I have been salivating at the bit waiting for his story. Tye, his muse, was a great match for Dante and his exploration as a BDSM-virgin was realistic and as it should be. Safe, Sane and Consensual. Daryl eases the readers into the beginnings of BDSM as well as Dante guides Tye into the lifestyle. It was well done in my opinion.
I applaud Daryl on the subject broaching of racial stereotyping and sensitivity. It was a very fluid and smooth introduction to just the tip of the iceberg that many POC’s have to go through on a daily basis. Yet it’s not controversially approached or comes off as a huge statement. It’s tactfully and gracefully stated and weaves into the story with panache and with the right intention. The book is as sweet as Daryl is
October 2, 2020
The Feelings Behind the Fetish
I love it! Mr. Banner has done it again.
Looking for a great story. This is it.
Looking for deep emotions and a real connection with the characters? You’ll find it here.
Looking for some steamy fun between consenting adults? FOUND IT!
The deeper look we get into the mind, heart, and soul of our closed-off “hero” is so excellently woven and developed by Mr. Banner that you feel the natural progression of your relationship with Dante go from “aloof-hottie-acquaintance” to “respected-valued-friend-and-talented-artist”. I didn’t know what to expect when the story started, where Dante’s tale would lead, but I’m so happy that I read this novella because it has filled a void in me I didn’t know was there.
Yep, I’m definitely a fan of Mr. Banner’s work. He continues to make that such a pleasure with every story he tells. I think the most important and impressive thing to note is that you always find yourself being able to relate to the main characters on some truly basic human level, and THAT is where the magic happens.
I love it! Mr. Banner has done it again.
Looking for a great story. This is it.
Looking for deep emotions and a real connection with the characters? You’ll find it here.
Looking for some steamy fun between consenting adults? FOUND IT!
The deeper look we get into the mind, heart, and soul of our closed-off “hero” is so excellently woven and developed by Mr. Banner that you feel the natural progression of your relationship with Dante go from “aloof-hottie-acquaintance” to “respected-valued-friend-and-talented-artist”. I didn’t know what to expect when the story started, where Dante’s tale would lead, but I’m so happy that I read this novella because it has filled a void in me I didn’t know was there.
Yep, I’m definitely a fan of Mr. Banner’s work. He continues to make that such a pleasure with every story he tells. I think the most important and impressive thing to note is that you always find yourself being able to relate to the main characters on some truly basic human level, and THAT is where the magic happens.
August 6, 2020
I love that this is a little different than this author usually does. Don't get me wrong it still has all the fun, humor and great characters with just enough drama to make for excitement. But Dante's story. He is a mysterious landlord in the building where all the boys live, but also an erotic fetish photographer. He hasn't had a relationship in a while and is kind of stand offish. First encounter with Tye was a bit of a disaster. Tye had been hit on so many jerks, lets just say he had a bit of attitude. But he turned out to be the kind of perfection Dante wasn't even aware of. A new muse and male model material for sure. One innocent photo shoot turns into so much more. I love the change we see in Dante. Add in some BDSM world of bondage scenarios and lots of scanty clothing, plus some really cool photo shoots. This may be my favorite in the series so far. But Zak is next so ?? Great story, I do recommend.
October 25, 2024
Have you ever dreamt of being naughty photographed? Have you ever thought of being tied up? Have you ever thought of giving up control to someone else? Maybe you are on the other side. Have you ever thought of having someone deepest wildest fantasies solely controlled by you? Have you ever thought of having someone’s ability to enjoy themselves totally in your grasp? Well do I have a book for you! The juxtaposition between good and bad, older and young, control and submission. The complimentary but opposing forces of the two characters makes you question your own thoughts each time you turn the page. Who you want to be behind the bedroom door, which side do you support is an ever changing saga. Are you the naughty boy or the good boy? Guarantee by the end of the book you will see yourself different.
August 28, 2022
It's very cute, very kinky. 4.5 stars because it's not the book it's me. (Rounding down so that when I sort my books on here by stars, I'll have this considered). If you like trying out various bondage equipment & enjoy posting your own photos to social media, then you'll enjoy this book.
What's up with me: I'm not that kinky, but the story is breezy so I didn't mind & it's not as much as the age gap except 26 y.o. & especially 19 y.o. are unlucky in my experience (and someone I knew from a past life). I guess I'm superstitious? Or else distracted?
Also, holy shit, everyone in this series is so abled & successful (it's not bad as long as you're not generalizing things like so many of the "19 year olds" searching for community mentioned).
What's up with me: I'm not that kinky, but the story is breezy so I didn't mind & it's not as much as the age gap except 26 y.o. & especially 19 y.o. are unlucky in my experience (and someone I knew from a past life). I guess I'm superstitious? Or else distracted?
Also, holy shit, everyone in this series is so abled & successful (it's not bad as long as you're not generalizing things like so many of the "19 year olds" searching for community mentioned).
August 11, 2020
Daryl Banner hit this one out of the park. I have enjoyed reading all the books in his Boys & Toys Series, but this is definitely my favorite one so far. You do not have to have read the others before reading this one, but after reading it, you will find that you want to go back and read the others, just because this one is so good, which will be fine to do. I love Dante. He has always seemed to be totally in command, and a little mysterious, until Tye walks into his studio. Then it was fun to watch him unravel. This is a great story, that is steamy, humorous, with a little kink, and very addictive. I did not want to put it down. I highly recommend this book.
August 4, 2020
My favorite thus far for Season 2 of these delectable Boys and their Toys, I love Dante and his mysterious persona. The man who owns the building in which the men of Mayville love and lust and generally live their lives for all to see. Yet somehow this landlord maintains a sense of privacy that many can't break open. Until Tye Jenson lands on his doorstep. And the formerly secretive Dante is surprised at how ready he is to reveal all.
I adore Dante! The way he messes with the residents in the most teasing of ways, everyone thinking he's this gruff dude who has a dungeon in his basement apartment. When in fact, his profession is quite admirable and Banner uses it perfectly to entice the seemingly shy Tye into finding what he's been hoping for, both in and out of the bedroom. These two should have never crossed paths but once they did, it didn't take long for both to want so much more, personally and professionally. Truly the perfect partnership that neither could have ever predicted.
These shorter stories are the perfect palate cleansers in between heavier reads and each of these boys are adorable and addictive. Clearly the summer bonus we all need and I'm looking forward to Zak's book next.
5 sweet stars!
I adore Dante! The way he messes with the residents in the most teasing of ways, everyone thinking he's this gruff dude who has a dungeon in his basement apartment. When in fact, his profession is quite admirable and Banner uses it perfectly to entice the seemingly shy Tye into finding what he's been hoping for, both in and out of the bedroom. These two should have never crossed paths but once they did, it didn't take long for both to want so much more, personally and professionally. Truly the perfect partnership that neither could have ever predicted.
These shorter stories are the perfect palate cleansers in between heavier reads and each of these boys are adorable and addictive. Clearly the summer bonus we all need and I'm looking forward to Zak's book next.
5 sweet stars!
August 18, 2020
The muse
Dante keeps everything professional. One night after a photo session the client didn’t quite close his door all the way. A guy knocks on the door and it opens more so he calls out. Dante goes a sees a young man standing their. He tells him he doesn’t do shoots unless he has an appointment. After he sends him on his way he keeps thinking about him. Tye ends up making an appointment and thing get in tense. Will Dante break his rule about clients? Can Tye get him to look at things differently? Come on in and find out.
Dante keeps everything professional. One night after a photo session the client didn’t quite close his door all the way. A guy knocks on the door and it opens more so he calls out. Dante goes a sees a young man standing their. He tells him he doesn’t do shoots unless he has an appointment. After he sends him on his way he keeps thinking about him. Tye ends up making an appointment and thing get in tense. Will Dante break his rule about clients? Can Tye get him to look at things differently? Come on in and find out.
August 4, 2020
Omg! I absolutely loved this book! Dante is my favorite book of the Boys & Toys season 2! I loved it! I enjoyed reading Dante and Tye's journey of their relationship. Each of them were just what the other needed. They brought out the best in each other! It took Dante a little while to change Tye from client to much, much more! I can't express how much I loved this story! I'm excitedly waiting for Zak's story! I can't wait!
August 4, 2020
I enjoyed reading Dante’s story. For Dante, it was finding what drives him while making himself happy. Tye and Dante were destined to meet. All of Dante’s previous relationships led him to take a chance with Tye, to not only help him professionally but even more so personally. As elusive Dante has been in the other books, I feel like we got to know him a lot better. Very enjoyable.
August 12, 2020
Dante is portrayed as being (dare I use the term Dante spurned) exotic. His interests (apart from photography per se) are exotic. Daryl revisited his leitmotif of BDSM that he touched on in Getting Lucky. It is a good contrast with the other boys' interests in the novella series. Worth the read to keep the summer momentum going. Thanks, Daryl.
August 4, 2020
I loved Dante. It was great to see behind the camera and learn more of Dante. His interaction with Tye was so protective. Their chemistry was off the charts. A bit steamier than I’m used to in Daryl Banners books. Definitely a page turner.
August 6, 2020
Yes!
Dante and Tye are smoking hot together. I love how DB changed it up a little with some light bdsm, and I can't wait for Zak's story and hopefully a season 3?!?!?! MORE PLEASE! Highly recommend both seasons 1&2 of Boys&Toys for a fun and low angst series.
Dante and Tye are smoking hot together. I love how DB changed it up a little with some light bdsm, and I can't wait for Zak's story and hopefully a season 3?!?!?! MORE PLEASE! Highly recommend both seasons 1&2 of Boys&Toys for a fun and low angst series.
September 18, 2020
Love all the boys and toys
I'm so glad I found Daryl Banner. I have loved all of the books that he has written. Especially the boys and toys series 1&2. Great story for Dante and Tye. Loved getting to know the brooding landlord and mysterious photographer.
I'm so glad I found Daryl Banner. I have loved all of the books that he has written. Especially the boys and toys series 1&2. Great story for Dante and Tye. Loved getting to know the brooding landlord and mysterious photographer.
August 4, 2020
Dante, the third in the Boys and Toys series 2, is another fun, hot, quick read from Daryl Banner.
When we first met Dante in Book 1 of this series he is the one who's story I wanted to read the most, and I wasn't disappointed.
From the first two books I felt Dante had an air of mystery as well as a tough guy, dare I say, hard exterior but in this book when a new client, Tye, comes knocking that exterior starts to break down, and we start to get to know Dante better. He has a very strong work ethic and struggles with crossing the line, breaking his own rules. Tye helps him see not everything is black and white, their relationship is definitely shades of grey.
The book could be read as a standalone if you haven't read the first two, but I think it is better for having know a bit about Dante, so I recommend the whole series.
When we first met Dante in Book 1 of this series he is the one who's story I wanted to read the most, and I wasn't disappointed.
From the first two books I felt Dante had an air of mystery as well as a tough guy, dare I say, hard exterior but in this book when a new client, Tye, comes knocking that exterior starts to break down, and we start to get to know Dante better. He has a very strong work ethic and struggles with crossing the line, breaking his own rules. Tye helps him see not everything is black and white, their relationship is definitely shades of grey.
The book could be read as a standalone if you haven't read the first two, but I think it is better for having know a bit about Dante, so I recommend the whole series.
August 5, 2020
Sexy Artist
Dante is one fine, sexy artist with his camera. Tye is a gorgeous, albeit tongue tied, muse. Match made in heaven with 5 stars!
Dante is one fine, sexy artist with his camera. Tye is a gorgeous, albeit tongue tied, muse. Match made in heaven with 5 stars!
August 6, 2020
Always said there is something sexy about those quiet types of males! Those are the ones that seem to have the most adventurous appeals once they are comfortable enough around you.
Although, left with a building to run and sought out as one of the most extraordinary photographer's, Dante holds some secrets to himself. Once burnt leaves little desire to get back out there in the game.
That was until, the quiet, awkward and very attractive Tye walked through his door.
The picture's maybe what bring's them both out into the public eye for what they were born to do, but the lens isn't the only thing that captures the desires that lie within both of them.
Holy Smokes!!! Hawt!! These two are FABULOUS!!!
Although, left with a building to run and sought out as one of the most extraordinary photographer's, Dante holds some secrets to himself. Once burnt leaves little desire to get back out there in the game.
That was until, the quiet, awkward and very attractive Tye walked through his door.
The picture's maybe what bring's them both out into the public eye for what they were born to do, but the lens isn't the only thing that captures the desires that lie within both of them.
Holy Smokes!!! Hawt!! These two are FABULOUS!!!
August 9, 2020
Loved loved loved
August 15, 2020
Simply the best
Love how the author can bring out the best in his characters . Amazing series. Dante takes it to a whole new level.
Love how the author can bring out the best in his characters . Amazing series. Dante takes it to a whole new level.
Read
September 2, 2020One of the best B & T series.
November 4, 2020
Always fun
It’s fantasy for men that like men. It’s cool not complicated, just fun. When I feel stressed or overwhelmed I go for m4m fantasy. A totally different world.
It’s fantasy for men that like men. It’s cool not complicated, just fun. When I feel stressed or overwhelmed I go for m4m fantasy. A totally different world.
December 9, 2020
Third of four
This story got going right from the opening line. Great story. It’s always great to see things work out for people
This story got going right from the opening line. Great story. It’s always great to see things work out for people
December 22, 2020
Cute story
A lighthearted, sizzling story from Daryl. I shall now read the rest of the published stories in the series. 😍😍😍😍😍
A lighthearted, sizzling story from Daryl. I shall now read the rest of the published stories in the series. 😍😍😍😍😍
September 13, 2022
3.0. Shorter
August 5, 2020
"I'm not forgetting who made me, who gave me my dreams, who unlocked me."
Dante and Tye's story was a tender one; a chance meeting and an accidental rejection. Then a search because it just felt right and Dante couldn't forget those brilliant blue eyes, those chiseled cheekbones. Tye was searching too...
The author writes beautifully, his prose and word choices grab the reader and make you want more. I only wish these stories were a bit longer so I could spend more time with these memorable characters.
"That maybe for as careful as you allege you are, you've secretly just been...waiting for someone to walk right into your life."
"That gorgeous, indignant look clouds his pretty blue eyes, making them look like tiny storms."
"The light falls over his face like silk."
Dante and Tye's story was a tender one; a chance meeting and an accidental rejection. Then a search because it just felt right and Dante couldn't forget those brilliant blue eyes, those chiseled cheekbones. Tye was searching too...
The author writes beautifully, his prose and word choices grab the reader and make you want more. I only wish these stories were a bit longer so I could spend more time with these memorable characters.
"That maybe for as careful as you allege you are, you've secretly just been...waiting for someone to walk right into your life."
"That gorgeous, indignant look clouds his pretty blue eyes, making them look like tiny storms."
"The light falls over his face like silk."
August 5, 2020
Gah! I couldn't wait for Dante's book, because, Hello, there is bondage equipment in his basement apartment. Kinky?
Dante is the landlord to the other boys we have met as he was given this piece of property to maintain by his parents.
Leave it to ding dong Garrett to leave Dante's door ajar after his photo session because the most beautiful man has walked thru it that Dante finds extremely captivating. Tye Jenson is looking for something missing in his life that he can't quite put his finger on until he meets Dante. These two flourished together...once Dante got his head out of his rear end.
I just loved this edition of Boys and Toys and so will you.
Dante is the landlord to the other boys we have met as he was given this piece of property to maintain by his parents.
Leave it to ding dong Garrett to leave Dante's door ajar after his photo session because the most beautiful man has walked thru it that Dante finds extremely captivating. Tye Jenson is looking for something missing in his life that he can't quite put his finger on until he meets Dante. These two flourished together...once Dante got his head out of his rear end.
I just loved this edition of Boys and Toys and so will you.
August 6, 2020
I've been waiting for Dante's story and Daryl didn't disappoint.. Dante is definitely an alpha male but has his secrets. Being the photographer he is people come to him to shoot more risque things. When Tye walks into the apartment one night, Dante doesn't know what to make of him. For one no one just walks in, two he is young and three he is hot and Dante can't get him out of his mind.. When Tye books a photo session to get closer to Dante, how close will he really get?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews