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*** Now Live! $.99 Release Special ***

I ran away from the glitz and privilege of my famous New York City family to this small-town Texas college to find myself. I didn't expect to find him...

...the muscular, tatted bad-boy who would soon become my obsession.

He was broken, lost, and voiceless ... just like me.

His eyes smoldered me with one look.
His touch awakened the woman inside me.

And through his lips, his perfect, plush, kissable lips, he drew out the inspiration deep in my soul I did not know was there.

I needed to believe that he could save me. I wanted him to help me find my voice at last ... the voice that would set me apart from my tragically perfect family, the voice that would finally break me free ...

If only he could hear a word of it.

The College Obsession Romance series centers around a group of friends and the relationships they form during their time at a small-town Texas school. They are angsty, steamy new adult novels with HEAs and NO cheating. Although they are obsession-themed romances, there are no stalkers or psychos!

284 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 26, 2016

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About the author

Daryl Banner

87 books1,854 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:
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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 197 reviews
Profile Image for Snow.
2,241 reviews690 followers
May 17, 2017
A truly interesting NA romance drama of finding yourself, your own inner voice in an ocean of possibilities, against the pressure of youth, family's expectations and your own, for that matter...

This is the story of Dessie & Clayton, two young people who found each other's inner voices and spoke up when that seemed the hardest choice to make and act upon...

Dessie/Desdemona Lebeau – a girl who wanted a fresh start and a „normal“ college experience, away from the „spotlight“ of her family name - her famous actress mother and sister and father- lighting desinger . She transferes from NY to Texas University to start a new, with her drama classes, making friends without the „heavy weight“ of her last name, always feeling inadequate and unappreciated.
I'm lonely. I've been alone for years.

It's so strange, to be able to go for so long without being aware of how alone you truly are. You convince yourself that your heart is full with all your interests and hobbies and fiery passions. You fill yourself up with hollow reassurance

And then she sees him. A tall, broody, sullen bulky tattooed guy that shares her classes and works for the lighting crew. And she sees something in him, other than an instant attraction and yet her every attempt of talking to him ends up in failure. She thinks he's rude and disrespectful cause he never interacts until she finds out that he has a hearing-impaired disability.
That only sparks more determination in Dessie's efforts to get close to him, by learning the sign language to start with.

Clayton Watts - a guy that every girl wants a piece of but can never win him entirely for who he is. Clayton can't avoid Dessie any more as they are constantly together at practices, and it's not for the lack of his effort either. It's his defense mechanism.
I want to tell her to stay the fuck away from me. I want to tell her that I'm bad news for her. I want to warn her the way a good friend should.

And that's the problem cause Clayton does want her, more than he should…and when Dessie pushes further and wins him over to give in, they form a relationship that lingers somewhere between the known labels…
We both pull each other out of our comfy boxes

As they both learn about themselves and each other, revealing fears, hopes and dreams…through out the mutual support and presence they each reveal the parts of themselves that are worthy, and vividly real and they own it.
You aren't alone in this battle to find your voice. To find where you belong. To break free.

Until they fully shine in their own light …gaining the much wanted appreciation, acknowledgement and recognition...
You have a voice, and you belong in the Theatre world. Whether you act, or sing, or do it all, you have a spot on that stage…

… and love




I always look forward to meeting a new author through out his/her work and this book was an excellent introduction to this author - Daryl Banner , his story telling is fluent, even though the pacing is a bit on the slower side and there 's not much going on in the angsty department either, but somehow I didn't mind it as I embarked on a journey of rather philosophical/emotional insight into the characters and how they deal what feelings and the motions they are going through as young people searching for their place in the sun.
Profile Image for Kate.
2,160 reviews338 followers
August 1, 2017
My first smile of this book was when I opened up my kindle and received a note:

Hey there, Kate! Thanks for signing up! I hope you enjoy Dessie & Clayton’s story! =) =) Happy Reading! XXOO- Daryl

So how adorable *cough* I mean cool *cough* is that? Very cool. But enough of the cuteness let’s get to the nitty gritty of the book.

This is my first book by this author and it has been a long time wait for it that I’ve read something so unique. I will definitely keep an eye out for this author. Now all you peeps quiet in the peanut gallery. I might be fashionable late to the party but I am at the party.


 photo Showtime s_zps5fxpxizd.jpg


Dessie comes from theatre royalty. But what she craves the most is a normal college experience where she isn’t seen for her name or the connections that can be offered but who she is.
She transfers from New York to Texas. Dessie is funny, smart, sassy but in a way she is naive as with the hard knocks that she has had in life, But has still had a lot of luxuries in life as well. Chef, maid etc.

Her mother for all her good intentions is something else.

“You’re scared of New York, doll. You’re a guppy in a world full of sharks. Your sister- now she’s a shark.”

Dessie’s life changes when she meets a tatted hottie. A man who still hasn’t given her proper directions to the School of Sex. Yet.

Clayton Watts has done everything possible to keep people at bay. He works summers to finance is college education. He works twice as hard as the others I don’t know if that was because of him being deaf or because he felt he had to. He has dreams which he wants to fulfil.

Now I love me some Hero who is tortured and or has a disability and the author got it spot on for this one. He is angry at the world, maybe at himself. His world of silence was painful to read. How lonely he must be. An island with little social contact because most people don’t know how to deal with it.

Dessie becomes a wee bit obsessed with Clayton.

Clayton. The name fits him so well. He’s a statue, a hardened clay sculpture, a work of art. […] It’s crazy how far an obsession or innocent crush will take you, dictating your day. – Dessie –

But Clayton is also just a wee bit obsessed with Dessie.

A girl who is carefully, patiently taking me apart… one agonizing piece at a time. […..] The girl I’ve been obsessing about … she fucking signed to me. – Clayton –

They are there for each other and when it really counts you can’t always get the cue right.

“You aren’t alone in this battle to find your voice. To find where you belong. To break free.”
This sentence got to me on an emotional level.

I did have some difficulties at the beginning because I only thought that we would get Dessie’s POV but we also get Clayton’s. I needed to adjust to Dessie’s inner monologue. But when I got into the rhythm of her speaking and the awkwardness between Clayton when they first try and communicate with one another. Then when we went to other scenes with different characters I felt like no, no this is wrong go back to Clayton.

There is angst, the joy of becoming an adult. It was like being thrown back to my time at college and at university. The angst is well balanced and for me there is no OTT drama which can easily happen.

There is something every reader can take from this book. It isn’t what anyone else thinks but what you think of yourself that at the end of the day you can do anything you want. That people that are horrible, mean and condescending are only that way because they are unhappy with the choices that they have made.

Some days you have books that you have read that you don’t know how to rate. This is the second book in a row now where I have had that problem. I can’t pinpoint why. So I’m not even going to try.

I just know that I loved it and that is all that matters.

Book received by author in exchange for an honest review.

Review can also be found at http://jerisbookattic-reviewblog.blog...
Profile Image for Jean.
801 reviews50 followers
August 4, 2016
I loved Clayton and Dessie! But especially Clayton because you know I love the broken, quiet, brooding type that needs rescuing!

Dessie just wants a chance to prove herself and get out from under her parent's grip.  She convinces them to let her attempt "a normal life" in the form of moving to and attending a college in Texas.  That's a long way from New York, where her parents and sister are famous and part of the theater world.  But she wants this chance to become her own person and does everything she can to not let anyone know in the theater department of her new school who she is and more importantly, who her parents are.  Her mother and sister are pushing Dessie to be like them.  But, Dessie's heart is elsewhere.  She loves to sing, and she gets her chance when moving to Texas and taking a shot on stage at a bar. But you know, secrets always find a way out.

And then there's Clayton.  Clayton, who is deaf and attending the same school.  He's in the lighting design department and let me say, his broodiness was awesome!  Haha!  And I loved his friends! 

When Clayton and Dessie first meet, it's quite awkward, especially since she doesn't know he's deaf.  And then she sang directly to him from that stage, and felt like he was "feeling" her song at the time.  It is only later, she finds out he's deaf and did not hear a single word she sang.  But Clayton's silence speaks volumes!

I loved this slow building relationship between them.  This was a really sweet read and I'll definitely be reading the next book.  Oh, and Dessie's father, loved him!  What a surprise that was!

While there was some miscommunications along the way, overall there was not much angst (I'm not complaining, really). 
Profile Image for Sue.
1,929 reviews22 followers
June 3, 2016
Funny, sexy, and just a downright pleasure to read...Read My Lips is an exciting new direction for an author who usually dabbles in dystopian fantasy and M/M romance.
We get the story of New York City girl Dessie and her desire to become something or someone on her own without the "help" of her famous theatrical family. Meeting sexy and dangerous Clayton at a small Texas college wasn't supposed to happen...nothing was supposed to distract her from her personal goals...but who can resist a smirking, muscled, darkly handsome dude with a bad reputation amongst the female population of his peers. But Clayton has one issue that makes him even harder to reach than most guys and Dessie is about to meet her spiritual match.
This one was a page turner for me...witty but still full of angst and passion and some tough life lessons to be learned. I was thrilled to get to read this one first and can't wait till the rest of the world gets to as well =)

***** 5 ***** "can you hear me now?" stars
Profile Image for BWT.
2,193 reviews236 followers
Shelved as 'dnf-or-hated'
January 18, 2018
DNF 12% - no rating.
2,039 reviews24 followers
June 14, 2016
This was another first time read. Daryl Banner is known normally for dystopian and M/M stories and I stumbled across this looking for a book that would give me something different - it did. Great writing and one of the best NA books I have had the pleasure to read.

Look forward to book 2.
Profile Image for Jessica.
342 reviews93 followers
June 26, 2016
“I like what you sound like.”
“I…wish I could hear what you sound like.” “My voice is pretty boring. You’re not missing much.”
“I doubt that.”
*************************
“Show time.”
“Light me up, love.”
Profile Image for Jen.
790 reviews117 followers
June 18, 2016
Wow! I'm so happy I came across this one! What a great story! Really enjoyed it and will definitely be looking out for more of Daryl's books!
Profile Image for Toni FGMAMTC.
1,980 reviews21 followers
June 13, 2016

I’m not familiar with stage acting, music or sign language, but I could tell the author is knowledgeable and has experience with them all, which really helped the story to flow and be more interesting. Read My Lips is written mostly from Dessie’s (the female lead) point of view, but also has a good bit from Clayton’s (her male love interest). I think the author does a good job of voicing both sexes.

Everyone in Dessie’s family is famous and talented. She left New York and came all the way to Texas searching for an authentic college experience. Clayton has a bit of a reputation. After loosing his hearing, he decided to be bigger, tougher and more intimidating than anyone who might bully him. Both are trying to figure out their place in the world

If you like college romances you should try this one for sure. It also has steamy moments if that’s what you like. Read My Lips is a fun and sexy new adult romance with a different setting (college performance art) from those I’ve read. For me, there was also a little message. I’m paraphrasing what I took from it. People don’t want a challenge. After we finish school, we think we’re done with learning. We want everything to fit into what we know, but life is full of things we don’t know and experiences that can change us sometimes for the better. I liked this story and will continue the series.


***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***

Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents

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Profile Image for Christine (Shh Moms Reading).
1,371 reviews569 followers
June 20, 2016
Just ok...came highly recommend. My first by this author. Writing good...story ok. I liked that the hero had disability.
I just wanted more from the story bec I felt slightly disappointed. I would read more from this author.
Profile Image for CaRo.
177 reviews30 followers
April 3, 2018
Just reread this one and I love this book now even more. Even if I am not too fond of Dessie (I just find her a little bit whiny) the love between them is just georgous.
Profile Image for Natalie.
406 reviews196 followers
June 4, 2016
4.5 Stars

I don’t sing or act. I've never lived in a world of post-apocalyptic zombies. I will also never have an erotic M/M experience of my own but, I do read. I read theses amazing books by Daryl Banner and because of that I get to do all of these things in my mind with each turn of the page. It takes great talent and a great voice to be able to switch between such varying genres and make it look easy and Daryl Banner does is seamlessly.

Everyone has a story attached to them.

Read My Lips is the story of Dessie, a young women lost in a family of talented, pretentious New York theater actors and lighting designers. Trying to get out from under the pressure of her famous family and 'find' herself she leaves her life in NY and transfers to Klangburg University in Texas.

"You aren’t alone in this battle to find your voice. To find where you belong. To break free."

I think all young women go through periods in their lives where they question who they are and what makes them special apart from their family and siblings. Am I good enough, smart enough, talented enough? This is Dessie's burden. She is scared and unsure but never weak. As with any life struggle there is always a catalyst that helps turn events around. Whether that be a person, a place or a situation there is usually that one thing that gives us hope and helps facilitate change. For Dessie it is Clayton.

I dont know what it says about me but I tend to fall for books where the men are a bit broken and vulnerable. The sexy, broody types who aren't perfect, who are struggling with demons but have a huge capacity to love if they can just see past the walls they erect around their emotions. Clayton was just that type of guy - sexy and tough, full of anger over the circumstances that life has thrown at him but wanting more. Wanting to find that one person who understands him, sees past his imperfections and loves him regardless.

"So we've both been alone for a while," I mutter.

He nods resolutely.

"And we're both ... kinda scared ... of each other?" I suggest, speaking slowly.

He shrugs, then nods at that, too.


Written well, with a story line that flowed easily and held my attention, Read My Lips had all of that good stuff that makes you love a book - likable interesting characters, great sexual tension and the slow burn of desire that I love so much. Add in emotional angst to pull at my heartstrings and fun moments with witty dialogue to make me smile and I just melt. Oh, and lets not forget about the intimate scenes that were realistic and tasteful while still being scorching hot.

As a male author I think Daryl Banner did a great job capturing the emotions of Dessie and giving such a realistic voice to a female character. I loved watching her strength and determination grow. I also loved seeing the same with Clayton. They really are a great match for each other.

Daryl Banner has proven himself as a very talented author of M/M, post-apocalyptic, and dystopian and now he can add New Adult Romance to that list. I can't wait to read more.
Profile Image for Brandi.
1,157 reviews148 followers
September 19, 2016
5 I Can Hear You Stars

Dessie needs to escape her family. She isn't living up to their standards and she isn't happy because she just wants a normal life. Dessie heads to Texas to attend college where she enters the theater program.

Clayton is the bad boy on campus. He's silent, broody, and intense. He's also a genius with the lighting of the theater. It's here he meets the new girl, Dessie.

As always, this formula seems easy enough, but Daryl takes us on one wild ride with these two. He throws in a real killer twist and the book just grows from there. I want to know these characters, I want to meet them and have lunch with them. I want to be friends with these people. And not just Dessie and Clayton. I want to meet Brant and Dmitri and Sam and Eric. This cast of characters were fun to get to know--and now I want to know more.

Anyway, back to Dessie and Clayton. Wow! Just, the chemistry is off-the charts. The push-and-pull, cat-and-mouse game is on point. Before these two even have their first conversation, you know that when they get together it's going to be a real good time. But it's the slow path they are on that makes this that much better. They become obsessed.

It's crazy how far an obsession or innocent crush will take you, dictating your day, bullying your mind into submission....

I want to know what she smells like so bad. I want to taste her. I want to tear off her clothes and watch her gasp with surprise as the beast within me is unleashed on her.

I want to meet this beast. Oh, do I want to meet the beast within Clayton!

So, you wanna know about the sex? I know, it's almost my favorite part too. ;-)

"Hold on to something."

Fuuuuccccckkkk. Yes. Hold on to something. Or tie me up. Or..or...or. *fans self* The sex is hot . Because let's face it: Clayton is hot. And broody. And if I've learned anything reading romance/erotica/fiction, it's that the broodier the man, the hotter the sex.

And Clayton delivers.

This may have been my first Daryl Banner book, but it isn't my last. I've already started Beneath The Skin. After meeting Brant in Read My Lips, I knew I would continue to see Brant's story.

Thanks, Daryl, for the sweet, sarcastic Dessie and the tattooed hottie, Clayton. Their story is beautiful.

"Let me inside you."
Profile Image for MJLovestoRead.
2,025 reviews51 followers
June 20, 2016
I truly love to discover a new author to me and with Read My Lips I am now firmly a fan of Daryl Banner.

This lovely little love story involving Clayton and Dessie is the perfect summer read. Both characters are trying to make their way in the world on their own terms. Dessie, who comes from a successful theater family and is often made to feel as if she doesn't deserve her famous last name. And Clayton, the hot, brooding assistant lighting director who lost his hearing as a young man and who so desperately wants those around him to know that is he so much more than just the deaf guy.

With theater at a Texas college as the background, we get to watch as both Dessie and Clayton not only struggle with their burgeoning feelings for each other but how to juggle harsh opinions from others that threaten to hold them back, both on the stage and in life.

What I loved most was the realism that I felt while reading. The characters are beautifully written and age-appropriate. They stumble and they fall but they find that strength from within to battle both the demons deep inside and those on the outside in the form of classmates, stage managers and those vying for key roles in the latest production. And even though some were downright awful to both Dessie and Clayton, they were necessary evils in our couple's quest to find real happiness.

This book flows well and you can't help but get completely wrapped up in this story-line. There is great use of ASL and the author took the time to do his research and the frustrations with being hearing-impaired. Both Dessie and Clayton have their issues but it was heartwarming to be front-row and center as their love blossomed and they figured out they were worthy from the very start. Their passion for each other is evident but it wasn't overdone. Sex scenes were tastefully hot and never gratuitous!

If you enjoy college romance at it's best, then I urge you to give this one a try. I'm very happy that we will be getting Brant's story next since this is a cast of characters I really enjoyed. And with any luck, we'll get updates on Clayton and Dessie as well.

5 solid stars!

Profile Image for Lori R..
1,338 reviews69 followers
June 17, 2016
I cannot stop thinking about this emotional and captivating story. Clayton Watts has stolen my heart! And he's gotten my lady parts all in an uproar. I finished this book a while ago and I catch myself thinking about it often. A beautifully written story, this one definitely knocked my socks off. Daryl Banner certainly knows how to bring out the feels.

As I was reading, I felt like I was inside the minds of these well-developed characters and I swear I could feel their pain. I connected with them, I empathized with them, I fell in love with them. The author did a fantastic job at creating strong characters and making them step off the page. The looks that Clayton would give Dessie... I could see it… I could FEEL it. The passion so thick, I’m positive I could reach out and touch it. Their chemistry is off-the-charts scorching hot. When they are near each other, you can’t help but crave their intimacy.

I felt as though I was pulled into this story. With Daryl's flawless writing and superb storytelling, it's easy to get lost in the pages and easily visualize everything as it happened. Many powerful moments made it feel as though someone was squeezing my heart – so much tension, so much passion – I loved every single minute.

With Read My Lips, you will get a perfect mixture of emotions. There is humor, there is angst, there is heartache, and there is definitely, and thankfully, a LOT of delicious steam.

Lastly… that cover. Holy. shit. That cover. That is one fabulous cover. I catch myself staring at it...a lot. I need to know who that cover model is. If any of you know, PLEASE message me. I will love you forever. <3

I am telling everyone I know to read this. Outstanding job, Mr. Banner!
Profile Image for Roanne Germaine.
863 reviews20 followers
August 24, 2016
All Dessie ever wanted was to live a normal College life, away from her celebrity family's shadows. When she met Clayton, she was instantly drawn to the hunky tattooed man with a magnetic and mysterious personality. He tried to stay away from her , because she carried some sunshine around her and he was embraced by a certain darkness. They were exact opposites in the social spectrum. However, as they got to know each other better, they learned that they shared something common aside from their heated mutual attraction - that they both were trying to find their own voice in the world.

He was deaf. She wanted to be heard. But together, they found honesty, comfort and mutual support. And their love for each other was so strong , they didn't really need to hear it to feel it.

I loved READ MY LIPS. This is the first standalone book under the A College Romance Obsession Series, and I'm so glad I read it! It had an interestingly unique plot and very raw and relatable characters. The words the author used were open and unpretentious , but very impressive. This was really a beautifully written book, with a fantastic mix of angst, humor, and passion. This book wasn't a tearjerker , but it perfectly pulled some essential heartstrings and certainly made me smile at the end.

This is just the first book I've read from this very talented author but this definitely won't be the last. In fact, I'm already mentally itching to read Brant's story very soon.
March 8, 2018


I absolutely loved Read My Lips (A College Obsession Romance #1) by Daryl Banner. It is a beautiful written novel with a plotline that will make you swoon.

The growing relationship between the leading characters was so engaging that I really felt for both of them.

Dessie and Clayton were such great characters.

Dessie’s obsession with him and finding her destination lets her overlook what is painfully clear to the audience.

And Clayton was such a strong presence that their first meeting in the pub alone brought tears to my eyes.

I can only recommend very strongly to read this book.

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Profile Image for Sania.
912 reviews
June 18, 2016
Standalone/Cliffhanger: Standalone
but part of a series
Ages of H and h:
19, 20?
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Descriptive Sex &/Or Drama Between H/h With OW/OM:
>>If So, Before or After H/h Hookup:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex In The Book:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Will This Meet My 'Safety Gang' Buddies' Approval:
Any Triggers/Warnings: No
>>Detail: N/A
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes.
Will You Re-read This Book: Maybe
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes

Profile Image for ItaPixie.
1,110 reviews125 followers
August 6, 2016

First things first I fell in love with this book beautiful cover then the story grabbed my full attention since the beginning.

I've enjoyed the not too dramatic plot,I liked how the author chose to linger more on the main characters' present lives than their not too easy past.
Clayton and Dessie background cannot not be more different but I liked how they overcome their trusting problems and give in to their phisical attraction and growing feelings in order to find their happily ever after.

This was the first novel I've read written by this author but due to his refreshing,flowing and engaging writing I'm sure it won't be my last...I can't wait to find out what Daryl Banner has in store for us in the next one.

Profile Image for Melinda Ruyten.
58 reviews3 followers
August 11, 2016
Well maybe I just wasn't in the mood for this type of book when I had just finished a fantastic book. This barely made 3 stars at 20% of the book I was just about to give up and it started to get better. So it's typical girl named Dessie meets deaf guy Clayton. He is brooding and damaged and has anger management problem. She's an student studying acting. They meet break up get back together end of story. Still waiting for the good story. I just find it was lacking and not captivating.
Profile Image for Lindsay.
2,220 reviews509 followers
March 12, 2022
This book was freaking amazing!

This was my first book by Daryl Banner and I'm an instant fan. I loved every moment of this book. I loved how real the characters felt. I loved the first interactions between Dessie and Clayton, especially since Dessie didn't know he was deaf. It made for an awesomely good/awkward meeting. And don't get me started on when she sang to him at the bar.

Honestly, I had no complaints about this book. I loved every moment of Dessie & Clayton's story.
Profile Image for Taylor.
1,532 reviews55 followers
June 17, 2016
Didn't really like Dessie for most of the book.
Clayton was a bit wishy-washy, he grew on me once he finally decided he was going to be with her.

It was okay. Wasn't 100% into it as I thought I'd be.
Profile Image for Aracely.
823 reviews34 followers
November 2, 2016
Cute story

I like the story. Just the right amount of sex scenes described in the book. Also it has a cute moments , I like the ones when she learn to speak with signs ( she doesn't do the right words , but he like that she try ) and " speak " and interact with him .
Profile Image for Lisa.
190 reviews2 followers
July 16, 2016
OMG. Clayton Watts is one of the best alpha heroes this year for me. *madly fans face*. In all his stalking, broody, silent skulking.

This book is like the love child of Colleen Hoover's Maybe Someday and Leisa Rayven's Bad Romeo.

Set at a theatre college, the h Desdemona (yes..seriously) is trying her luck at being a 'normal' theatre student, away from her famous and successful theatre royalty family. She just wants a moment out of the shadow of their expectation to just be herself, regardless if she crashes and burns. And she suspects she will.

Dessie is instantly drawn to and curious about the quiet but intimidating lighting guy, Clayton, who appears to pay no heed to anyone around him. He's a scowling, malevolent presence who completely ignores her the first time she approaches him.

Clayton is the perfect broken hero. Deaf since he was twelve, hostile and impatient. And being inside his head is completely absorbing. (This book had to have the dual POV and it works so well.) As we very gradually get to know him and all he feels for Dessie and all he's willing to reveal for her,you just can't help but fall in love with him. He's strong and forceful and a bit scary but inside he's uncertain and longing for a chance to be hers.

There is a shambles of side characters that are well developed but not entirely necessary for this story to shine. The reader is barely aware of even the central story, the big college production and looming opening night.

The strength in this book is the exceptional writing that just flowed for me and the wonderful use of tension....not unbearable angst....but tension. It just simmers in the back ground and reflects the uncertainty and fragility of Clayton and Desdemona's relationship.

Glorious. Perfection.

5 'Break a Leg' stars


Profile Image for Hanne.
657 reviews71 followers
December 23, 2016
Dessie needs a change in her life and wants a normal college life. She doesn’t tell anyone about her parents, because she doesn’t want anyone to treat her differently. She makes friends and enjoys college. At a party, she sees Clayton and wants to talk to him. She goes to him, but he ignores her. Dessie doesn’t understand what happened, but she can’t stop thinking about him. She sees him again at college and discovers something about him.

I adored this book! Dessie and Clayton are amazing characters. Dessie isn’t as talented as her family members. She doesn’t love acting as much as she loves singing. She is insecure, strong and caring. She becomes obsessed with Clayton after seeing him for the first time. That meeting wasn’t what she expected, but there was something about him. She wanted to know everything about him. Clayton is also obsessed with Dessie. He doesn’t like actors, but he can’t stop thinking about Dessie and he hopes that she will be different. He loves his work and he is great at it. He works hard.

Dessie and Clayton were attracted to each other from the start, but they don’t get together fast. I was wondering when they would be together. They are great friends and eventually become more. I loved them as a couple. They support and believe in each other.

The secondary characters are amazing too. Especially Clayton’s friends and roommates. They are amazing friends! They support him. They are funny. I hope that they get their own books! Beneath The Skin is on my tbr of 2017!
Profile Image for Patricia Maia (The Bookery Review).
812 reviews46 followers
June 3, 2016
My first read from this author couldn't be a better choice! Daryl Banner presents us a very well written, emotional and romantic story about two college students.
The blurb got my attention, then the cover and as soon as I had my hands on this book I couldn't put it down!



Clayton is this amazing man, a little broken due to his hearing disability, but that doesn't stop him from his dream: to be a lightning designer at a theater! This makes him meet Dessie, a cute girl who ran from NYC to Texas, just to be on her own without her parents wing.
I loved the way they first see each other and how Dessie, not knowing Clayton is deaf, keeps trying to talk to him. Their lust is evident. They crave and obsess each other, but the fear of getting hurt sometimes talk higher...
Seeing how far one person can go to start learning sign language just to be closer to the other, is beautiful!

I think my favorite scene was at the bar when Dessie is singing to Clayton for the first time... wow!



This story is angsty, hot, emotional and hopeful at its best!
Loved it!

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Profile Image for 2OCC Reviews.
3,471 reviews247 followers
September 7, 2016


This was a very beautiful romance. I enjoyed the The characters. The challenges they faced were some that none of us will ever face or something that some of us face. I really enjoyed the way that this author wrote these characters. I felt that we were really in their heads and with them every step of the way.

Clayton was such an amazing lead. I enjoyed the fact that he didn't continue to push the heroine away. He was so smart and had an understanding about him that I found even more appealing.

Dessie wanted a life of her own and she finally found that. At certain times she did act like the spoiled little brat but then she came into her own. I found my self flipping the pages to see what was going to happen next with her.

The plot was different. It wasn't your typical rich girl wanting to branch out on her own it was that way but it was in a different complex. I really enjoyed the imperfect hero and how Dessie was so understanding and acceptable of that.

Overall being my first book by this author I really enjoyed it. I would've liked to of seen more of Clayton's backstory, but even with that I didn't feel that a lot was left out. 4 stars #2OCCJD
Profile Image for Buffy.
355 reviews2 followers
July 2, 2016
Loved, loved, loved! I totally fell in love with Clayton. I loved Dessie too. Dessie just wanted to experience college like a normal young lady and not have her famous family influence that experience, and we get that through the story. My only complaint about this story was did we really get Clayton's story? I guess it's the obvious, but I feel we should have learned more about him or more about how he feels about his situation. I still loved the story...I only put the book down when I fell asleep read way l ate into the night and it was the second thing I grab when I woke, coffee always comes first. But I couldn't put this book down and I think you will feel the same! Enjoy!
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