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A Texas Beach Town Romance #1
In Too Deep
From USA Today Bestselling Author Daryl Banner comes a steamy beach town standalone major vacation vibe, and a happy ending that will leave you breathless.
Rule one for a beach town local: don't fall for a tourist.
Jonah Lachlan isn't like any tourist I've ever met.
He's not here for a good time, that much is obvious.
In fact, the brooding, hottie boy-next-door is clearly hell-bent on being miserable.
Though he's here with his best friend, he doesn't seem interested in hook-ups. Or fun.
The guy brought a book to this beach full of gorgeous single gay men.
Who does that??
He seems superhumanly immune to anyone who flirts with him.
Myself included.
But one brief encounter with him and now I can't stop thinking about him.
I don't care if he's a tourist. I don't care about our cardinal rule.
He soon has me wanting to break all the rules and dive in deep.
Rule one for a beach town local: don't fall for a tourist.
Jonah Lachlan isn't like any tourist I've ever met.
He's not here for a good time, that much is obvious.
In fact, the brooding, hottie boy-next-door is clearly hell-bent on being miserable.
Though he's here with his best friend, he doesn't seem interested in hook-ups. Or fun.
The guy brought a book to this beach full of gorgeous single gay men.
Who does that??
He seems superhumanly immune to anyone who flirts with him.
Myself included.
But one brief encounter with him and now I can't stop thinking about him.
I don't care if he's a tourist. I don't care about our cardinal rule.
He soon has me wanting to break all the rules and dive in deep.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2021
325 people are currently reading
422 people want to read
About the author
Daryl Banner
98 books2,006 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
September 28, 2023
3.75**** stars
Fun and light vacay romance.
And that best friend, Rico? Hilarious.
Looking forward to book #2 coming out on audio!
*this audio was free with my audible subscription
************
A Texas Beach Town Romance Series
Book 1 - In Too Deep - 3.75 stars
Book 2 - Crusher - dropped
Book 3 - Far From Paradise
Fun and light vacay romance.
And that best friend, Rico? Hilarious.
Looking forward to book #2 coming out on audio!
*this audio was free with my audible subscription
************
A Texas Beach Town Romance Series
Book 1 - In Too Deep - 3.75 stars
Book 2 - Crusher - dropped
Book 3 - Far From Paradise
March 23, 2023
The funny thing is, I read this book 5 months ago and gave it three stars but I still remember so many likable/charming things about it whereas I can’t even remember anything at all from some books I four starred a week ago. 🤔
November 30, 2022
Catching up with this Spruce Texas spinoff series while I wait for Hopeful Romantic!
After a previous hearbreak, Kent has sworn to never date any tourist that visits his home of Dreamwood Isle; he's made it his rule.
But rules are made to be broken, when Jonah arrives at the beach town for a weekend vacation. And after a rocky meeting, their romance blooms despite the clock ticking down on Jonah's departure.
In Too Deep is a great beach romance; that was the perfect read to escape the winter cold. I can't wait to read more about the locals and tourists of Dreamwood Isle is future entries to the series.
After a previous hearbreak, Kent has sworn to never date any tourist that visits his home of Dreamwood Isle; he's made it his rule.
But rules are made to be broken, when Jonah arrives at the beach town for a weekend vacation. And after a rocky meeting, their romance blooms despite the clock ticking down on Jonah's departure.
In Too Deep is a great beach romance; that was the perfect read to escape the winter cold. I can't wait to read more about the locals and tourists of Dreamwood Isle is future entries to the series.
December 28, 2021
Yet another light and fluffy and fun MM romance read from Daryl Banner. I always enjoy his books!
Now I want to move to a beach town and live the dream. :)
Now I want to move to a beach town and live the dream. :)
November 29, 2021
In Too Deep was an entertaining read, a great start to this new series.
I liked the way Mr. Banner was able to balance the fun and the heartfelt. Jonah and Kent are both great characters and I really enjoyed getting to know them. They are each vulnerable in their own ways and they tugged at the ol' heartstrings.
There was a definite case of insta-attraction/lust, but on the slow burn side, if that even makes sense! In my head it does, and I think if you've read the book you'd understand- at least I hope you do!
I'm excited to read more stories set in this beach town, and I hope we'll see more of Kent and Jonah!
I liked the way Mr. Banner was able to balance the fun and the heartfelt. Jonah and Kent are both great characters and I really enjoyed getting to know them. They are each vulnerable in their own ways and they tugged at the ol' heartstrings.
There was a definite case of insta-attraction/lust, but on the slow burn side, if that even makes sense! In my head it does, and I think if you've read the book you'd understand- at least I hope you do!
I'm excited to read more stories set in this beach town, and I hope we'll see more of Kent and Jonah!
November 7, 2021
I enjoyed this Spruce spin off series.
We were introduced to some wonderful places and characters that I can't wait to read more about
Jonah and Kent, their story, their weekend, their ending.
I laughed so hard at one line at the meeting...it was perfect but but you'll need to read it for yourself!
We were introduced to some wonderful places and characters that I can't wait to read more about
Jonah and Kent, their story, their weekend, their ending.
I laughed so hard at one line at the meeting...it was perfect but but you'll need to read it for yourself!
January 21, 2022
I loved, loved, loved this.
In Too Deep is Daryl Banner doing what Daryl Banner does best. Sweet, lighthearted fluff. It gave me all the summer feels.
In Too Deep is Daryl Banner doing what Daryl Banner does best. Sweet, lighthearted fluff. It gave me all the summer feels.
February 5, 2022
**2.5 stars
I am very much in the minority here and that’s Ok. This read very young to me and I know that Kent was 25 and Jonah 21 but I felt like they were in high school playing grown ups. Kent was more whiny and petulant than broody and Jonah seemed inconsistent to me. I couldn’t get a good read on him. Rico was the worst and not a good friend at all. Adrian has the potential to be a good character even though in this he’s an ass.
I didn’t really feel a grand connection between Kent and Jonah and wish there was more time spent together in the story. This was a definite HFN, but I didn’t really care too much about anyone. Maybe Skip.
I am very much in the minority here and that’s Ok. This read very young to me and I know that Kent was 25 and Jonah 21 but I felt like they were in high school playing grown ups. Kent was more whiny and petulant than broody and Jonah seemed inconsistent to me. I couldn’t get a good read on him. Rico was the worst and not a good friend at all. Adrian has the potential to be a good character even though in this he’s an ass.
I didn’t really feel a grand connection between Kent and Jonah and wish there was more time spent together in the story. This was a definite HFN, but I didn’t really care too much about anyone. Maybe Skip.
November 19, 2021
Cute story, this is going to be another great series.
November 5, 2021
I loved loved loved this book. I love this spin off and these new characters. I couldn't stop the book once I started. These characters had layers and I cant wait for more of the series to peel back some layers on characters who I hope get their own book.
My favorte quote was " my whole bed smelled like hash browns...."
I loved that the author enlisted outside help to name places and the town. It was fun to find the easter eggs all threw out the book. It added a layer to the book to know that so many people had a hand in making this world a special place.
My favorte quote was " my whole bed smelled like hash browns...."
I loved that the author enlisted outside help to name places and the town. It was fun to find the easter eggs all threw out the book. It added a layer to the book to know that so many people had a hand in making this world a special place.
November 9, 2021
**I was given a free copy of this book by the author to read and review.**
In Too Deep is the first installment in a series, A Texas Beach Town Romance.
I loved getting to know this little quant Texas beach town. It is the perfect backdrop for a hot sexy romance. Jonah and Rico take time off their day jobs to spend a much needed weekend at the beach. Dreamwood Isle is every gay mans paradise. Even though they are best friends they are each looking for something completely different on this vacation. Rico wants for nothing but a good time while Jonah just wants to relax and read. When Jonah meets an unexpected local Kent his outlook on the vacation may just change.
"You're like the deep end of the pool...and this island is full of shallow water but your waters are darker, deeper and so much more beautiful. And dangerous."
I adored these characters. The banter between Kent and Jonah in the beginning and how fast and far they fall was everything. The little sprinkle of this town and side characters has me begging for the next installment. I can't wait to see where Daryl Banner takes this hot beach town!
In Too Deep is the first installment in a series, A Texas Beach Town Romance.
I loved getting to know this little quant Texas beach town. It is the perfect backdrop for a hot sexy romance. Jonah and Rico take time off their day jobs to spend a much needed weekend at the beach. Dreamwood Isle is every gay mans paradise. Even though they are best friends they are each looking for something completely different on this vacation. Rico wants for nothing but a good time while Jonah just wants to relax and read. When Jonah meets an unexpected local Kent his outlook on the vacation may just change.
"You're like the deep end of the pool...and this island is full of shallow water but your waters are darker, deeper and so much more beautiful. And dangerous."
I adored these characters. The banter between Kent and Jonah in the beginning and how fast and far they fall was everything. The little sprinkle of this town and side characters has me begging for the next installment. I can't wait to see where Daryl Banner takes this hot beach town!
November 16, 2021
We all need a little time away...
As much as I love the little town of Spruce, Texas this weekend adventure to Dreamwood Isle was a great little escape. Daryl has a great way of crafting his characters where we become emotionally invested in them. You want that happy ending for them. Jonah and Kent make a great pair and it was fun watching their characters evolve and their relationship blossom. I loved the subtle crossover to some of the characters from Spruce, and cant wait to see how they overlap in future books. If you are looking for a quick fun read, pick this one up! I don't think having read the Spruce series is necessary (I highly recommend it if you haven't), but it does add to the enjoyment. I can't wait to read more from this little island getaway.
As much as I love the little town of Spruce, Texas this weekend adventure to Dreamwood Isle was a great little escape. Daryl has a great way of crafting his characters where we become emotionally invested in them. You want that happy ending for them. Jonah and Kent make a great pair and it was fun watching their characters evolve and their relationship blossom. I loved the subtle crossover to some of the characters from Spruce, and cant wait to see how they overlap in future books. If you are looking for a quick fun read, pick this one up! I don't think having read the Spruce series is necessary (I highly recommend it if you haven't), but it does add to the enjoyment. I can't wait to read more from this little island getaway.
November 14, 2021
Loved Jonah and Kent!! Adored the small town feels. As a reader, you really felt the harshness of a tourist town with its busy and slow periods. I loved how Jonah and his best friend Rico were complete opposites personality wise, but were still best friends. I adored meeting all the characters from the sleepy beach town. I loved how Jonah was invested in finding a meaningful relationship and didn't want to compromise his standards. I loved how Banner introduced all the businesses and tourist attractions and you could picture yourself there. It was a fully immersive experience. Adored the ending and can't wait for more!!
November 15, 2021
What happens when you are faced with a life you realized is not at all what you wanted or hoped for? Jonah takes this trip with his bestie, not realizing that this place, this idyllic, beautiful place will be the catalyst for finally seeing what he wants in life as well as what he doesn't want. Is he living his dream or someone else's? What starts as a fun, campy story becomes more with the realization that there is more to life than a job and a humdrum existence.
November 6, 2021
Loving this new series
Kent and Jonah grabbed my heart
Insta love
Intense emotional heartstopping love story
Ready for more
Whos next
Kent and Jonah grabbed my heart
Insta love
Intense emotional heartstopping love story
Ready for more
Whos next
November 18, 2021
I loved everything about this story. I couldn't put it down. The characters are lovable, and I want to hang out with them. Love that this is a spin off from Spruce Texas series.
Jonah and Rico are so different from each other personality wise. I love that they are best friends. Will they still be best friends when all is said and done? Will the vacation weekend make them realize how different they are and things that matter to them put strain on that friendship?
Kent has some huge walls built up around his heart. He has been hurt and by no other then his twin brother the most. Can one guy thats only there for the weekend break the walls down? Is Kent willing to let anyone in to break them down?
I love the mention of Montana in the story!!!
The secondary characters are just as great as the main characters and need their own stories. I really need Dylans story. I don't know why he stood out to me the most but he did. He needs a book of his own.
Jonah and Rico are so different from each other personality wise. I love that they are best friends. Will they still be best friends when all is said and done? Will the vacation weekend make them realize how different they are and things that matter to them put strain on that friendship?
Kent has some huge walls built up around his heart. He has been hurt and by no other then his twin brother the most. Can one guy thats only there for the weekend break the walls down? Is Kent willing to let anyone in to break them down?
I love the mention of Montana in the story!!!
The secondary characters are just as great as the main characters and need their own stories. I really need Dylans story. I don't know why he stood out to me the most but he did. He needs a book of his own.
November 16, 2021
What a great start to a new series! I loved loved loved In Too Deep! Daryl’s writing is great as always. It was a lot of fun!
Jonah and his best friend Rico go away for the weekend to a beach town. While there they have different interests. While each doing their own thing, Jonah meets Kent. Jonah and Kent were both fantastic. I fell in love with both of these men. Their characters were well developed and adorable and their banter was awesome. The setting is great as well. I loved this little Texas beach town. I felt like I was there due to the descriptive writing and wishing it was real!!
Daryl’s books always make me smile and happy and In Too Deep totally nailed it. Daryl totally pulled me in and I couldn’t stop reading. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
Well done, Daryl!!
Jonah and his best friend Rico go away for the weekend to a beach town. While there they have different interests. While each doing their own thing, Jonah meets Kent. Jonah and Kent were both fantastic. I fell in love with both of these men. Their characters were well developed and adorable and their banter was awesome. The setting is great as well. I loved this little Texas beach town. I felt like I was there due to the descriptive writing and wishing it was real!!
Daryl’s books always make me smile and happy and In Too Deep totally nailed it. Daryl totally pulled me in and I couldn’t stop reading. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
Well done, Daryl!!
December 28, 2021
4 WOW'd Stars !
Definitely worth the read time!
Full of fun in the sun feels 🌞 hotties on the muscle 💪 Beach & ⛱️ love under the boardwalk...
DB brings the feels in this new series & they just explode in hot wet yummyness.. Its more heartfelt than I have read of his but DB managed to break the hard feels with laughter in all the right places..
Kent & Jonah are a weekend romance when Jonah comes to the Island for a long weekend. Its hard to fall for someone you just met & know will leave...
But take the leap..love can be worth it
Definitely worth the read time!
Full of fun in the sun feels 🌞 hotties on the muscle 💪 Beach & ⛱️ love under the boardwalk...
DB brings the feels in this new series & they just explode in hot wet yummyness.. Its more heartfelt than I have read of his but DB managed to break the hard feels with laughter in all the right places..
Kent & Jonah are a weekend romance when Jonah comes to the Island for a long weekend. Its hard to fall for someone you just met & know will leave...
But take the leap..love can be worth it
November 15, 2021
Another homerun from author Daryl Banner. Two friends and co-workers spend a weekend in Dreamwood Isle and find interesting men to spend time with. Jonah meets Kent, a local young man who is hesitant to start a conversation with a tourist. The attraction was unmistakable.
Daryl asked his readers to suggest names for places in this town. This added originality and interest as well for the readers.
"I love seeing my world through his eyes."
"There's something so inexplicably infectious about his energy. It makes me feel hopeful and light about everything in my life."
"All memory of past kisses is wiped away with this one."
This was a memorable and fun weekend to spend with these characters in Dreamwood Isle.
Daryl asked his readers to suggest names for places in this town. This added originality and interest as well for the readers.
"I love seeing my world through his eyes."
"There's something so inexplicably infectious about his energy. It makes me feel hopeful and light about everything in my life."
"All memory of past kisses is wiped away with this one."
This was a memorable and fun weekend to spend with these characters in Dreamwood Isle.
November 16, 2021
Dreamwood Ilse..It has all the small town feels as Spruce. We are introduced to this tourist attraction,(actually again if your up to date) plus the people who live and run it year round. We get a detailed picture of the entire island this time as well as some familiar faces. This story centers on two best friends Jonah and Rico, away for a long weekend. Both have different ideas of what they want to do. The characters are great as we really get to know them. It's hard to believe that this book takes place in just a few days, the details are incredible. Rico has fun, Jonah meets local Kent and from there the story takes off.
“Yeah. You’re like the deep end of the pool. Meant for the serious swimmers only. Shallow water might be safer, in and out, no danger—and this island is full of shallow water—but your waters are darker, deeper … and so much more beautiful.” He swallows. “And dangerous.”
That alone is a sample of all the greatness this book is. You don't need me to tell you the story. You just read it for yourself. Loved every word!!!
“Yeah. You’re like the deep end of the pool. Meant for the serious swimmers only. Shallow water might be safer, in and out, no danger—and this island is full of shallow water—but your waters are darker, deeper … and so much more beautiful.” He swallows. “And dangerous.”
That alone is a sample of all the greatness this book is. You don't need me to tell you the story. You just read it for yourself. Loved every word!!!
November 15, 2021
This book starts a new series that is a spin-off of the author’s Spruce Texas series. It’s kind of insta-love, but doesn’t have the insta-love feels. A M/M romance between a tourist and a local in a quaint artistic beach town. While the story essentially takes place over a weekend, nothing about the story felt rushed. The banter between the two main characters is what made me fall in love with them. It was sweet with good chemistry and a little angst. As I read the story, I saw all the possibilities of secondary and tertiary characters getting their own stories. I can’t wait to see what else this series has in store for us.
November 16, 2021
When Jonah goes to the beach for a much needed vacation with his bestie he does not expect a romance. Kent lives in the town of Dreamwood Isle. He is usually wary of the vacationers but something about Jonah calls to him.
Super sweet romance with depth. Full of humor and gay positive vibes. I love the communities Daryl creates that are just pure love and acceptance. The secondary characters add to the story. Kent’s mom is wonderful. Jonah’s bestie Rico is lively.
A wonderful start to the new series!
Super sweet romance with depth. Full of humor and gay positive vibes. I love the communities Daryl creates that are just pure love and acceptance. The secondary characters add to the story. Kent’s mom is wonderful. Jonah’s bestie Rico is lively.
A wonderful start to the new series!
July 23, 2023
Cuuute story about taking life by the balls and really just going for it
November 13, 2021
I really liked this start to a new series.
A small little beach town, the locals that are the backbone, the tourists that give it life. There's a depth to the town that I can't wait to explore. The people are very real, their feelings, their struggles, the vulnerability you can feel.
Kent and Jonah's story pulled me in, let me explore this little town right along side of them and now I can't wait until I can go back, get an update on these two and find out more about the other people and places.
A small little beach town, the locals that are the backbone, the tourists that give it life. There's a depth to the town that I can't wait to explore. The people are very real, their feelings, their struggles, the vulnerability you can feel.
Kent and Jonah's story pulled me in, let me explore this little town right along side of them and now I can't wait until I can go back, get an update on these two and find out more about the other people and places.
November 16, 2021
This is a sweet read with two men who aren't looking for the one. Kent, who wants to enjoy his vacation, is surprised by the number of attractive men and Jonah lives in the tourist town and has been warned by his brother never fall for someone just passing through. But Kent intrigues Jonah and despite their auspicious introduction, they can't stay away from each other. A cute read!!
November 16, 2021
Kent and Jonah meet and experience something more than a weekend fling. With friends and family pulling them different directions, they figure out what they want and how to live their dream. I thoroughly enjoyed their story.
November 16, 2021
Another great Daryl Banner book
Man, Daryl has done it again! This book was lighthearted, sweet, and impossible to put down. I really felt like I was living my own beach fantasy reading this!
Man, Daryl has done it again! This book was lighthearted, sweet, and impossible to put down. I really felt like I was living my own beach fantasy reading this!
November 17, 2021
Sunny side up!
I laughed so hard I was afraid the neighbors thought I’d lost my mind. They say you only have the first couple of pages to hook a reader for which you more than succeeded.
I laughed so hard I was afraid the neighbors thought I’d lost my mind. They say you only have the first couple of pages to hook a reader for which you more than succeeded.
November 9, 2021
As hard as it is to rank all of Daryl's books, this one is definitely one of my favorites. From the very beginning you can feel yourself sitting in the sand in the sun and smell the famous funnel cakes. The banter between the two in the beginning is hilarious. And the invasive crab cracked me up.
This book has you feeling all the feels. Fun and relaxing, heartache over the impending end, and you want to cheer in the end. On a personal note, this book really made me take a hard look at what you need to do to be happy when you are in a job that is running you into the ground.
Can't wait for the series to continue on!
This book has you feeling all the feels. Fun and relaxing, heartache over the impending end, and you want to cheer in the end. On a personal note, this book really made me take a hard look at what you need to do to be happy when you are in a job that is running you into the ground.
Can't wait for the series to continue on!
November 9, 2021
This is the first in a new series from Daryl Banner. Jonah & best friend, Rico take a vacation in a Texas beach town. Even though the two are besties, they have different ideas of entertainment. Rico is about the nightlife & hookups. Jonah wants to read, go on walks, and just relax. While on a walk, Jonah meets Kent who makes funnel cakes for the tourists. Follow along as Jonah & Kent get to know each other over funnel cakes. At least two of the three men get their HEA.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews