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Boys & Toys #3

Dean's Dare

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From Amazon Bestselling Author Daryl Banner comes the third book in his SIZZLING new summer series!

"I dare you to do something that completely defies who you are."

DEAN
At first it started with a simple dare.
Then everything changed.

See, I love my husband Sam. I love him more than wine.
He's successful, charming, smart,
devastatingly handsome,
and he treats me like a prince.

So why do I feel like something's still missing?

It isn't enough to just be Sam's trophy husband anymore.
I need to spice things up between us.

That's when the dare came in ...
... and everything spun out of control.

Are you ready to meet the four hot men of the Boys & Toys series?

Caysen, Wade, Dean, and Garret - These four young best friends are living in a city full of parties and clubs and sex. While managing the grind of day jobs, they chase their dreams - and get into lots of trouble. Hopping from POV to POV within each novella, you will get a thrillingly intimate look into the intertwining lives of these four very different men. 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 hot as hell!

"BOYS & TOYS" is a serial series of hot and fun male/male novellas that follow the lives of four gay best friends. The suggested reading order is:
Caysen's Catch
Wade's Workout
Dean's Dare
Garret's Game (coming early July!)


(Photographer: Eric Battershell)

166 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 30, 2019

144 people are currently reading
135 people want to read

About the author

Daryl Banner

97 books2,001 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
143 (45%)
4 stars
100 (31%)
3 stars
56 (17%)
2 stars
14 (4%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Laxmama .
623 reviews
May 1, 2020
4.5 STARS BEST SO FAR. I am really enjoying this mini-series from Daryl Banner and this installment was the one I was waiting for. No spoilers but it had all the right emotions, fun, humor and the boys were just perfect. This would be the best NETFLIX show. The boys version of Sex in the City
Profile Image for Shannon.
2,761 reviews225 followers
June 3, 2019

The more I get to know these 4 friends, the more I want to know! I'm really enjoying this serial, even as it's driving me crazy because I want these guys to all find their hea.
I love that Dean and Sam finally started seeing eye-to-eye, when it came to bringing someone else into their relationship. Yay for Dean for taking that step so that they could work through everything that's been weighing on him! Although I've been anxious for all 4 friends to get their shizz together, I think I've been most worried about these 2.
Although I have to admit, Garrett had me on edge in this book- he's got some issues that were starting to get a bit out of control, he needs someone to reel him in. I'm really rooting for him.
And that leaves Wade and Caysen- these two! GAH, finally, FINALLY!!!

Daryl's created such a fun group, I think it's going to be hard to say goodbye to them, but I'm so ready for Garrett's Game- bring it on!
Profile Image for Sue.
1,945 reviews25 followers
May 25, 2019
I love Dean. To me he is the sweetest one of the bunch and I just really want him to get his HEA with his husband Sam...the big bear who doesn't think he's enough for his adorable Dean.
We get more from the clueless Wade and his crusher Caysen...and Garret makes some interesting discoveries. Stay tuned for the exciting conclusion to come in July!

***** 5 ***** "love me some sweet boys" stars
1,068 reviews6 followers
May 29, 2019
I just can't get enough of these four friends. 
The books just pulls you in and the next minute your finished way too soon and wondering when the next book comes out.

In this one Wade finally gets a clue about his best friend Caysen and the new tension between them and Caysen might just get a chance with the only one he's ever been interested in. .  Dean are starting a series of events with his dare that affect his own relationship and he and Sam finally get honest with each other after a hilarious invite.  
And Garrett who's been spiralling since Jock Con gets the answer to the one question his been dying to know. 

Can't wait to see how the last book will play out!
Profile Image for Shiney.
278 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2019
As my husband drove us home tonight from seeing the orchestra play, I buried my nose in my phone (kindle app) so that I could finally get to the end of this book I've been dying to read! If my kids hadn't been asleep in the backseat I would have done a happy dance with giddy girly squeals of excitement! Instead I was internally jumping for joy with a big ass grin on my face! 😍

I'm so happy that the lovable Dean and his hubby Sam are finally getting things cleared up. They just needed a little stimulating mediation.
Caysen has an unexpected encounter while at work. He then spends a few days frustrated because he can't get ahold of his best bud to talk about it.
Wade is ever adorable in his obliviousness. It basically takes a lightning strike for him to realize what's been in his face all along. This dating week comes with revelations, a new acting class, and maybe a new love interest.
Garrett aka Guns finally acknowledges outloud that his favorite sport is football.

I honestly can't decide which of these guys is my favorite. I love them all for different reasons. And the .. to be continued.. is basically the bane of my existence. 😉

Bring on Boys&Toys Book4, Garrett's Game!!!
Profile Image for Lindsaye Dombrowski.
450 reviews3 followers
May 25, 2019
I get it, I really do! Life can feel complacent, stagnant and downright boring! So why not dare your best friends to do something that is so outside their norm it's almost uncomfortable. But what could that be for each one of them? And just because you step outside yourself and take the risks doesn't mean you are free from the consequences of that freeing act! Or is this freeing act the exact push they need to be happy?

I am growing more and more fond of each of these friends, that even Garrett is growing on me. We have gotten a glimpse into their lives and I just want more. And I just know I won't want this to end!
14 reviews3 followers
May 28, 2019
Dean's Dare was a great mid season finale, providing closure to some topical questions while ultimately setting up for the season finale of the series with Garrett's Game. It brilliantly tied up some loose ends, and in a way sets up for a completely new story. Dean's Dare teaches a great lesson of how greatness never comes from comfort zones and sometimes you just have to take a chance. The answer of who was under the glasses is also revealed, as well as a prospective relationship develops. Awesome character development, amazing underwear descriptions and a few adventurous escapades all included in Dean's Dare.
Profile Image for Sue Ouellet-Cofsky.
2,569 reviews49 followers
May 28, 2019
Gah, these boys are totally growing on me. I wanted to mother each one of them for different reasons. I love that Dean threw that dare out there and that some of these boys finally acted on their feelings. I love that Dean and Sam finally came to the point of really throwing out their what THEY wanted versus what they thought the other wanted. I want Caysen and Wade to come to their senses and and throw themselves into the possibilities and Garrett...my boy Garrett....we finally solve the mystery of the football player and the wrestler...but I want more...and I don't want the 4th book to be the end. There is sooo much to each of these men!
Profile Image for  Nancy.
1,289 reviews9 followers
May 27, 2019
This series just keeps getting better! Excellent writing and character development; the author is creative and his words are chosen for humor and great emotion at other times.
"Embrace the change, Garret. You need this."
"He's a high school crush you might forget about until someone shoves a yearbook in front of your face and all of those desperate, horny, confused feelings come rushing back."
"I brace myself on the edge of the bed anyway, concerned for my life."
"With just the tiniest thought, my heart races as if he's kissing me all over again."
Profile Image for Julie Leopold.
75 reviews3 followers
May 27, 2019
This third course of the Boys ‘n Toys series does not disappoint. A Dare is involved, with some interesting consequences. Daryl Banner turns up the heat and adds a bit of spice to tantalize. This reader is drooling in anticipation of what Banner has in mind for the Finale. Caysen,Wade,Dean And Garrett have yet to disappoint!!
Profile Image for DeAnna.
390 reviews
May 27, 2019
As the series progresses, things are happening! Dean is just too cute and what he goes through for Sam will having you cheering for him and laughing along. Those two will figure it out, I have faith. No spoilers but FINALLY Cayson!! And poor Garrett and yay Garrett! There's so much happening I read it in one sit down. Great job Daryl! Love his writing, always a good read. Keep them coming.❤️
Profile Image for Lisa.
560 reviews16 followers
May 26, 2019
How does such an entertaining series keep getting better with each installment???? Somehow Daryl Banner masters the skill with Boys and Toys. Dean's Dare continues the saga of 4 friends and leaves the reader more than satisfied, yet begging for more!
Profile Image for Crystal Wilke.
1,598 reviews3 followers
May 28, 2019
The boys are back!!!! Feelings are all over the place. Dean's dare is just what the doctor ordered. It's been fun watching the guys grow into theirselves. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Dean is my favorite. Garrett is starting to warm up to me. I hope they all get an HEA.
Profile Image for Chris.
1,729 reviews27 followers
May 31, 2019
I loved this installment and cannot wait to see how everything turns out for our four friends, most especially Garrett. So much drama, but thanks to Dean's silly dare, so many realizations come about.
Profile Image for Heather Ambrose.
253 reviews1 follower
May 30, 2019
Ahhhhhhh.....this is book 3 out of a 4 book novella series and I loved it! I don't know how it is possible for each book to get better and better. Dean's Dare had me laughing so much I took pictures of the parts that had me rolling. There were also happy tears there as well. Another A+ story!
Profile Image for Essie .
977 reviews11 followers
June 4, 2019
I love this series about 4 friends. I don’t like that it’s chopped in four and that the last 15 pages are an excerpt of another book. I would have loved a bit more Sam&Dean.
Can’t wait for the last installment!!
Profile Image for Teresa Lara.
3,488 reviews53 followers
May 26, 2019
Love this amazing series
Loved Dean and Sam
Loved Cays and Wade more plz
Cant wait for more of Garrett
109 reviews11 followers
May 28, 2019
I am in love with this series.8 couldn't put 8t down and I don't know what's next but I can't wait to see where things go from here!!
Profile Image for Wendy Moore.
1,332 reviews11 followers
July 2, 2019
I know I am in the minority here...I am loving the characters and the 4 points of view but I wish they were longer. I hope the last book wraps things up!!
Profile Image for Jenn (not Lily).
4,822 reviews28 followers
December 30, 2019
Interesting developments in the story lines, but still waiting for the big payoffs in the last of the series...
Profile Image for Renee.
1,501 reviews8 followers
May 31, 2019
Third book in the series. The series is a continuation of the lives of four friends. Dean dares the friends to do something out of their comfort range. He wants to spice up his marriage but is unsure how to do it. He uses the dare to empower him. Each guy (even Garret unknowingly) uses the dare to give them the push they need to get them out of their comfort zone.

This series is just fun. Plenty of sweetness and a bit of angst. I love the connection between the guys. Each guy is unique. I do not want this series to end!!
Profile Image for Stacy Jo.
798 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2019
The third installment of A Boys and Toys novella series is more captivating than the first two and soo much hawter. We now are deep into the relationships and friendships of our 4 guys! Where will Daryl take us in the next book? I can’t wait to see how he ends this series! Another 5 stars from this girl!
Profile Image for Michelle.
835 reviews4 followers
June 17, 2019
Part three of DB's gay "Sex in the City" series. My favorite of the three so far as it's all about being daring, and these boys are definitely daring.
1,761 reviews7 followers
June 25, 2019
Now, we're getting somewhere.... I am so invested in these guys, especially Wade and Caysen. I am anxiously awaiting the final book. I just know the author is going to make it worth the wait.

*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.*
Profile Image for Jackie Ziegler.
1,844 reviews8 followers
November 25, 2019
Continuing story of 4 friends and their lives

Dean and Sam are married but Dean knows Sam is pulling away.. When Sam keeps mentioning that Dean bring another man into his bed Dean is thrown off. But when he does it will Sam truly be okay with it?

Caysen is in love with Wade but can't risk their friendship by telling him. When Wade has it pointed out to him will he admit he cares about Caysen too or will he wait to see what Caysen does?

Garrett is more of a hot mess than ever. . He gets himself involved in things that are destroying him. Meanwhile he has feelings for his boss and when he decides to confront his boss how will that go?

Book 4 is going to be one heck of an ending
Profile Image for Christie Howell.
439 reviews1 follower
October 4, 2020
I love Dean and Sam together and really hope Sam comes to his senses. I love that Garrett is crushing on his boss, Kevin, who's secretly crashing his comic con. Going to be interesting to see what happens with all 4 boys in the last book.
Profile Image for Grady.
Author 51 books1,822 followers
June 3, 2019
‘Dean just exposed himself in front of a couple of business guests of Sam’s’

Author/composer Daryl Banner graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in Theatre and Psychology. His writing includes new adult romance, M/M romance, post-apocalyptic fantasy, and dystopian. According to his brief biography he is ‘most inspired by the smart and unlikely hero, but urges you (the reader) not to fall in love with them; they may deceive you with their innocence.’

The difference, or at least one difference in Daryl’s books – and there are now many of them – is that in addition to managing the erotica arena he adds sufficient character psychology to make his players not only interesting and exceptionally physically attractive but also variations on extremes of social behavior. And his choice of covers to introduce his story is exceptional – this book’s model was photographed by Eric David Battershell.

This is Book 3 of the terrific new series about four men who love to party and cruise – Caysen, Wade, Dean and Garret – and the four novellas will focus on one man at a time, while keeping the camaraderie intact. DEAN’S DARE centers on boy toy Dean and his handsome bear husband Sam…and Dean’s need for something new – a dare that has repercussions. The manner in which the four best friends interact make this a very involving and fun novella full of erotic overtones and humorous adventures. Plenty of action and interaction among these four terrific best friends, and an even better story than the initial two, assures us that this new series is a mounting success. And as always Daryl’s masterful tale spinning is as winning as the cover suggests.
Profile Image for MJLovestoRead.
2,283 reviews58 followers
June 3, 2019
This entire series simply makes me smile. Daryl Banner once again matches his sharp wit with the right amount of naughtiness to make Dean's Dare the perfect little read. This time around it is Dean at the center of attention as he tries his hardest to make his beloved husband Sam's dreams come true both in and out of the bedroom.

In the meantime, Wade and Caysen both fight and succumb to their mutual attraction to the other as Garret remains a no-show more than once with his mysterious disappearing act seemingly at a moment's notice. Not to mention his simmering lust for his no-nonsense boss and the mixed signals thrown back and forth between the two.

With Dean daring his friends to step out of their comfort zones, hilarity ensues as they each 'go for it' and find themselves truly surprised at the results. I just love these close-knit circle of hotties and the struggles they each have when it comes to love. Banner created one helluva crew as Wade, Caysen, Dean and Garret kept me laughing and swooning with each turn of the page.

With Garret's Game the assumed finale in this raucous series, I will be sad to let these guys go as their stories have found a place in my heart with their delightful antics. With each book even better than the last, I happily give Dean's Dare a solid 5 stars!!
844 reviews2 followers
August 18, 2019
The review is for all 4 books of the BOYS & TOYS Series since I read all in 24 hours during a book binge.
*There might be Spoilers*

We meet all 4 guys from the start and have scenes from the POV of Caysen, Wade, Dean, Garret through the series, we each see their journey of themselves and their love life. There is hot sex scenes, flirting, embarrassing moments and romantic moments throughout. I loved how there is so many tropes in this book: bestfriends to lovers with a lot of drama and men to get to their HEA, husbands growing more closer through some unexpected scenes, and a employee and boss with a common fetish but a long slow burn that had me thinking they will never get together. There were some interesting characters that the MCs met in the series that had a positive effect like Zane, Jeremy and Diesel. And then there were those that I hope to never seen again LOL. The secondary character I hope Daryl will write a story for in a spin off series or Menage novel. :) I greatly enjoyed this series especially when I bought them from him personally at #BookBonanza19 and signed.
Profile Image for Kaz.
107 reviews2 followers
June 2, 2019
Dean's Dare, the third in the Boys and Toys Series by Daryl Banner, continues the journey with four friends Caysen, Wade, Dean and Garret. Told from each friends point of view, this book dives further into the relationship between these friends and revolves around a dare for the friends suggested by Dean.
It is hard to review Daryl's books and tell you what it is I love about them without giving spoilers but this book is fun, witty, emotional and funny. It had me laughing out loud a few times, and feeling the emotion of the friends as they navigate their way through life. I was particularly happy with the progress between Caysen and Wade, and look forward to following the relationship in the next book in this series.
I get excited with every new release from Daryl Banner, and each book I read just reinforces him as one of my favourite authors. This book was no different. It is a nice quick read, and I couldn't put it down. I cant wait for Garrets's Game. Four books in this series are not going to be enough.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews

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