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Boys & Toys #1

Caysen's Catch

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Four hot friends. One big city.
Personal trainer Caysen has his hands full.

When Caysen Ryan catches a hot new client at the gym, he goes all in - which complicates things with his best friend (and secret crush) Wade Lockhart.

About the Boys & Toys series:

Caysen, Wade, Dean, and Garret - These four young men are living in a city full of parties and clubs and sex. While managing the grind of day jobs, they chase their dreams. Hopping from POV to POV within each novella, you'll get a thrillingly intimate look into the intertwining lives of these four very different men. You'll fall in love alongside them, party with them, and have the time of your life! Think of it like the book version of your new favorite gay TV series - addictive, binge-worthy, and totally hot as hell!

The BOYS & TOYS series:

Caysen's Catch (Book 1)
Wade's Workout (Book 2) - coming in May!
Dean's Dare (Book 3) - coming in June!
Garret's Game (Book 4) - coming in July!


(Photographer: Randy Sewell)

103 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 31, 2019

487 people are currently reading
311 people want to read

About the author

Daryl Banner

96 books1,994 followers
Daryl Banner is a USA Today Bestselling author, composer, and performer. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Houston Honors College with a degree in Theatre and Psychology. He is happily married to his piano. Theory suggests this is why he writes romance.

During Daryl Banner's time in college, he wrote, composed, and produced a musical under Tony Award-winning musical and Theatre producer Stuart Ostrow, as well as two original plays produced under the mentorship of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lanford Wilson, who also mentored Daryl through the writing of his very first novel. In addition to new adult and M/M romance, Daryl also writes post-apocalyptic fantasy as well as dystopian.

Join his mailing list here to be the first to hear about his new releases! He awards an Amazon gift card every newsletter:
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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5 stars
148 (30%)
4 stars
161 (32%)
3 stars
132 (26%)
2 stars
39 (7%)
1 star
12 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
Profile Image for ☆ Todd.
1,442 reviews1,584 followers
Read
June 5, 2019

Nope, nope, nopity NOPE!

This felt like Days of our Lives, but WITH DICK.



Stories like this aren't even remotely my thing, especially with the bondage and desire for humiliation thrown in for one of the four MC's. : (



I made it to 30%, but yeah, I'm calling time of death and moving on.



DNF, so no rating.

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Profile Image for Laxmama .
623 reviews
April 4, 2019
Great start to this new series, the Title reads Kayson’s story but we are introduced to all four of the guys and their hangs ups/drama. For me it read like sex and the city from a male POV. For me it was great read, Banner has a great sense of humor, witty, funny and just the beginning of feelz to hook me. I want Wade’s book ASAP.
Profile Image for Tjpayne.
187 reviews5 followers
April 18, 2019
I always seem to have a hard time rating short stories or novellas. The way I see it, there isn't always enough of a story, plot, or character development to get a clear rating in my head. So just to clarify, my rating for this book is knowing it is not a full-length novel and is part 1 of 4 in a series of novellas.

All that being said, I am a big fan of Daryl Banner. I have read the majority of his books and absolutely adore his humor and the characters he creates. His books are always entertaining and easy to read. More often than not, this is the type of book I've been gravitating towards lately. I have needed to be easily entertained and have been reading a lot to escape my everyday doldrums.

This book (and the next 3 stories in the series) has four main characters and is about 4 male friends who are gay. It's about their interactions with others, as well as their relationships with each other. I don't come across this a lot (so many MC's), but when I do, it seems it can often be confusing trying follow each character. Trying to remember who is who can be hard, BUT I did not feel that way while reading this book. It was pretty easy for me to follow and keep the characters separate.

Now, I do have to admit that there was one incident that made me wince...hard. There was a casual hookup where no protection was used. I haven't come across this in a book in a while, so it really jumped out at me. I really didn't like it. At all! However, I don't recall this ever being an issue in any of the author's other books, so I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt for now. It's early days in the story and maybe there was a reason for this? Fingers crossed.

If you are wondering about the heat level, there are definitely some smexy scenes, but they did not seem to overtake the book.

Another thing I noticed was there didn't seem to be quite as much humor present in this story as in the author's other stories (imo), but then again that might change as the stories progress. Don't get me wrong...it is still funny, though just not (to me anyway) as hilarious as some of his other books. Hopefully the story will get funnier as the books continue. Daryl Banner can do humor very well!

If you are looking for a book with a lot of angst, or a story that will induce deep soul searching, this is probably not the book for you. I, however, was entertained while reading about these guys. By the end of the story, I was really starting to fall for all the MC's. I definitely look forward to seeing what happens next. I especially can't wait to see what develops between Caysen and Wade. Eager for the next book in the series!
Profile Image for MJLovestoRead.
2,273 reviews58 followers
March 29, 2019
Caysen's Catch is all kinds of fun and flirty and I absolutely adore these boys and their toys! What's great is that we get all 4 good friends right from the start involved and their witty banter is priceless. There is great joy is watching as Caysen tries his hardest to sleep his affections away for his bestie Wade, who seems to be clueless to his friend's feelings. But Caysen's trysts are super HOT in only the way Daryl Banner can write them, which is a wonderful bonus, as always!

Dean and his husband Sam have their own issues yet are incredibly hot for one another, despite their age difference. And Garrett rounds out this sexy group of friends who have one another's backs and are just trying to navigate this thing called life. It's a crazy little world that Banner has created

Caysen's Catch is the perfect way to start this series of novellas and I can't wait to see how these men progress with their wants, needs and desires. It's a crazy little world that Banner has created and is a quick read guaranteed to make you smile with a very satisfying HFN.

4 solid stars!
Profile Image for Rohit.
473 reviews29 followers
April 5, 2019
There's been many times where I've rated Daryl's books low because sometimes his formula works and sometimes it doesn't. This author has a fresh edge which I like to look forward to even though I may not end up loving the experience. But bitch this time it worked! You've got 4 sexy mofos with completely different lives and each a complex of emotions which credits individual attention. I loved how there was enough to keep you on edge but not enough to dish out the whole story. It's hot and fast with a light heartedness to it. Hope the next few books live up to the expectations!
1,548 reviews11 followers
April 1, 2019
I loved this introduction to this new serial book by Daryl Banner!
This book series is structured a bit different than usual: there’s 4 books, following the four MCs, but the stories of all characters do not end at the end of each book, but the stories of all the characters go on at the same time, with flashes of scenes following them all. This means that this first book sets the premises of all four character’s stories, but does not finish with a set ending, instead it leaves us with a HFN that just wants me wanting more, more, more of these enticing guys’ stories!
The first novella is named after Caysen: gym instructor, sexy as all hell. Has a (well-deserved) reputation of having fun of a lot of fan with many of his gym’s patrons. He never gets attached to any of the men he has sex with, because he’s secretly in love with a man he thinks he cannot have…
Patiently (not so much) waiting for the next novella, which will be about Wade, the naïve actor.
Profile Image for Lagaertha.
295 reviews10 followers
August 20, 2019
3 and a half smiling stars to this short, fun and easy read🌟A fine in-between-read, but after trying to read the second instalment it justbecame a no thank you😬

Profile Image for Teresa Lara.
3,478 reviews53 followers
March 28, 2019
I Absolutely loved this short Novella. The boys had everything love witty amazing funjy addicting read.Loved them all.Looking forward Wade's
Profile Image for Ed Davis.
2,896 reviews99 followers
April 10, 2019
It was a cute story but I don’t really like books written as a series. If I’d realized that I would never have bought this book. I won’t buy anymore in this series and I’ll be more careful when buying anything by Daryl Banner. Too bad he’s a good writer, I just always feel like I’m being played when I’m not told it’s a series up front.
Profile Image for Jackie Ziegler.
1,823 reviews6 followers
March 27, 2019
This is the story of 4 friends and their lives

Caysen works at a gym and just pretty much finds a new boytoy every few weeks meanwhile the main reason is he loves someone and he can't tell them..

Garrett - He is into some D/s stuff and really wants to be dominated but can't seem to find the right guy, he is seeing Jeremy but is getting bored.. Will he find someone who can give him what he wants?

Wade - he is an actor and just can't seem to catch a break .. Will he find the role of a lifetime or will he just be picked for his looks?

Dean - The only married one in the group.. married to an older man named Sam. Sam wants Dean to live freely but Dean feels like Sam isn't happy and just wants to please his husband.. Will Dean succeed?

I can't wait to see what happens with these guys.. Ends in a cliffhanger of sorts as the story is over 4 books. :)
Profile Image for Christie Howell.
425 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2019
I received an Advanced Reader's copy and y'all this could be a hit show on Freeform or the CW...that's how I pictured it.. that said... these boys are hot as hell but they don't do much communicating. They're all scared of letting the one they want know how they feel. Caysen sleeps around with his gym clients thinking he can stop his crush on his bff Wade. Wade is just oblivious..boy needs to pay attention. Dean just needs to talk to Sam...set the record straight so to speak. That he doesn't really want to sleep with younger guys cause he has what he wants with his husband. Garrett just needs to dump Jeremy...be done. Let his boss know he's crushing and doesn't want any compliments. He wants him to yell at him and make him squirm. Lol anyway. That's my review.. hope it helps you. Can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Brenda Motza.
448 reviews5 followers
March 28, 2019
Holy soap opera batman!

I shall call this "The Day's Of Our Lives, Boys and Toys Edition". With each Novella having it's own name, my little mind thought that each book would be about that particular "boy". But, oh no, you get them all.

In this first edition we get Caysen, and let me tell you, nothing stops this guy. He wants it, he gets it, except his BFF Wade. Should he or should he not cross the friendship line? Because once he does there is no going back. Caysen had crushed on Wade since forever, but instead of making his feelings known, Caysen gets his kicks elsewhere. So, let's see how long it takes for Caysen to nail Wade to the wall, literally and figuratively.

A fan-damn-tastic start to a series that has already sucked me in and now I can't wait for the 2nd edition. You will love these cast of characters. TRUST ME!!

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Lindsaye Dombrowski.
443 reviews3 followers
March 27, 2019
Just one book is not enough with these men! Caysen, Wade, Dean and Garrett already have me hooked and I can't wait for more!

Caysen works in a gym, has hot buff clients and can (and probably has) bed anyone he wants...except for the one that he REALLY wants! His best friend since college is a constant in his life, but Caysen is afraid he is stuck in the friend zone with nowhere else to go.

There is also the beginning of what I can only imagine will be amazing stories for these other men. Wade is oblivious, innocent but so much fun. Dean is married but lost as to who he is and what he wants out of life. And then there is Garrett! He seems to be the wild card, and I love it!
Profile Image for  Nancy.
1,287 reviews8 followers
March 29, 2019
A tremendous start to a new book series by Daryl Banner! Caysen and his 3 friends are the main characters in this series and each will have their own book.
Caysen is a fitness instructor and his story revolves around the gym and how his best friends fit into his world.
Excellent writing, with a few chuckles along the way.
"I was so stupid to think I could untwist a thing like that, a special, beautiful thing that's so utterly, helplessly, tragically woven together."
"The words are right there, hovering in the air between my parted, terrified lips and his soft, cute, patient ear."
Waiting patiently for the next book to be released.
Profile Image for Julie.
371 reviews50 followers
April 1, 2019
Like typical Daryl Banner books, Caysen's Catch is definitely right up there with wit, flirting and sexy men loving men.
This is a new series by Daryl, which will have a separate novella representing each best friend, but all the stories will connect thru each other as well. In the 1st book, we find Caysen working hard as a gym instructor, but we also get to have glimpses of all 4 of the men we will encounter. The characters come to life thru Daryl's words, sucking the reader into yhe lives of fun, flirting and oh so sexiness.
I highly recommend this book to all lovers of m/m, and I know I'll be waiting for the rest of this series to come out...hopefully quickly!
91 reviews3 followers
April 2, 2019
Daryl Banner's latest, Caysen's Catch, is the first in a new series of stories about four good friends and the men they love. Caysen is a personal trainer who has been in love with his best friend, Wade, forever. The problem is that Wade doesn't seem to get it. Caysen is always there when Wade needs a shoulder, a word of advice, or just someone to hang out with. Will Caysen ever work up the courage to tell Wade how he really feels? Will Wade ever see the light about Caysen? I guess we'll I'll have to stay tuned for the next fabulous book from Daryl Banner. I cannot wait.
Profile Image for Shiney.
278 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2019
This is a lovely, steamy, funny introduction to four friends; their lives, love, and sex.
Caysen has no short supply of men that he can have, but no one seems to suffice when compared to his oblivious best friend Wade.
Wade just wants to be off, and or on Broadway.
Dean is happily married and seems to have everything, but he isn't completely content.
Garrett is hard to satisfy..
I went to flip to the next page, and it was over.. too soon. I can't wait to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Chris.
1,729 reviews26 followers
April 1, 2019
This didn't feature as much Caysen and Wade as I thought it might, but after finishing and looking back, I can see the "happy for now" ending and potential for future stories. In the beginning I kinda got lost in all of the characters. I'm guessing this one is more of a set up for all of the characters and the future novellas in their stories. After finishing the book, I completely get the reason for the format. Can't wait to see what they're up to next!
Profile Image for Shannon.
2,750 reviews225 followers
April 8, 2019

What a fun kick off to a new series of novellas! Although this is titled Caysen's Catch we actually get a look into the lives of all 4 of these friends- Caysen, Ward, Garrett, and Dean. And what interesting lives they are! I cannot wait to see where Mr. Banner takes us with this crew- I'm already so invested in each of them, even after this quick taste. They each deserve all the happiness and I hope that's just what's in store for them!
Profile Image for Julie Leopold.
75 reviews3 followers
March 30, 2019
This novella is the first course in Daryl Banner’s Boy&Toys series. And what an appetizer it is!! Although called Caysen’s Catch , we get an introduction to all 4 boys. Caysen is a bodybuilder playboy but he’s hiding a secret from his best friend. Like any good appetizer this just prepares your taste buds for the next course. I can’t wait to see what Daryl has cooked up for us!!
Profile Image for Sue Ouellet-Cofsky.
2,546 reviews47 followers
April 1, 2019
I'm intrigued to see where Daryl Banner will be taking us in this Boys & Toys series. We meet the players, we see their lives, we see into their minds...where will it all go from there? This story so far is reminiscent of the Brazen Boys series and I really look forward to seeing all these boys find an HEA!
Profile Image for Renee.
1,501 reviews8 followers
April 1, 2019
The first in a series of 4 novellas. It rotates among the perspectives of four friends. Caysen is a gym trainer who longs for his best friend Wade. Wade is oblivious to his attraction. Dean is married. Garrett longs for a BDSM relationship but hasn’t found the right guy.

Fun little story with angst and heat. The guys are Interesting and engaging. Ends at a great stopping point so you want more. Super fun quick read. Plenty of humorous turns of phrase and situations. Garret’s kink is especially a fun addition. I am never disappointed by a Daryl Banner novel and this is no exception. I can’t wait to see what he has in store for these guys!
Profile Image for Mindy.
900 reviews5 followers
March 29, 2019
Ooh I love these boys. This was a great start to this series. I wanted more. It ended way to soon for me. Its witty, sexy and well written.
This cover is great. Sexy and bright colors to catch the eye.
Profile Image for Stacy Jo.
796 reviews1 follower
March 28, 2019
Omg I can’t wait for the next book!! I need to know what’s next! This was over way to fast!
Profile Image for Wendy Moore.
1,332 reviews11 followers
April 1, 2019
Loved meeting these 4 boys!! Daryl writes amazing characters and these 4 did not disappoint. Daryl packed a lot into this novella and can't wait to read the rest!!
Profile Image for David Wickham.
645 reviews10 followers
October 17, 2019
I really like the characters. That's one of the main things I look for in a book. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens to them. I'm not sure if I want the happily ever after endings.
Profile Image for Jenn (not Lily).
4,801 reviews27 followers
December 20, 2019
Definitely part 1 -- this ends with a to be continued. Not bad, but I didn't really get a good handle on any of these 4 guys, I'm really not sure where they're heading.
Profile Image for Sue.
1,945 reviews25 followers
March 26, 2019
Daryl Banner goes back to his fun and flirty roots he had with The Brazen Boys series to start a new and fresh series about 4 friends who experience life, love and having fun as a sort of gay Sex in the City. The first book introduces us to Caysen, a trainer with an eye for his sexy clients, but also gives us a glimpse into the lives of his friends, Wade, Dean and Garret who all get books in the near future.
It was fun and fast paced and at times very sweet and emotional. Loved it!

***** 5 ***** "loving and living in the city" stars
Profile Image for Susan.
1,295 reviews21 followers
April 5, 2019
What a fun beginning to a new series! In this book, we meet all four of these men, Caysen, Wade, Dean, and Garret. They are all good friends, but are very different from each other. I really like how the author, Daryl Banner, has all four of their POVs in this book. If gave us good insight into each one. There are lots of time that I was laughing out loud, and others that were steamy hot. It gave us just a taste of this series, but what a wonderful, delicious taste it is. Now I am so looking forward to Book 2.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews

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