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A Texas Beach Town Romance #4
Hearts Adrift
RIVER
One mistake. One viral video. One ruined career.
That's all it takes for the world to turn on Hollywood's former golden boy.
Now I'm hiding out in a rundown bungalow on Dreamwood Isle, praying the paparazzi won't track me down.
I need safety. Solitude. Anonymity.
What I get instead is the son of my bungalow landlord, charming, adorably clumsy - and the one man alive who doesn't care that I'm River Wolfe, fallen angel of the big screen.
Which only makes me want him more.
And that is far more dangerous than any scandal.
FINN
I'm fresh off a breakup and barely keeping it together. My family's Fair is struggling to stay afloat.
The last thing I need is a movie star crash-landing in my family's bungalow.
I hardly watch films. Don't care about red carpets. To me, River is just the insufferable, handsome guy turning my quiet island life upside-down.
But the more time we spend together, the more I see the man behind the headlines. Behind the scandal.
A man who just tried to do the right thing - and is now being crucified for it.
Between meddling sisters, paparazzi, and the rest of the world, I start to wonder if the safest place for both of us is right here with each other.
Or is this exactly the kind of situation that's doomed to break my heart all over again?
From USA Today Bestselling Author Daryl Banner comes a steamy, page-turning installment of his Texas Beach Town Romance series.
✔️ Forced proximity / Secret relationship
✔️ Celebrity hiding in small town
✔️ Beach vibes
Though characters from past Texas Beach Town books are referenced, this book can be read comfortably as a stand-alone with no prior reading of the series.
Have you read all the books in the Texas Beach Town series?
In Too Deep
Crusher
Far From Paradise
Hearts Adrift
(with more to come...)
One mistake. One viral video. One ruined career.
That's all it takes for the world to turn on Hollywood's former golden boy.
Now I'm hiding out in a rundown bungalow on Dreamwood Isle, praying the paparazzi won't track me down.
I need safety. Solitude. Anonymity.
What I get instead is the son of my bungalow landlord, charming, adorably clumsy - and the one man alive who doesn't care that I'm River Wolfe, fallen angel of the big screen.
Which only makes me want him more.
And that is far more dangerous than any scandal.
FINN
I'm fresh off a breakup and barely keeping it together. My family's Fair is struggling to stay afloat.
The last thing I need is a movie star crash-landing in my family's bungalow.
I hardly watch films. Don't care about red carpets. To me, River is just the insufferable, handsome guy turning my quiet island life upside-down.
But the more time we spend together, the more I see the man behind the headlines. Behind the scandal.
A man who just tried to do the right thing - and is now being crucified for it.
Between meddling sisters, paparazzi, and the rest of the world, I start to wonder if the safest place for both of us is right here with each other.
Or is this exactly the kind of situation that's doomed to break my heart all over again?
From USA Today Bestselling Author Daryl Banner comes a steamy, page-turning installment of his Texas Beach Town Romance series.
✔️ Forced proximity / Secret relationship
✔️ Celebrity hiding in small town
✔️ Beach vibes
Though characters from past Texas Beach Town books are referenced, this book can be read comfortably as a stand-alone with no prior reading of the series.
Have you read all the books in the Texas Beach Town series?
In Too Deep
Crusher
Far From Paradise
Hearts Adrift
(with more to come...)
- GenresM M Romance
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2025
51 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Daryl Banner
93 books2,009 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 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 25, 2025
Finn is having a hard time in life when he meets the new renter. River is hiding from a mess of his own when he meets Finn. The ensuing challenges are eye-opening and humorous. I enjoyed their story.
August 27, 2025
Finn and River seem complete opposites, but together they are a perfect match! Their story is a sweet and sometimes comical romance that makes a perfect beach read!
September 6, 2025
Social Media focuses an actor to go into hiding, where he finds love and support.
Daryl Banner had me reading every Spruce, Texas, entry in rapid succession because of the community he built and the world we lived in through his writing. That same well-constructed universe is at play here with this case of a very public display of anger that doesn't explain why the actor, River, is so hated by many.
So, his agent and a friend advise him to go into hiding until the fuss over the video of River punching the film director in the face dies down. The video is suspicious, but some forces are pushing the narrative that River is a bad person.
On a whim, he ends up in Dreamwood Isle, where he rents a cottage and requests that no one reveal his location or draw attention to his hiding out on the island.
Finn plays a vital role in the beach fair operated by his family in Dreamwood Isle. He's dealing with the breakup from his former boyfriend, which is painful, especially when one of his sisters insists he should get back together with him.
He checks on River and learns that his frustration over a broken key led him to break a window to get inside the cottage. River will be responsible for fixing it or assigning someone else to do so. He's active around the fair and the island, managing his family's struggling business while trying to get past being known as Milo's boyfriend rather than for who he truly is.
River appreciates Finn's check-in, and they share some thoughts about his attraction to Finn. Finn is also struck by River’s appearance and laments his decision to hide while social media calms down.
The media and others are hunting for him, calling his phone and driving past the places he filmed. Finn connects with River, and they become friends. Although Finn is hesitant to form a bond after his failed relationship with Milo, he’s captivated by River, discovering he is far more than rumors claimed and genuinely wants to help others.
The story Daryl Banner takes us through showcases a love for the island projected onto River and deepened by Finn’s growing connection to him. However, the breakup with Milo remains an obstacle to their developing relationship.
River proves himself to Finn and his family by accepting help with his image issues and fully understanding the trouble he has caused. As with Spruce, Texas, reaching resolution is what makes the story enjoyable—the adventures, the relationships, and the evolving feelings of River and Finn as they work together. Milo also plays an important role in drawing media attention away from River. It's a fun episode.
There’s a happy ending, celebrated here as a warm reminder that family is important and connectedness, and that sincere appreciation for help and understanding can win over hearts. I hope there's more to come—perhaps a wedding or some other significant event that invites us back to Dreamwood.
Daryl Banner had me reading every Spruce, Texas, entry in rapid succession because of the community he built and the world we lived in through his writing. That same well-constructed universe is at play here with this case of a very public display of anger that doesn't explain why the actor, River, is so hated by many.
So, his agent and a friend advise him to go into hiding until the fuss over the video of River punching the film director in the face dies down. The video is suspicious, but some forces are pushing the narrative that River is a bad person.
On a whim, he ends up in Dreamwood Isle, where he rents a cottage and requests that no one reveal his location or draw attention to his hiding out on the island.
Finn plays a vital role in the beach fair operated by his family in Dreamwood Isle. He's dealing with the breakup from his former boyfriend, which is painful, especially when one of his sisters insists he should get back together with him.
He checks on River and learns that his frustration over a broken key led him to break a window to get inside the cottage. River will be responsible for fixing it or assigning someone else to do so. He's active around the fair and the island, managing his family's struggling business while trying to get past being known as Milo's boyfriend rather than for who he truly is.
River appreciates Finn's check-in, and they share some thoughts about his attraction to Finn. Finn is also struck by River’s appearance and laments his decision to hide while social media calms down.
The media and others are hunting for him, calling his phone and driving past the places he filmed. Finn connects with River, and they become friends. Although Finn is hesitant to form a bond after his failed relationship with Milo, he’s captivated by River, discovering he is far more than rumors claimed and genuinely wants to help others.
The story Daryl Banner takes us through showcases a love for the island projected onto River and deepened by Finn’s growing connection to him. However, the breakup with Milo remains an obstacle to their developing relationship.
River proves himself to Finn and his family by accepting help with his image issues and fully understanding the trouble he has caused. As with Spruce, Texas, reaching resolution is what makes the story enjoyable—the adventures, the relationships, and the evolving feelings of River and Finn as they work together. Milo also plays an important role in drawing media attention away from River. It's a fun episode.
There’s a happy ending, celebrated here as a warm reminder that family is important and connectedness, and that sincere appreciation for help and understanding can win over hearts. I hope there's more to come—perhaps a wedding or some other significant event that invites us back to Dreamwood.
September 3, 2025
A new Dreamwood romance!
Author/composer Daryl Banner graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in Theatre and Psychology. His writing includes new adult romances, M/M romances, post-apocalyptic fantasies, and dystopian tales. His Texas Beach Town Romance series he describes as, ‘No one comes to Dreamwood Isle to stay. It's just a temporary retreat from the real world and mundane life. The beaches are almost as gorgeous as the scenery: the beautiful men who inhabit the island to serve you and fulfill all your fantasies..’ In Daryl’s many books he manages the erotica arena well while adding sufficient character psychology to make his players not only interesting and physically attractive, but also variations on extremes of social behavior.
Book 4 in the series – HEARTS ADRIFT – opens with River, an actor: ‘That’s me, driving in a cheap rental down the coast of the Gulf of Mexico from a remote location in Texas where we’d been filming, salty air whistling through the cracked windows, enormous sunglasses covering my eyes, wearing a hoodie with its hood drawn over my head and pulled so tight, my pretty face is reduced to a tiny, squished circle of secrecy, and the radio is blasting 90s rage music.’ With that degree of atmosphere and humor River meets Finn, the son of the owner of the bungalow where River is staying, and as only Banner can manipulate, a sparkling romance begins – and adventure as well. This series is one of Daryl’s best - on so many levels and he just gets better with every now novel. Highly recommended.
Author/composer Daryl Banner graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in Theatre and Psychology. His writing includes new adult romances, M/M romances, post-apocalyptic fantasies, and dystopian tales. His Texas Beach Town Romance series he describes as, ‘No one comes to Dreamwood Isle to stay. It's just a temporary retreat from the real world and mundane life. The beaches are almost as gorgeous as the scenery: the beautiful men who inhabit the island to serve you and fulfill all your fantasies..’ In Daryl’s many books he manages the erotica arena well while adding sufficient character psychology to make his players not only interesting and physically attractive, but also variations on extremes of social behavior.
Book 4 in the series – HEARTS ADRIFT – opens with River, an actor: ‘That’s me, driving in a cheap rental down the coast of the Gulf of Mexico from a remote location in Texas where we’d been filming, salty air whistling through the cracked windows, enormous sunglasses covering my eyes, wearing a hoodie with its hood drawn over my head and pulled so tight, my pretty face is reduced to a tiny, squished circle of secrecy, and the radio is blasting 90s rage music.’ With that degree of atmosphere and humor River meets Finn, the son of the owner of the bungalow where River is staying, and as only Banner can manipulate, a sparkling romance begins – and adventure as well. This series is one of Daryl’s best - on so many levels and he just gets better with every now novel. Highly recommended.
August 26, 2025
I love, love, love being in Dreamwood Isle again. I love all the boys (and yes, the girls), I love the atmosphere and scenery described and I love the campy feel of this touristy destination that people can go to in order to get away. I expected fun and I got that but I also got a whole lot more. Finn and his family have been in the periphery of previous stories because let's face it, they have ALL of the fun with the local daily fair and house parties. Finn is looking for something but he has absolutely no clue what that might be. After ending a long term relationship because he KNEW that wasn't what he needed, he is trying to lay low and just get through his days and weeks. River is NOT looking for anything...well maybe some peace and quiet but as they say, love hits when you aren't looking for it. There are many roadblocks though and neither is sure they can get past them. There were so many great quotes in the story that made me just ::sigh::
"Just because he fell into my eyes like Alice into Wonderland doesn’t mean he’s ready to invite me to his tea party."
"...that this is where two hearts, long adrift at sea, at last found a home."
And a few others that made absolutely burst out laughing that I can't share because I'm sure I'll get dinged by other review sites lol...but yes, this story had the one handed factor going for it too.
"Just because he fell into my eyes like Alice into Wonderland doesn’t mean he’s ready to invite me to his tea party."
"...that this is where two hearts, long adrift at sea, at last found a home."
And a few others that made absolutely burst out laughing that I can't share because I'm sure I'll get dinged by other review sites lol...but yes, this story had the one handed factor going for it too.
August 26, 2025
It always feels like coming home when I get to read a new beach town book...especially because I am totally a summer/beach person and nothing makes me happier than the thought of living in a place like Dreamwood Isle. Finn and River's story brought out a lot of feels for me and the humor was also very present in their banter (as well as the talks between River and his bestie Anya and Finn with his sisters). I can picture so clearly all the places they visit on the island and having spent a lot of time in Galveston TX, the descriptions and mentality of a place like that is spot on. Although this book contains characters and references from the previous three books in the series (as well as a Spruce couple), you can read it on its own with no problem. I absolutely had the best time with this one!
***** 5 ***** "adrift at sea on a wave of love" stars
***** 5 ***** "adrift at sea on a wave of love" stars
September 14, 2025
Well, well, well, Daryl. The actor River Wolfe needs to get out of Hollywood, so he rents a house, the Breezy Bungalow, on the Gulf Coast of Texas, where his roots are. He meets Finn Hopewell, who just broke up with HIS boyfriend, Theo, right after River breaks into the house (the front door key didn't work), and the sparks fly almost immediately. Finn has two sisters, and River has an old friend who runs the cafe, but Cooper is holed up with his new boyfriend, so River meets his second, Chase. Eventually, River leaves Hollywood (although not acting), and Finn gets Theo's blessing to become River's new main squeeze.
September 1, 2025
Another gem from Daryl Banner
I always get excited about new books from Daryl Banner and Hearts Adrift did not disappoint.
Hearts Adrift is a story about a new secret love, set in a beautiful beach side town.
River, a Hollywood actor escaping a scandle, meets Finn, fresh from a breakup with a long-term boyfriend, when he rents Finn's family's bungalow to hide.
This story is full of wonderful characters, unexpected turns, and a beautiful evolving love.
I read it in one sitting. I didn't want it to end. Highly recommended for lovers of a good romance.
I always get excited about new books from Daryl Banner and Hearts Adrift did not disappoint.
Hearts Adrift is a story about a new secret love, set in a beautiful beach side town.
River, a Hollywood actor escaping a scandle, meets Finn, fresh from a breakup with a long-term boyfriend, when he rents Finn's family's bungalow to hide.
This story is full of wonderful characters, unexpected turns, and a beautiful evolving love.
I read it in one sitting. I didn't want it to end. Highly recommended for lovers of a good romance.
September 12, 2025
Charming and sweet, Hearts Adrift follows a famous actor who, for good reasons, clocks the director of his latest film. K owing this could do serious damage, or even kill, his career, he runs to a small Gulf Beach town to hide. The social media world cruxifies him and o ly the hot, son of the family company he uses for his hideout know nothing about him or his punch.
They are very attracted to each other and the sparks and internet trills and an ex-lover and husband new boyfriend flame the fires.
Fun beach story.
They are very attracted to each other and the sparks and internet trills and an ex-lover and husband new boyfriend flame the fires.
Fun beach story.
March 17, 2026
Finn & River
Lots of poetry, some cheesy, some very fitting. These two end up spending time together when River runs away from a scandal he caused. Finn has just broken up with Theo and is suffering from all the pity he’s receiving on the island and all the grief his sister is giving him. He doesn’t know who River is and it’s such a breath of fresh air for River. They spend time together before Finn realizes who he is and what he’s running from and by then it’s too late, Finn has been charmed by him. Enjoyed this one.
Lots of poetry, some cheesy, some very fitting. These two end up spending time together when River runs away from a scandal he caused. Finn has just broken up with Theo and is suffering from all the pity he’s receiving on the island and all the grief his sister is giving him. He doesn’t know who River is and it’s such a breath of fresh air for River. They spend time together before Finn realizes who he is and what he’s running from and by then it’s too late, Finn has been charmed by him. Enjoyed this one.
August 26, 2025
I finished this book yesterday. I couldn't put it down from the moment I downloaded it. I really love this Texas beach romance series that Daryl Banner writes. Each book makes me want more from Dreamwood Isle. I found myself laughing aloud and squealing with excitement with a surprising reveal. Daryl Banner's writing is full of imagery. The vivid descriptions make it easy to immerse yourself into his story. I can't wait for the next installment!
August 27, 2025
5 Bazillion Stars!!
Gah! I Just loved Finn and River. Finn had recently broken up with his longtime BF and everyone thought that he should be depressed. He was totally the opposite and kind of just walking around "adrift". River may have just ended his acting career by punching a director so now he is in hiding, in Finn's family bungalow, until who knows when causing him to feel like his life is "adrift".
Loved this book. A total must read!
Gah! I Just loved Finn and River. Finn had recently broken up with his longtime BF and everyone thought that he should be depressed. He was totally the opposite and kind of just walking around "adrift". River may have just ended his acting career by punching a director so now he is in hiding, in Finn's family bungalow, until who knows when causing him to feel like his life is "adrift".
Loved this book. A total must read!
September 7, 2025
Hearts Adrift
I loved Finn's and River's story and enjoyed how they blossomed. Felt bad when Finn kept second guessing everything. River was smitten from first sight. I also liked when Theo stepped up in the end to get the paparazzi to follow him out of town to protect both MCs. I kinda hope
he gets a HEA. Him and Chase both deserve a book. Daryl Banner always brings it, so I didn't expect anything less than great storytelling.
I loved Finn's and River's story and enjoyed how they blossomed. Felt bad when Finn kept second guessing everything. River was smitten from first sight. I also liked when Theo stepped up in the end to get the paparazzi to follow him out of town to protect both MCs. I kinda hope
he gets a HEA. Him and Chase both deserve a book. Daryl Banner always brings it, so I didn't expect anything less than great storytelling.
August 28, 2025
Dreanwood Isle is just the place River needs but the place Finn needs a break from. Both are hiding from something and stumble into one another, igniting embers unexpectedly. Once they combust both their worlds explode. Such a quick fun read. Always a thrill to return to the beach. Plus possibly Easter egg about a future Banner story?? Loved this get away !!!
August 31, 2025
Sweet, predictable and shallow.
Nice enough for a quick beach read, but lacked character depth and suffered from a tired series of plot tropes. Earlier books by Daryl Banner are far superior. Read those, skip this one.
Nice enough for a quick beach read, but lacked character depth and suffered from a tired series of plot tropes. Earlier books by Daryl Banner are far superior. Read those, skip this one.
August 27, 2025
loved Finn and Rivers heartstopping broken beautiful insta love story
Gripping
all the feels
can't wait to see whos next
Gripping
all the feels
can't wait to see whos next
September 14, 2025
This book was underwhelming and rather boring unfortunately. Finn lacked energy and enthusiasm. Not the best book by this author.
September 18, 2025
Daryl Banner books are simply swoon worthy. They are that lovely escape that we all need right now.
September 18, 2025
I loved this story! Finn and River are such likeable characters, and their chemistry is amazing. I couldn't put it down.... Definitely recommended! And, it may be part of a series, but it'll work just fine as a standalone.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews