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Spruce Texas #7
Hopeful Romantic
This holiday, two of Texas's most beloved sweethearts are finally gettin' hitched.
Everyone in the small town of Spruce is overjoyed as the winter wedding kicks off.
Everyone except me, Malcolm Tucci.
I'm forced to attend the festivities with my father catering the event.
That's going to bring my stone-hearted, grudge-carrying self face-to-face with Bobby, the soccer boy groom I could have had,
as well as Jimmy, the cocky dancer who stole him away.
What I didn't count on, however, was having my feet swept out from under me - literally - by a rugged, pretty-eyed, and insufferably cocky man-child named Samuel.
He's stubborn. Pushy. And keeps finding ways to pester me every minute I'm here.
But there's something else about him I find disarming. Is it the way he looks at me? The way he listens to my every word?
The magical way he seems to peel back my layers and reveal the real me - seeing me like no one else does?
There's something deep and hopeful in his eyes - something I find annoyingly hypnotizing.
I have a feeling there is a heck of a lot more to this Samuel than I ever could have expected.
Is it too late for me to believe in romance again?
Or is this holiday wedding about to get crashed?
✔️ M/M opposites attract
✔️ Holiday rom-com
✔️ 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!)
Everyone in the small town of Spruce is overjoyed as the winter wedding kicks off.
Everyone except me, Malcolm Tucci.
I'm forced to attend the festivities with my father catering the event.
That's going to bring my stone-hearted, grudge-carrying self face-to-face with Bobby, the soccer boy groom I could have had,
as well as Jimmy, the cocky dancer who stole him away.
What I didn't count on, however, was having my feet swept out from under me - literally - by a rugged, pretty-eyed, and insufferably cocky man-child named Samuel.
He's stubborn. Pushy. And keeps finding ways to pester me every minute I'm here.
But there's something else about him I find disarming. Is it the way he looks at me? The way he listens to my every word?
The magical way he seems to peel back my layers and reveal the real me - seeing me like no one else does?
There's something deep and hopeful in his eyes - something I find annoyingly hypnotizing.
I have a feeling there is a heck of a lot more to this Samuel than I ever could have expected.
Is it too late for me to believe in romance again?
Or is this holiday wedding about to get crashed?
✔️ M/M opposites attract
✔️ Holiday rom-com
✔️ 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!)
233 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 21, 2022
177 people are currently reading
362 people want to read
About the author
Daryl Banner
96 books1,992 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 92 reviews
December 31, 2022
My 300th read of 2022!
Hopeful Romantic is Malcolm and Samuel's romance. It's set during the Christmas period when everyone in Spruce is getting things ready for Jimmy and Bobby's wedding.
We briefly meet Malcolm in Jimmy and Bobby's book Heteroflexible, so I would recommend reading that one first. In Heteroflexible Malcolm and Bobby go on a less than successful date, in fact it was basically half a date as Jimmy cuts it short.
Hopeful Romantic is set three and a half years later, with Malcolm not that happy to be at the wedding. His father is catering it and Nadine Strong (Jimmy's mother who set up that date with Bobby) is determined to help him find love again; this time setting him up on a date with Cole.
I wouldn't call it a love triangle as it was very obvious that Samuel and Malcolm were end goals. And Malcolm only went on the date because of the slight enemies-to-lovers and Nadine's meddling.
I really enjoyed Malcolm and Samuel's relationship. They had some fun banter and angst as well. This book also kind of acted as a crossroads, as we get to see a few of the other couples in this series. We get various levels of interation with the couples from: Football Sundae, Born Again Sinner, Heteroflexible, Rebel at Spruce High.
Before Reading:
coming this december!!! looks like we're getting a holiday romance 😊🎄
https://twitter.com/DarylBanner/statu...
Hopeful Romantic is Malcolm and Samuel's romance. It's set during the Christmas period when everyone in Spruce is getting things ready for Jimmy and Bobby's wedding.
We briefly meet Malcolm in Jimmy and Bobby's book Heteroflexible, so I would recommend reading that one first. In Heteroflexible Malcolm and Bobby go on a less than successful date, in fact it was basically half a date as Jimmy cuts it short.
Hopeful Romantic is set three and a half years later, with Malcolm not that happy to be at the wedding. His father is catering it and Nadine Strong (Jimmy's mother who set up that date with Bobby) is determined to help him find love again; this time setting him up on a date with Cole.
I wouldn't call it a love triangle as it was very obvious that Samuel and Malcolm were end goals. And Malcolm only went on the date because of the slight enemies-to-lovers and Nadine's meddling.
I really enjoyed Malcolm and Samuel's relationship. They had some fun banter and angst as well. This book also kind of acted as a crossroads, as we get to see a few of the other couples in this series. We get various levels of interation with the couples from: Football Sundae, Born Again Sinner, Heteroflexible, Rebel at Spruce High.
Before Reading:
coming this december!!! looks like we're getting a holiday romance 😊🎄
https://twitter.com/DarylBanner/statu...
February 22, 2025
Okay so listen, I'm probably one of the biggest Spruce Texas fans there is. I love this town that the author has created, I love the people, I love the stories. Basically I love everything about it. But this one didn't really work for me as well as the other books in the series. It was messy for the longest time and I really needed a break from Malcolms head. Having Samuels perspective would probably have helped a lot in that regard. However I cried my eyes out in the end, so all is good.
February 21, 2024
Samuel was definitely my favourite character by far. However, Malcolm just irritated me throughout, like dude get over your bad date already its been years!!
I do think the wedding completely overshadowed the focal relationship in this story. There was so much focus on the Strong family, and Cole being wedged in, that it didn't feel like Samuel and Malckie's relationship really got the spotlight it deserved - every other Spruce couple had a story heavily focused on them, but this one just missed the mark.
I also don't know how Malcolm didn't scream in frustration at points! His dad didn't listen to him at all, and Nadine just steamrolled him.
The emphasis on the scarf and the mum's absence was really distracting too because it didn't result in anything, and it was only really hinted that it had some responsibility for Malcolm's attitude toward relationships. More could have been explored that would have made Malcolm appear as less of a petulant brat.
I do think the wedding completely overshadowed the focal relationship in this story. There was so much focus on the Strong family, and Cole being wedged in, that it didn't feel like Samuel and Malckie's relationship really got the spotlight it deserved - every other Spruce couple had a story heavily focused on them, but this one just missed the mark.
I also don't know how Malcolm didn't scream in frustration at points! His dad didn't listen to him at all, and Nadine just steamrolled him.
The emphasis on the scarf and the mum's absence was really distracting too because it didn't result in anything, and it was only really hinted that it had some responsibility for Malcolm's attitude toward relationships. More could have been explored that would have made Malcolm appear as less of a petulant brat.
January 8, 2024
Malcolm has a bad attitude about the wedding he must attend. He had a crush on one of the grooms.
* Malcolm, 24, tall, thin, dark wavy hair,
and a grouchy demeanor, must go to the wedding to help his Dad cater the event. He hasn't dated for three years since that fated date with Bobby, who is marrying Jimmy.
* Samuel, rugged and cocky, is a Veterinarian Tech
and handyman, who is helping prepare for the wedding venues.
Malcolm goes the the Stone's house and falls into the Christmas tree and is rescued, which starts the snark and banter between Samuel and Malcolm.
Gradually we watch the two men dance around their conflicted feelings.
This is interesting and inevitable, but neither sees it yet.
We see the interactions with many folks, and the deep thoughts of Malcolm, plus we find out why he has his negative attitude. He and his Dad have some revealing talks, too.
The whole town is involved in the wedding hubbub and we finally get to see it.
ENJOY !
=====
* Malcolm, 24, tall, thin, dark wavy hair,
and a grouchy demeanor, must go to the wedding to help his Dad cater the event. He hasn't dated for three years since that fated date with Bobby, who is marrying Jimmy.
* Samuel, rugged and cocky, is a Veterinarian Tech
and handyman, who is helping prepare for the wedding venues.
Malcolm goes the the Stone's house and falls into the Christmas tree and is rescued, which starts the snark and banter between Samuel and Malcolm.
Gradually we watch the two men dance around their conflicted feelings.
This is interesting and inevitable, but neither sees it yet.
We see the interactions with many folks, and the deep thoughts of Malcolm, plus we find out why he has his negative attitude. He and his Dad have some revealing talks, too.
The whole town is involved in the wedding hubbub and we finally get to see it.
ENJOY !
=====
June 5, 2023
I think this is the second Daryl book I've read.
His style is definitely uber easy and insta-lovey and I can understand how people would love these kinds of stories.
It was a fun and easy read but it's not really my preferred reading style at the moment.
I need more development and depth and this book was too insta in everything.
Daryl narrates his own book and I though he did a good job. He has a pleasant voice.
His style is definitely uber easy and insta-lovey and I can understand how people would love these kinds of stories.
It was a fun and easy read but it's not really my preferred reading style at the moment.
I need more development and depth and this book was too insta in everything.
Daryl narrates his own book and I though he did a good job. He has a pleasant voice.
January 8, 2024
So happy to return to Spruce, Texas! Banner's fictitious town is always a joy to revisit. This book was so good on so many levels. Malcolm is a hard guy to like, with his insecurities and how he can't get over a broken date with Bobby Strong three years ago. Turns out Malcolm has had a lot going on, and I can commiserate. Sometimes when things don't go your way they snowball and before you know it you've given up on so many good things in life.
Thankfully, Malcolm meets Samuel Buckley, a local vet tech and fellow lonely dude, except Samuel keeps his faith in love alive. His hope, and persistence, is the theme of this book, and how he and Malcolm come to an eventual understanding of each other and of the people in their lives.
Bobby and Jimmy, stars of my favorite Spruce book Heteroflexible, get married in Hopeful Romantic, and it was nice seeing them (briefly) again, along with pretty much every character other than Hoyt and Harrison. A new character is introduced who I hope will be the focus for the eighth book in this series.
Banner combines his usual warmth and wittiness into a fun and loving read. He's one of the few on my "must buy" list, he's that good IMO.
Thankfully, Malcolm meets Samuel Buckley, a local vet tech and fellow lonely dude, except Samuel keeps his faith in love alive. His hope, and persistence, is the theme of this book, and how he and Malcolm come to an eventual understanding of each other and of the people in their lives.
Bobby and Jimmy, stars of my favorite Spruce book Heteroflexible, get married in Hopeful Romantic, and it was nice seeing them (briefly) again, along with pretty much every character other than Hoyt and Harrison. A new character is introduced who I hope will be the focus for the eighth book in this series.
Banner combines his usual warmth and wittiness into a fun and loving read. He's one of the few on my "must buy" list, he's that good IMO.
March 3, 2023
I really love this series, I'm so sad this appears to be the last one at least for now?! I hope! We still need to know if Cole finds his man!
March 25, 2023
I actually rather liked Malcolm when he first appeared however many books ago. He was very different from the normal Banner character and that was oddly refreshing. I was looking forward to him getting his own book I just wish it had been his book and bot a side narrative to the wedding that sucks up so much of the air in this rather short novel. Most of the book is spent talking, thinking, and interacting with Bobby and/or Jimmy and not enough is given to creating characters out of the main characters. Stabs are taken at elucidating Malcolm's relationships with his parents and uncertainly of about the future but these somehow seemed shoehorned in between cameos from other previous couples. Cole is a perfect blank slate of a Baxter and Samuel is a collection of Banner's favorite quirks. Most of the plot movements only happen because Malcolm is steamrolled by his dad/Nadine/Samuel/Cole, and this gives the whole thing an uncomfortably claustrophobic feel.
All in all this was a disappointment and I would have DNF'd if I wasn't already so deep in this series.
All in all this was a disappointment and I would have DNF'd if I wasn't already so deep in this series.
January 14, 2023
Honestly, I didn't like Malcolm at all. He was self-centered, stuck in his head, and 90% of this book was his interior monologues, none of which made him likable. Apparently he had cause for being so cold to everyone, but that didn't make him agreeable at all. I would have liked to learn more about Samuel, the only other character with a major weight in the story, but all we got was vet tech, heart of gold, attracted to Malcolm for some reason. And that was about it. Even Cole was a blank.
1 star.
1 star.
July 6, 2024
Daryl Banner's Spruce Texas series holds a special place in my heart. I just finished Book Seven, Hopeful Romantic and absolutely loved revisiting Spruce.
This book wove many of the main characters from the previous novels into the story in a seamless and fun way and featured a character, Malcolm, who played a small but pivotal role in the HEA of two characters whose wedding plays a prominent role in this book.
Malcolm is a prickly character, which makes this story surprising and unique. His HEA isn't clear from page one, and I loved not knowing what was coming next. I highly recommend Hopeful Romantic and the Spruce, Texas books can be read separately, but, do yourself a favor and start at the beginning with Football Sundae. https://a.co/d/0dDnyfc2
This book wove many of the main characters from the previous novels into the story in a seamless and fun way and featured a character, Malcolm, who played a small but pivotal role in the HEA of two characters whose wedding plays a prominent role in this book.
Malcolm is a prickly character, which makes this story surprising and unique. His HEA isn't clear from page one, and I loved not knowing what was coming next. I highly recommend Hopeful Romantic and the Spruce, Texas books can be read separately, but, do yourself a favor and start at the beginning with Football Sundae. https://a.co/d/0dDnyfc2
December 24, 2022
Spruce, Texas
Spruce, Texas....felt dang good to be home again!!! All the characters, all the nostalgia, all the heart, all the heat, all the love!!!! Spruce, Texas.....you know you're home when you're here!!!!!
Spruce, Texas....felt dang good to be home again!!! All the characters, all the nostalgia, all the heart, all the heat, all the love!!!! Spruce, Texas.....you know you're home when you're here!!!!!
December 29, 2022
Fantastic and heartwarming return to Spruce
This book was exactly what I needed this Christmas. Not only was it sweet and heartwarming, but there was just enough drama to keep me up late for two nights. I love Malcom and Samuel - and also Cole. I’m a sucker for a love triangle. It was great to see more of the Strongs, and the cameos from past couples brought a tear to my eye. That’s why I love Daryl’s books. They feel like a real small town where the locals are always just around the corner. This is a perfect read, and it goes by fast. Low on angst and I loved the ending. Highly recommended. I hope there are more Spruce books to come.
This book was exactly what I needed this Christmas. Not only was it sweet and heartwarming, but there was just enough drama to keep me up late for two nights. I love Malcom and Samuel - and also Cole. I’m a sucker for a love triangle. It was great to see more of the Strongs, and the cameos from past couples brought a tear to my eye. That’s why I love Daryl’s books. They feel like a real small town where the locals are always just around the corner. This is a perfect read, and it goes by fast. Low on angst and I loved the ending. Highly recommended. I hope there are more Spruce books to come.
December 29, 2022
Hot, and
Way back in book 2 (I think) Bobby had a disastrous date with Malcolm. Turns out it was a big hit to Malcolm's self esteem. Losing his mom also made him moody.
Somehow, Samuel sees through his prickly words to his loneliness, and likes him anyway. But he's one of those guys who has to pull the pigtails of the guys he likes, metaphorically. This is the sort of book where the couple argue right up until they're kissing. If that's your thing, you'll probably like it better than I did.
The sex is hot, and there are some sweet and romantic moments.
Way back in book 2 (I think) Bobby had a disastrous date with Malcolm. Turns out it was a big hit to Malcolm's self esteem. Losing his mom also made him moody.
Somehow, Samuel sees through his prickly words to his loneliness, and likes him anyway. But he's one of those guys who has to pull the pigtails of the guys he likes, metaphorically. This is the sort of book where the couple argue right up until they're kissing. If that's your thing, you'll probably like it better than I did.
The sex is hot, and there are some sweet and romantic moments.
February 20, 2023
5 phenomenal stars!! (***Limited spoilers***)
An extremely well written tale of Malcolm, the anti-love, holiday hating, often socially inept son of his father, Mario's, catering business and Samuel, the always helpful, undeniably self-assured and well-muscled soul that tries to capture Malcolm's stone-cold heart.
With a delightful cast of supporting characters pushing and pulling Malcom every which way but loose (especially Nadine, owner of Mario's catering business and newly elected mayor of Spruce, Texas), he's enlisted to help his father cater his past crush, Bobby, and the man who stole Bobby away from him, Jimmy, Nadine's son, wedding. Awkward? Certainly! Humorous? When Samuel's around, absolutely!
This well-crafted story has multiple plotlines that are intermingled smoothly, the dialogue is crisp, entertaining and often heartfelt and the tenacity of Samuel is entirely endearing, with a touch of "Spruce" stubbornness.
The first "meeting" between Malcolm and Samuel certainly sets the pace for the entire book. The author deftly delivers the story's tone in their first encounter.
Mr. Banner's style of writing this series of Spruce, Texas books has become increasingly sharper and well-crafted. Everything just flows naturally...there are NO bumps OR editing mistakes to distract the reader from turning page after page. And, admittedly, the hot cover model is very easy on the eyes.
With more books forthcoming in this series, I cannot wait to devour the next one. Mr. Banner has become one of my top three m/m genre authors. If you like humor, broken and repaired hearts and gay themes, this book is a "must read!"
An extremely well written tale of Malcolm, the anti-love, holiday hating, often socially inept son of his father, Mario's, catering business and Samuel, the always helpful, undeniably self-assured and well-muscled soul that tries to capture Malcolm's stone-cold heart.
With a delightful cast of supporting characters pushing and pulling Malcom every which way but loose (especially Nadine, owner of Mario's catering business and newly elected mayor of Spruce, Texas), he's enlisted to help his father cater his past crush, Bobby, and the man who stole Bobby away from him, Jimmy, Nadine's son, wedding. Awkward? Certainly! Humorous? When Samuel's around, absolutely!
This well-crafted story has multiple plotlines that are intermingled smoothly, the dialogue is crisp, entertaining and often heartfelt and the tenacity of Samuel is entirely endearing, with a touch of "Spruce" stubbornness.
The first "meeting" between Malcolm and Samuel certainly sets the pace for the entire book. The author deftly delivers the story's tone in their first encounter.
Mr. Banner's style of writing this series of Spruce, Texas books has become increasingly sharper and well-crafted. Everything just flows naturally...there are NO bumps OR editing mistakes to distract the reader from turning page after page. And, admittedly, the hot cover model is very easy on the eyes.
With more books forthcoming in this series, I cannot wait to devour the next one. Mr. Banner has become one of my top three m/m genre authors. If you like humor, broken and repaired hearts and gay themes, this book is a "must read!"
March 18, 2023
Less than I Expected
The banter between Malcom and Samuel was not quite in character, not quite right exactly. And then Cole is tossed into the mix and the story mostly unravels with inane comments, misplaced snark and characters who slowly become less interesting. I wound up just quitting when I realized that I’d lost what interest I originally had.
The banter between Malcom and Samuel was not quite in character, not quite right exactly. And then Cole is tossed into the mix and the story mostly unravels with inane comments, misplaced snark and characters who slowly become less interesting. I wound up just quitting when I realized that I’d lost what interest I originally had.
October 24, 2023
Imagine my surprise as I was browsing through the new gay romance releases on the Kindle Store and I see a new entry in the Spruce Texas series. The biggest smile formed on my face and I couldn't wait to start reading. The Spruce Texas series might be one of my favourite M/M series to date which immediately catapulted Daryl Banner to being one of my favourite authors in this genre. I have read Books 1-4 and they were some of my all-time favourite M/M romance novels. Have even re-read a couple. There is just something about the way Daryl writes where the chemistry and banter between his MCs make me feel so giddy and warm inside. Always smiling, always blushing, always chuckling.
Unfortunately, I did not finish Books 5-6 in the series because I quickly lost interest after a few chapters and the characters and plot didn't appeal to me. Those two books didn't capture the magic of the first four entries in the series for me, personally. However, I still held out hope, always looking forward to another entry to see if it'd be just as good as Football Sundae, Born Again Sinner, Heteroflexible and Wrangled. Which is why it gives me great joy to say that Hopeful Romantic is a winner!
I loved our two MCs Samuel and Malcolm and as I stated earlier Daryl just knows how to write banter and sass between his MCs. I loved their exchanges and back and forth with each other. I saw a little of myself in Malcolm and it was easy falling in love with Samuel. I savored it all. However, the book was going so well up until the penultimate chapter, at least for me personally. The seggs scene between the MCs just completely turned me off. It was so rushed and I didn't feel any chemistry or passion in this moment. The scene from earlier in the book when was way hotter than the seggs in chapter 19. If Malcolm has just finished what he started that night I would've been way more satisfied.
I've gotten to a point where I'm so bored of reading penetrative sex between male characters in these romance novels just as I am with seeing it in other forms of media as well. Sex between two men can be so much more intimate and powerful than just sticking their you know what in the others' you know where. As a gay man myself who actually doesn't engage in the practice of @n@l sex, finding a gay romance novel where the two MCs don't do this is near a near impossible task. Most times I just skip that part in the book altogether. I've only found ONE! Yes! ONE! book where the MCs made love to each other by way of frotting and that book got 5 stars from me! A lot of M/M novels include handjobs, blowjobs and frotting but these merely just serve as a prelude to the penetration that's inevitable to follow and 9/10 times the penetration doesn't even come close to how passionate and intimate these other forms of sex were. I wish there were an author or just plenty books that exclude @n@l sex altogether as the only veracious way two men can make love to one another. But hey, that's just me I guess.
Veered off a bit there in my review but I needed to express that sentiment desperately. Either way, despite the final two chapters feeling rushed and changing the delightful mood I felt reading this book, it was still another good entry in the Spruce Texas series and I'm looking forward to future releases.
Unfortunately, I did not finish Books 5-6 in the series because I quickly lost interest after a few chapters and the characters and plot didn't appeal to me. Those two books didn't capture the magic of the first four entries in the series for me, personally. However, I still held out hope, always looking forward to another entry to see if it'd be just as good as Football Sundae, Born Again Sinner, Heteroflexible and Wrangled. Which is why it gives me great joy to say that Hopeful Romantic is a winner!
I loved our two MCs Samuel and Malcolm and as I stated earlier Daryl just knows how to write banter and sass between his MCs. I loved their exchanges and back and forth with each other. I saw a little of myself in Malcolm and it was easy falling in love with Samuel. I savored it all. However, the book was going so well up until the penultimate chapter, at least for me personally. The seggs scene between the MCs just completely turned me off. It was so rushed and I didn't feel any chemistry or passion in this moment. The scene from earlier in the book when was way hotter than the seggs in chapter 19. If Malcolm has just finished what he started that night I would've been way more satisfied.
I've gotten to a point where I'm so bored of reading penetrative sex between male characters in these romance novels just as I am with seeing it in other forms of media as well. Sex between two men can be so much more intimate and powerful than just sticking their you know what in the others' you know where. As a gay man myself who actually doesn't engage in the practice of @n@l sex, finding a gay romance novel where the two MCs don't do this is near a near impossible task. Most times I just skip that part in the book altogether. I've only found ONE! Yes! ONE! book where the MCs made love to each other by way of frotting and that book got 5 stars from me! A lot of M/M novels include handjobs, blowjobs and frotting but these merely just serve as a prelude to the penetration that's inevitable to follow and 9/10 times the penetration doesn't even come close to how passionate and intimate these other forms of sex were. I wish there were an author or just plenty books that exclude @n@l sex altogether as the only veracious way two men can make love to one another. But hey, that's just me I guess.
Veered off a bit there in my review but I needed to express that sentiment desperately. Either way, despite the final two chapters feeling rushed and changing the delightful mood I felt reading this book, it was still another good entry in the Spruce Texas series and I'm looking forward to future releases.
January 14, 2024
DNF@30% Malcolm Tucci is the son of Mario Tucci, the chef of Nadine's restaurant in Fairview, helping his father cater Bobby Parker and Jimmy Strong's upcoming Christmas wedding. Unfortunately, and inexplicably, Malcolm is still butt hurt over his one blind date with Bobby Parker three and a half years ago which was ruined by Jimmy Strong crashing it.
Fortunately for him, Nadine Strong has found another guy to throw Malcolm's way, cowboy hat wearing Samuel (last name unknown). Just like 95% of blind dates these two guys have zero chemistry and nothing in common and I just can't force myself through reading any more of their supposedly amusing interactions.
Themes: single POV, matchmaking, small towns
Fortunately for him, Nadine Strong has found another guy to throw Malcolm's way, cowboy hat wearing Samuel (last name unknown). Just like 95% of blind dates these two guys have zero chemistry and nothing in common and I just can't force myself through reading any more of their supposedly amusing interactions.
Themes: single POV, matchmaking, small towns
December 30, 2022
This book hits so close to home. I feel like there are so many things that mirror my own experience and of course that pulls me deeper and deeper into the Spruce, Texas world of romance. I want to dislike Malcom so much, but just within a few pages Daryl Banner turns that around for the reader and makes his main character so relatable. I understand his story well and I empathize with the feelings of inadequacy and loneliness from when I was Malcom’s age. I highly recommend this book. Not only for the hopeless romantics out there but especially for anyone who has struggled with self doubt or esteem issues. Maybe this story can help you see past those issues. Loved it from start to finish.
January 2, 2023
I wasn’t so sure that I liked Malcolm for a good while and then it hit me as to why he has so many dang ice covered walls.
I just loved Samuel and his carefree way. But, is he the opposite of Malcolm in covering up his loneliness?
These two really do belong together once they finally find that warm and comfortable middle. Everything else is just background noise.
I love that we got to see past characters and the high heel stomping momma mayor, Nadine. She means wells and we just love her anyways.
Thank you Daryl for another stroll down the streets of Spruce, TX. Can’t wait for more.
I just loved Samuel and his carefree way. But, is he the opposite of Malcolm in covering up his loneliness?
These two really do belong together once they finally find that warm and comfortable middle. Everything else is just background noise.
I love that we got to see past characters and the high heel stomping momma mayor, Nadine. She means wells and we just love her anyways.
Thank you Daryl for another stroll down the streets of Spruce, TX. Can’t wait for more.
December 26, 2022
Another great Spruce, Tx romance! Just what was needed for the holiday season! Malcolm was caught up in the past to much to see what’s in front of him. With some help he’ll find out what really matters the most! I loved Samual for Malcolm. They had a great connection. Will Malcolm realize it before it’s to late? I loved this wonderful romance! I’m glad we got to make another trip to Spruce Tx.! Thank you Daryl! I look forward to future trips back!
December 29, 2022
Once again, we head back to Spruce for love, laughter and of course romance. Daryl truly knows how to bring out all your emotions in his books. You feel like you are back home, in book number 7 of this series and I always feel a sense of belonging. We get to see Malcom Tucci again and learn to understand his inner thoughts and feelings as he struggles with his emotions, both past and present. I literally cried just reading the forward - It made me a hopeful romantic.
January 16, 2023
Disappointing...
I've been a fan since the very first spruce Texas book came out. What's not to love? There is romance, intrigue, and a story so hot, it melted the pages. This installment didn't live up to the hype. I feel like I just read a YA novel. Oh well. Better luck next time.
I've been a fan since the very first spruce Texas book came out. What's not to love? There is romance, intrigue, and a story so hot, it melted the pages. This installment didn't live up to the hype. I feel like I just read a YA novel. Oh well. Better luck next time.
September 1, 2023
I love small town books, and enjoyed Daryl Banner's take on this trope. I jumped into this series on book 7, and was just a little lost occasionally. For the best outcome, I do recommend starting at the beginning of the series.
Overall, I enjoyed this enough to give it 5 stars, and highly recommend it!
Overall, I enjoyed this enough to give it 5 stars, and highly recommend it!
September 22, 2023
Opposites attract
Malcolm the disaster date that once had a date with Bobbie before he became Jimmie Strongs is now forced to attend there holiday wedding yuck why dose his life suck so much well his father is catering there event and Nadine mother of one of the grooms has a surprise for him. Gotta love Nadine she's loud but supportive of both her sons and the love they share with there guys but every once in awhile she meddle's were she shouldn't first with Bobbie and Malcolm then again she thinks she can find Malcolm his someone maybe she needs to stick to be a mayor and happy grandma. Malcolm is not only miserable but now he's being set up again kill him now not only that but he's being mauled by thr Strong family Christmas tree and he thinks his would be savior is the guy Nadine is talking about Samuel or is it nope he starts to like the annoying but cute guy then the other shoe drops and Nadine has other ideas Cole he's perfect or is he could this get any worse. Samuel is likable goofy and nice the write guy for Malcolm but Malcolm doesn't think so is this holiday weeding going to bring a miracle and help Malcolm find forgiveness and holiday cheer.
This book is okay it's more of a 3.4 Malcolm is probably the most grumpy and grouchy guy ever but there is a reason his obsession over a onetime date is a little annoying. I wish that the Author had separated the wedding from his book though because the love story for Malcolm and Samuel seemed rushed that's my biggest problem with the book its nice to introduce new characters but they need more background story then oh hay there's another gay guy he's a Vet Tech or yah there's another guy that graduated Highschool and he's gay and works for Jimmie and Bobbie even though the last book with Harrison and Hoyt made it sound like there weren't that many gay men in Spruce anymore. So this is why I'm rating it 3.4 stars
Malcolm the disaster date that once had a date with Bobbie before he became Jimmie Strongs is now forced to attend there holiday wedding yuck why dose his life suck so much well his father is catering there event and Nadine mother of one of the grooms has a surprise for him. Gotta love Nadine she's loud but supportive of both her sons and the love they share with there guys but every once in awhile she meddle's were she shouldn't first with Bobbie and Malcolm then again she thinks she can find Malcolm his someone maybe she needs to stick to be a mayor and happy grandma. Malcolm is not only miserable but now he's being set up again kill him now not only that but he's being mauled by thr Strong family Christmas tree and he thinks his would be savior is the guy Nadine is talking about Samuel or is it nope he starts to like the annoying but cute guy then the other shoe drops and Nadine has other ideas Cole he's perfect or is he could this get any worse. Samuel is likable goofy and nice the write guy for Malcolm but Malcolm doesn't think so is this holiday weeding going to bring a miracle and help Malcolm find forgiveness and holiday cheer.
This book is okay it's more of a 3.4 Malcolm is probably the most grumpy and grouchy guy ever but there is a reason his obsession over a onetime date is a little annoying. I wish that the Author had separated the wedding from his book though because the love story for Malcolm and Samuel seemed rushed that's my biggest problem with the book its nice to introduce new characters but they need more background story then oh hay there's another gay guy he's a Vet Tech or yah there's another guy that graduated Highschool and he's gay and works for Jimmie and Bobbie even though the last book with Harrison and Hoyt made it sound like there weren't that many gay men in Spruce anymore. So this is why I'm rating it 3.4 stars
January 7, 2023
Sweet and Sour
Hopeful Romantic takes on a task that is formidable for a writer: to feature a romantic lead character who is difficult to like. That Daryl Banner pulls it off in the end is testament to his skills as romance writer.
Malcolm Tucci is begrudging, pained, insecure and as changeable as a fresh set of triplets. His incessant second guessing of every warm feeling and kind act makes him the obstacle that every romance novel needs its leads to overcome. Furthermore, he is the sole narrator, so we readers are always in his brain as he doubts his own feelings and says or does the wrong thing. Yes, there is justification for his issues, but they don't stop a reader from wishing he'd get over his grief and accept the "annoying" attention lavished on him by small-town boy Samuel Buckley.
Luckily Banner is in the driver's seat, and his fantasy town of Spruce, Texas lays on the charm in this Christmas season tale wrapped around the wedding of a previous MM couple. HEA is accomplished and the sexual payoff is sweet.
And Banner opens the book with a foreword defending his creation of a Texas town where gay love is common and celebrated. I never read forewords, but I loved this one.
Hopeful Romantic takes on a task that is formidable for a writer: to feature a romantic lead character who is difficult to like. That Daryl Banner pulls it off in the end is testament to his skills as romance writer.
Malcolm Tucci is begrudging, pained, insecure and as changeable as a fresh set of triplets. His incessant second guessing of every warm feeling and kind act makes him the obstacle that every romance novel needs its leads to overcome. Furthermore, he is the sole narrator, so we readers are always in his brain as he doubts his own feelings and says or does the wrong thing. Yes, there is justification for his issues, but they don't stop a reader from wishing he'd get over his grief and accept the "annoying" attention lavished on him by small-town boy Samuel Buckley.
Luckily Banner is in the driver's seat, and his fantasy town of Spruce, Texas lays on the charm in this Christmas season tale wrapped around the wedding of a previous MM couple. HEA is accomplished and the sexual payoff is sweet.
And Banner opens the book with a foreword defending his creation of a Texas town where gay love is common and celebrated. I never read forewords, but I loved this one.
December 29, 2023
This was a cute story just in time for the holidays. I find it funny that Banner uses these hot men covers, leading the reader to think it’s going to be a spicy read, when it’s really just a sweet romance with a little bit of spice.
Banner created this fictional town in TX full of characters that he keeps up through the series. This is one of the best things about his style is how the secondary characters have full lives and don’t live to serve the plot. At times, I think he likes these characters more than his protagonists.
This novel features Malcom, son of a chef, who hasn’t recovered from the date in book three but has to go help his dad with the catering of that dude’s wedding on Christmas Eve Eve. Mayhem ensues and hurt feelings come out. I love that Banner added another character outside the two main protagonists who I hope to see further down the line.
I would rate it higher but there was a scene involving sex and alcohol that I don’t think was handled well.
Overall though a fun light read.
Banner created this fictional town in TX full of characters that he keeps up through the series. This is one of the best things about his style is how the secondary characters have full lives and don’t live to serve the plot. At times, I think he likes these characters more than his protagonists.
This novel features Malcom, son of a chef, who hasn’t recovered from the date in book three but has to go help his dad with the catering of that dude’s wedding on Christmas Eve Eve. Mayhem ensues and hurt feelings come out. I love that Banner added another character outside the two main protagonists who I hope to see further down the line.
I would rate it higher but there was a scene involving sex and alcohol that I don’t think was handled well.
Overall though a fun light read.
August 19, 2024
I think that there are no more single gay men left in Spruce, Texas. From my readings it seems that there are many series of books in the LGBTQ+ genre. Each book of a series has two key characters (some of whom were briefly mentioned in prior books in a series) which are followed from meeting to being in love. There seems to be a tendency to include some obstacle(s) to their meeting or becoming a couple. I guess it works but when I finished reading this book I was hoping that the series had wound down. No, I am reading the last one I think.
Most fiction that I read are self standing books that hold their own. There are some obvious examples of a series like "Lord of the Rings" and Louise Penny writes mysteries that have common characters but each book is independent of the other (so far). I remain curious why this use of a series of related books is so frequent in the LGBTQ+ genre.
The books on their own are a decent read so I am not suggesting that there was a problem with them - just why use series.
I like Daryl's writing and for the most part the stories and characters are interesting. This book is no different.
Most fiction that I read are self standing books that hold their own. There are some obvious examples of a series like "Lord of the Rings" and Louise Penny writes mysteries that have common characters but each book is independent of the other (so far). I remain curious why this use of a series of related books is so frequent in the LGBTQ+ genre.
The books on their own are a decent read so I am not suggesting that there was a problem with them - just why use series.
I like Daryl's writing and for the most part the stories and characters are interesting. This book is no different.
December 8, 2024
Cute. Not many notes on this one.
Choosing Malcom as a single POV for this book was a good idea, as we really needed his internal thoughts to get a complete picture of what was going on. If the book had featured Samuel's POV, we would've gotten many more scenes like Malcom's date with Bobby in book 3, which could've made it a little hard to read. It was good to see just how much Malcom FEELS, as we know what's going on in his head.
Unfortunately, the single POV doesn't help with an issue I have - Samuel feels absent for seemingly long stretches of time, which feels less romantic. Having so much of Cole was good for Malcom's growth, and it has me excited for Cole's own book next...but I missed a little of the romantic magic (around the later portion of the story) that was built early on. So, it kind of evens out as more of a story that about Malcom needing to open up, kind of like Lance's book being about forgiveness (rather than being just a romance).
Still had a good time reading. Can't wait to start the next one!
Choosing Malcom as a single POV for this book was a good idea, as we really needed his internal thoughts to get a complete picture of what was going on. If the book had featured Samuel's POV, we would've gotten many more scenes like Malcom's date with Bobby in book 3, which could've made it a little hard to read. It was good to see just how much Malcom FEELS, as we know what's going on in his head.
Unfortunately, the single POV doesn't help with an issue I have - Samuel feels absent for seemingly long stretches of time, which feels less romantic. Having so much of Cole was good for Malcom's growth, and it has me excited for Cole's own book next...but I missed a little of the romantic magic (around the later portion of the story) that was built early on. So, it kind of evens out as more of a story that about Malcom needing to open up, kind of like Lance's book being about forgiveness (rather than being just a romance).
Still had a good time reading. Can't wait to start the next one!
July 12, 2023
I disliked this very much! Like, no!
I feel like the full story wasn't thought out all the way. I hated it was only in Malcolm's POV. I didn't like him at all in HETEROFLEXIBLE. I thought he was a pompous prick. So i wasn't very excited about his story. Would have loved to hear from Samuel thoughts and voice. And speaking of Samuel, where the hell has his gay ass been hiding all this time?! I did not like the lovers' triangle plot at all. Poor Cole. He was so sweet and happy. Drama didn't belong in his life. Because of the Triangle plot, the sex/raunch was as dry as an overcooked southern fried chicken dinner. Something minor happens about halfway, but it wasn't much of anything, and then finally, the 2nd to last chapter.... That's a long time to wait. I'm pretty bitter about it.
The secondary plot of Jimmy and Bobby's wedding was good. Seeing them finally getting it done was special. This is why I gave the book 2 stars instead of 1.
I feel like the full story wasn't thought out all the way. I hated it was only in Malcolm's POV. I didn't like him at all in HETEROFLEXIBLE. I thought he was a pompous prick. So i wasn't very excited about his story. Would have loved to hear from Samuel thoughts and voice. And speaking of Samuel, where the hell has his gay ass been hiding all this time?! I did not like the lovers' triangle plot at all. Poor Cole. He was so sweet and happy. Drama didn't belong in his life. Because of the Triangle plot, the sex/raunch was as dry as an overcooked southern fried chicken dinner. Something minor happens about halfway, but it wasn't much of anything, and then finally, the 2nd to last chapter.... That's a long time to wait. I'm pretty bitter about it.
The secondary plot of Jimmy and Bobby's wedding was good. Seeing them finally getting it done was special. This is why I gave the book 2 stars instead of 1.
December 17, 2025
DNF @ 36%
Interesting seeing Jimmy and Bobby from Malcolm's perspective. I'm writing this before the inevitable "I forgive Jimmy for being an ass to me" happens, but I felt a bit vindicated seeing a character hate Jimmy as much as I hated him in his book (still do actually since this one just reminded me of the shit he pulled)
I soured on the story real quick when a love triangle was introduced AND Bobby started to rehash their awful date then proceeded to emphasize how much he loved Jimmy and wished that Malcolm could find that (as if telling someone he needed to use covert hand signs to escape from their date was supposed to be comforting).
I DNFed when I realized that Bobby and Jimmy were going to continue to be major players in this book. I already DNFed their book because Jimmy was an annoying POS, but having them come back in here along with a stupid love triangle where Cole is obviously going to get shafted is enough for me to know I won't enjoy this.
Interesting seeing Jimmy and Bobby from Malcolm's perspective. I'm writing this before the inevitable "I forgive Jimmy for being an ass to me" happens, but I felt a bit vindicated seeing a character hate Jimmy as much as I hated him in his book (still do actually since this one just reminded me of the shit he pulled)
I soured on the story real quick when a love triangle was introduced AND Bobby started to rehash their awful date then proceeded to emphasize how much he loved Jimmy and wished that Malcolm could find that (as if telling someone he needed to use covert hand signs to escape from their date was supposed to be comforting).
I DNFed when I realized that Bobby and Jimmy were going to continue to be major players in this book. I already DNFed their book because Jimmy was an annoying POS, but having them come back in here along with a stupid love triangle where Cole is obviously going to get shafted is enough for me to know I won't enjoy this.
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