Popped: A funny contemporary mm romance (Barbacks Book 1)

Popped! was absolutely hilarious from start to finish. I made the mistake of reading it in the waiting room at the dentist office while my kids were in their appointments, and I SNORTED laughing. Loudly. Not a subtle little chuckle either — the kind that makes the receptionist come over to check on you because clearly something unhinged is happening. She asked what I was reading and immediately added it to her TBR after I warned her this book should probably come with a “do not read in public” label. The characters completely made this book for me. They were chaotic, lovable, funny, and somehow felt like real people by the end. The chemistry was so good, the banter was perfection, and every interaction felt effortless and entertaining. I didn’t want to leave their world when the book ended. Also, I don’t even drink, but this book had me ready to pull up a chair at the bar just to destroy those burgers because somehow they sounded life-changing. This was the perfect mix of funny, heartfelt, messy, and adorable. If you love m/m romance with amazing characters, incredible humor, and the kind of story that makes you laugh hard enough to concern innocent bystanders, absolutely read this book. Just maybe not in a waiting room.

Tampa, beautiful people, characters that you will love, and funny scenarios that will have you smiling from ear to ear, and a little bit of super hot BareBacks love. Whether your orientation is straight, gay, or undecided, this is a great read. BTW. I want to meet Priya so much! I already purchased Tapped! and cannot wait to read.

I haven't enjoyed a book like this in a long time! It was super funny and chock full of the warm fuzzies. I was afraid for a while that there would be an angsty part, like a temporary break-up, which I hate, but no. It gave me such stress relief. I can't wait for the next one in this series. AND for the audio!

3.5⭐️ This is a 447-page Medium Paced, Found Family, Origin Story, Instant Connection, Rom-Com MM Romance. This is the first book in the Barbacks Series, set in a neighborhood in Tampa, Florida and takes place in the restaurant industry. This isn’t going to be one of my normal reviews. This one struck differently, because it takes place in the restaurant industry which was where I was born, bred and raised. Even with some very minor things being a tad bit unrealistic, it was essential to the story that some industry rules were broken. If I had written down everything I had ever experienced while working in the industry myself, I could have written a bestselling book. Casey Morales did a great job bringing this to life, from everyday shift life to organizing events and marketing. Written in dual first person POV, this is not your normal formatted spicy romance. Yes, there is a romance between our two MCs, and Yes, there is spice. BUT, this first book in the Barbacks Series focuses more on the Bar itself and how it brought together everyone in a tightknit found family. It was an easy read, taking place over a period of time that was sped up for the sake of the story. The ensemble is big, with some sidekick characters having bigger parts than others, but they all have big presence and personalities. Which is where the Com in Rom-Com comes into play. Each character has all different characteristics, but one thing they all have in common is that they are hilarious. It was like…

Very few authors write stories that make me laugh out loud like Casey, when he does his rom,-com thing! I've already pre-ordered the entire series. Please, please, please keep them coming Casey!