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Sweet #1
On Any Given Sundae
Nothing tops the sweetness of an unexpected love...
When Elizabeth's uncle Siegfried and Rob's uncle Pauly rush off to Europe for a month, they temporarily relinquish the reins of their ice cream shop to their respective niece and nephew -- two people who may have grown up practically next door to each other but who have next to nothing in common.
Elizabeth "Please Don't Call Me Lizzy" Daniels is a small-town Wisconsin girl at heart. Shy and inexperienced at love, the frizzy-haired dessert cookbook writer still resides in her quaint hometown of Wilmington Bay, stutters painfully when nervous and is only comfortable with her laptop and her tiny circle of cooking pals. She must come out of hiding over the summer to help her uncle, but she's convinced her childhood crush, Rob, barely knows she exists.
Roberto "You'd Better Call Me Rob, or Else" Gabinarri is the town's golden boy and former football star who left home after high school, made a splash in the big city and never looked back. He has to return to Wilmington Bay to uphold a promise to his uncle, but he's counting the minutes until he can escape to the relative anonymity of his fast-paced, commitment-free city life and the sports-themed restaurant he owns in Chicago. Despite his chattiness and charm, Rob was always intimidated by quiet, brainy girls like "Frizzy Lizzy," and he isn't pleased to be back in the place where people like her still see him as that popular but dumb jock -- an image he worked for almost a decade to shed.
The unlikely pair tries to make the best of being stuck together, but Elizabeth has a pressing publication deadline, and Rob has an Italian mother bent on lining up potential hometown brides for him. Rob comes up with an idea -- something that might help them both -- but it involves just a bit of family deception. With time running out to finish her cookbook and her friends already stretched to the max trying to assist them, Elizabeth reluctantly agrees.
Neither Rob nor Elizabeth are used to playing games of pretense, but can love, hot summer nights and, maybe, some chocolate sauce, caramel and whipped cream...turn their farce into reality?
When Elizabeth's uncle Siegfried and Rob's uncle Pauly rush off to Europe for a month, they temporarily relinquish the reins of their ice cream shop to their respective niece and nephew -- two people who may have grown up practically next door to each other but who have next to nothing in common.
Elizabeth "Please Don't Call Me Lizzy" Daniels is a small-town Wisconsin girl at heart. Shy and inexperienced at love, the frizzy-haired dessert cookbook writer still resides in her quaint hometown of Wilmington Bay, stutters painfully when nervous and is only comfortable with her laptop and her tiny circle of cooking pals. She must come out of hiding over the summer to help her uncle, but she's convinced her childhood crush, Rob, barely knows she exists.
Roberto "You'd Better Call Me Rob, or Else" Gabinarri is the town's golden boy and former football star who left home after high school, made a splash in the big city and never looked back. He has to return to Wilmington Bay to uphold a promise to his uncle, but he's counting the minutes until he can escape to the relative anonymity of his fast-paced, commitment-free city life and the sports-themed restaurant he owns in Chicago. Despite his chattiness and charm, Rob was always intimidated by quiet, brainy girls like "Frizzy Lizzy," and he isn't pleased to be back in the place where people like her still see him as that popular but dumb jock -- an image he worked for almost a decade to shed.
The unlikely pair tries to make the best of being stuck together, but Elizabeth has a pressing publication deadline, and Rob has an Italian mother bent on lining up potential hometown brides for him. Rob comes up with an idea -- something that might help them both -- but it involves just a bit of family deception. With time running out to finish her cookbook and her friends already stretched to the max trying to assist them, Elizabeth reluctantly agrees.
Neither Rob nor Elizabeth are used to playing games of pretense, but can love, hot summer nights and, maybe, some chocolate sauce, caramel and whipped cream...turn their farce into reality?
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2011
43 people are currently reading
699 people want to read
About the author
Marilyn Brant
35 books405 followersMarilyn Brant is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of contemporary fiction. Her debut novel won RWA's prestigious Golden Heart Award® in 2007 and she was named the 2013 Author of the Year by the Illinois Association of Teachers of English. She wrote ACCORDING TO JANE, the story of a modern woman who receives dating advice from the spirit of Jane Austen, FRIDAY MORNINGS AT NINE, and A SUMMER IN EUROPE, all women's fiction releases from Kensington Books.
She's also a #1 Kindle & #1 Nook Bestseller and has written a series of fun and flirty contemporary romantic comedies, such as ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAE and PRIDE, PREJUDICE AND THE PERFECT MATCH, along with a bestselling coming-of-age romantic mystery (THE ROAD TO YOU), a sweet holiday romance (THE KNIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS), and the 7-book "Mirabelle Harbor" contemporary romance series. Look for her latest releases, THE SECRET LIFE OF MAGGIE BLAKE, a modern romantic spy comedy inspired by the Scarlet Pimpernel (May 2022), and NOT ANOTHER ROMAN HOLIDAY, a rom-com novella set in Italy (November 2023)!
Marilyn lives in the northern Chicago suburbs with her family, analyzing novels for the storytelling website Save the Cat! and working on her own writing projects. When she isn't rereading Austen's books or enjoying the latest releases by her author friends, she's daydreaming plot ideas for her next novel, eating chocolate indiscriminately and hiding from the laundry.
She's also a #1 Kindle & #1 Nook Bestseller and has written a series of fun and flirty contemporary romantic comedies, such as ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAE and PRIDE, PREJUDICE AND THE PERFECT MATCH, along with a bestselling coming-of-age romantic mystery (THE ROAD TO YOU), a sweet holiday romance (THE KNIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS), and the 7-book "Mirabelle Harbor" contemporary romance series. Look for her latest releases, THE SECRET LIFE OF MAGGIE BLAKE, a modern romantic spy comedy inspired by the Scarlet Pimpernel (May 2022), and NOT ANOTHER ROMAN HOLIDAY, a rom-com novella set in Italy (November 2023)!
Marilyn lives in the northern Chicago suburbs with her family, analyzing novels for the storytelling website Save the Cat! and working on her own writing projects. When she isn't rereading Austen's books or enjoying the latest releases by her author friends, she's daydreaming plot ideas for her next novel, eating chocolate indiscriminately and hiding from the laundry.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
March 18, 2016
Meh. Very meh. For a book that started off with a sexual innuendo, I did not expect the h to be a twenty eight year old virgin. But she was. I loved the food porn, but that's about all I loved. I strongly disliked the H, and the h was kind of pitiable. Please do not try to sell me a twenty-eight year old who stutters because the man next to her looks like a chocolate-sculpted god of thunder (Criminal Minds references FTW). Also, the ending was forced as hell, I mean, come on! I'm all for the HEA endings, but at least make an effort with it. There was no clever banter, no kind of real connection between the MCs; most of the humour seemed too forced. And what is with the instalove/instalust? I know that books are a place to escape reality, but could it
be
anymore forced? The love, I mean. I've only been in love once, and let me tell you, dear writer, that's not how it happens. Sure, everybody falls in love differently, but I'm pretty sure this, er... story isn't one of them.
Also, I beg to differ on this point.
"Maybe songwriters through the ages had gotten it right: Love is all you need. Love will keep us together. Love will find away. Love is the answer."
A very clever man named Ian Curtis also sang this:
which, according to me makes more sense. But then again, I'm not in the book, so, it doesn't matter.
Again, this is probably more of an "it's not you, it's me" kind of case, but boy am I glad this was free.
Also, I beg to differ on this point.
"Maybe songwriters through the ages had gotten it right: Love is all you need. Love will keep us together. Love will find away. Love is the answer."
A very clever man named Ian Curtis also sang this:
which, according to me makes more sense. But then again, I'm not in the book, so, it doesn't matter.
Again, this is probably more of an "it's not you, it's me" kind of case, but boy am I glad this was free.
August 6, 2016
This is one of those just all around feel good books that when you read the final sentence you say, "Ah." if not aloud...then in your mind. I also had a smile on my face and blurry vision.
There is more than one romance to learn about in this small Wisconsin town. And two uncles are cast in the role of cupid when they need to travel to Europe to be at the bedside of the one’s sister-in-law, Anita. They can’t shut down their business, the Tutti-Frutti ice cream parlor, so Uncle Siegfried calls upon Elizabeth while Uncle Pauly phones his nephew, Rob, who is in Chicago managing his own successful restaurant, to fill in and manage the business in their absence. Elizabeth (who refuses to be called Lizzy…for reasons) and Rob went to school together where he was known as the “hot” football quarterback who set records while she, with her stuttering disability, is the quiet smart girl. She has had a crush on him for many years but their past interaction has left her with a dread of being in his presence – ever. She is working on a pastries cookbook with her close circle of friends while working part time at the shop. He has fled the small town and not been back in years. He really wants nothing to do with the small minds that only see him as a hot but dumb jock. But when family calls what’s a good Italian son to do.
Marilyn gives us such a beginning. My, oh, my: how clever, sexy and enticing. Elizabeth’s circle of friends knows how to support and cover and advise each other. So when they see a “love and leave town” guy making inroads on their dear Elizabeth’s heart, sparks fly and cold shoulders turn.
You have to love Roberto’s family: from the Madonna loving mama to the “just apologize” younger brother, Tony, with his wife, Maria-Louisa, and their five children. The problem is if he shows up still with no serious girlfriend he knows mama will have a date arranged for his every spare moment and then some. So he manipulates the schedule at the shop and plays on Elizabeth’s need for time to meet the publishing deadline on her book and next thing you know, she is playing at being his “girl” when he attends dinner every night at Mama’s. Let the fun begin. You gotta love the mix and match and old girlfriends and football rivals and “Truth or Dare” games going on. What’s this you say, “Elizabeth gets a pass on naming the first guy she made it with in the back seat of a car?”
I found this to be a delightful book: not too long and with not much angst but oh, there are some hot and steamy scenes (MA). If you are a romantic at heart – read this.
WARNING: This book contains oodles and oodles of talk about dreamy, creamy, rich desserts so have a bowl of ice cream and a few chocolate nuggets at hand while reading.
There is more than one romance to learn about in this small Wisconsin town. And two uncles are cast in the role of cupid when they need to travel to Europe to be at the bedside of the one’s sister-in-law, Anita. They can’t shut down their business, the Tutti-Frutti ice cream parlor, so Uncle Siegfried calls upon Elizabeth while Uncle Pauly phones his nephew, Rob, who is in Chicago managing his own successful restaurant, to fill in and manage the business in their absence. Elizabeth (who refuses to be called Lizzy…for reasons) and Rob went to school together where he was known as the “hot” football quarterback who set records while she, with her stuttering disability, is the quiet smart girl. She has had a crush on him for many years but their past interaction has left her with a dread of being in his presence – ever. She is working on a pastries cookbook with her close circle of friends while working part time at the shop. He has fled the small town and not been back in years. He really wants nothing to do with the small minds that only see him as a hot but dumb jock. But when family calls what’s a good Italian son to do.
Marilyn gives us such a beginning. My, oh, my: how clever, sexy and enticing. Elizabeth’s circle of friends knows how to support and cover and advise each other. So when they see a “love and leave town” guy making inroads on their dear Elizabeth’s heart, sparks fly and cold shoulders turn.
You have to love Roberto’s family: from the Madonna loving mama to the “just apologize” younger brother, Tony, with his wife, Maria-Louisa, and their five children. The problem is if he shows up still with no serious girlfriend he knows mama will have a date arranged for his every spare moment and then some. So he manipulates the schedule at the shop and plays on Elizabeth’s need for time to meet the publishing deadline on her book and next thing you know, she is playing at being his “girl” when he attends dinner every night at Mama’s. Let the fun begin. You gotta love the mix and match and old girlfriends and football rivals and “Truth or Dare” games going on. What’s this you say, “Elizabeth gets a pass on naming the first guy she made it with in the back seat of a car?”
I found this to be a delightful book: not too long and with not much angst but oh, there are some hot and steamy scenes (MA). If you are a romantic at heart – read this.
WARNING: This book contains oodles and oodles of talk about dreamy, creamy, rich desserts so have a bowl of ice cream and a few chocolate nuggets at hand while reading.
January 12, 2012
Reviewed By: Laci
Review Copy Provided By: Author
I absolutely positively ADORED this book. From beginning to end, it kept me grinning like an idiot, giggling, and biting my lip in anticipation at the characters. You gotta give credit to Marilyn Brant for coming up with a cast of characters that you might be able to find in your own hometown. If I didn’t know that the book takes place in Wisconsin, I could almost swear it takes place here, in my own little bitty piece of small town America. Be warned, reading this book on an empty stomach is not a good idea. Also, if you have any type of sweet tooth, make sure your freezer is locked tight and the food network channel blocked from accessing it b/c with all the treats and goodies, you will surely find yourself stumbling to the kitchen for a midnight snack.
I saw myself in the heroine, Elizabeth (don’t call me Lizzy), and felt my heart pang in sympathy at her self-consciousness and anxiety at seeing our hero, Rob (don’t call me Roberto) again, some years after graduating high school. I’m sure we all would have similar feelings if we were faced with our high school crush. I also saw myself feeling sympathy towards Rob as well, as he turns out to not be the typical high school jock everyone thinks he is.
It was obvious that Lizzy’s friends all had her best interests at heart and would go to bat for her any day of the week. It seemed like almost everyone wanted Lizzy and Rob to end up together, and while not a single person pushed them together, they all seemed to delight in showing Rob what he could have if he gave his heart half a chance.
I’m hard pressed to find a favorite character or the funniest. They were all great. But I think I have to give it to Rob’s mom. She’s a character who I found myself laughing at the most. She is definitely not like any other Italian mother I have ever come across in any book. While she does have some of the typical loving mother, just wants to see all her kids happy, attributes, she has a few quirks that make me wish my mom was a little more like her.
I loved this book so much I immediately went to Amazon and bought 2 of the author’s other books. I have no doubts that they will be just as funny.
Review Copy Provided By: Author
I absolutely positively ADORED this book. From beginning to end, it kept me grinning like an idiot, giggling, and biting my lip in anticipation at the characters. You gotta give credit to Marilyn Brant for coming up with a cast of characters that you might be able to find in your own hometown. If I didn’t know that the book takes place in Wisconsin, I could almost swear it takes place here, in my own little bitty piece of small town America. Be warned, reading this book on an empty stomach is not a good idea. Also, if you have any type of sweet tooth, make sure your freezer is locked tight and the food network channel blocked from accessing it b/c with all the treats and goodies, you will surely find yourself stumbling to the kitchen for a midnight snack.
I saw myself in the heroine, Elizabeth (don’t call me Lizzy), and felt my heart pang in sympathy at her self-consciousness and anxiety at seeing our hero, Rob (don’t call me Roberto) again, some years after graduating high school. I’m sure we all would have similar feelings if we were faced with our high school crush. I also saw myself feeling sympathy towards Rob as well, as he turns out to not be the typical high school jock everyone thinks he is.
It was obvious that Lizzy’s friends all had her best interests at heart and would go to bat for her any day of the week. It seemed like almost everyone wanted Lizzy and Rob to end up together, and while not a single person pushed them together, they all seemed to delight in showing Rob what he could have if he gave his heart half a chance.
I’m hard pressed to find a favorite character or the funniest. They were all great. But I think I have to give it to Rob’s mom. She’s a character who I found myself laughing at the most. She is definitely not like any other Italian mother I have ever come across in any book. While she does have some of the typical loving mother, just wants to see all her kids happy, attributes, she has a few quirks that make me wish my mom was a little more like her.
I loved this book so much I immediately went to Amazon and bought 2 of the author’s other books. I have no doubts that they will be just as funny.
June 28, 2014
Elizabeth was in over her head the moment her Uncle opened his mouth... She knew it but she didn't realize how deep until his business partner went to call HIS nephew... How could she deal with seeing Rob again after all these years?! When he moved away from their small Wisconsin town she figured she was safe. Never seeing the boy who broke her heart (even if he hadn't a clue he did so) gave her the confidence to become her own person even if she really wasn't a social butterfly she had friends.. Really good friends... And a cookbook to get to the publisher. How was she supposed to move on with her life(even if there were no guys actually interested in her) if she was forced to deal with Rob on a daily basis? She couldn't even speak in his presence! Shy and awkward (and a stutter) she just knew it would be high school all over again... Wouldn't it?
Rob had put his hometown (and his golden boy football hero status) in his rear-view after high school. He went to college and shed his sports hero status working incredibly hard to be seen for his intelligence instead. He has a very successful restaurant in Chicago and the last thing he needs is to be dragged back home where all he is is a dumb jock! He's gone too far to go backwards but family is the most important thing in the world so off to Wisconsin it is! When he gets there he is shocked to find his Uncle already gone for Europe and Lizzy manning the shop... Will she ever see him as anything other than a dumb jock? How will he deal with hi mother and her marriage schemes for a whole month?! He hatches a desperate plan and crosses his do get hoping to get away with it...
This was a sweet contemporary romance that I truly enjoyed even though it was set in Wisconsin lol. Or despite that... Whatever. The fact that I could get past the setting being the one place I HATE to read about should tell you how awesome this book really is. The storyline was very believable and uplifting and I can't wait to read more books from this amazing author! Not sure if this is a stand alone or a series that can be read as stand alones but the ending was great and nice and tidy so I am sure either way is great :)
***This book is suitable for adult readers
Rob had put his hometown (and his golden boy football hero status) in his rear-view after high school. He went to college and shed his sports hero status working incredibly hard to be seen for his intelligence instead. He has a very successful restaurant in Chicago and the last thing he needs is to be dragged back home where all he is is a dumb jock! He's gone too far to go backwards but family is the most important thing in the world so off to Wisconsin it is! When he gets there he is shocked to find his Uncle already gone for Europe and Lizzy manning the shop... Will she ever see him as anything other than a dumb jock? How will he deal with hi mother and her marriage schemes for a whole month?! He hatches a desperate plan and crosses his do get hoping to get away with it...
This was a sweet contemporary romance that I truly enjoyed even though it was set in Wisconsin lol. Or despite that... Whatever. The fact that I could get past the setting being the one place I HATE to read about should tell you how awesome this book really is. The storyline was very believable and uplifting and I can't wait to read more books from this amazing author! Not sure if this is a stand alone or a series that can be read as stand alones but the ending was great and nice and tidy so I am sure either way is great :)
***This book is suitable for adult readers
June 24, 2011
I really like this book! Elizabeth was a shy, brainy-yack in high school & Rob was the popular jock. Almost ten years later they are thrown together when their uncles leave them for the summer to run ""Tutti Frutti" ice cream shop. I loved that Elizabeth would stutter when she was nervous. You could understand why she was quiet & shy. Her friends were characters and I loved how they pitched in to help run the shop! Great read!
July 27, 2015
I really didn't step to far out of my comfort zone, but after spending probably 6 months reading "mommy porn" bad boy rockers, MC Club books, this book was down right amazing to curl up and read. So I guess you can say I did step out of my comfort zone, because Marilyn's books are so beautifully written that she doesn't need the foul language and all the smut to sell the book. ok any how.
On Any Given Sundae we have Rob and Elizabeth who have known each other since they were about 5 years old. Rob has always been the strong, out going guy, in high school he was the quarterback of the highschool team. Rob comes from a huge Italian family so he has no problem with talking and expressing himself, it's part of who he is. Elizabeth has always been shy and kept to herself, she talks with a stutter which made highschool hard, of course having a crush on Rob didn't help matters! They are thrown together when their Uncles have to go away and they are left to run the family business together, Rob is finally back home so his momma is going to fix up her single son, because thats what good Italian momma's do, so to keep his sanity Rob tells his family that he has been dating Elizabeth, what happens next is one of the sweetest love stories I have read in a long time.
On Any Given Sundae we have Rob and Elizabeth who have known each other since they were about 5 years old. Rob has always been the strong, out going guy, in high school he was the quarterback of the highschool team. Rob comes from a huge Italian family so he has no problem with talking and expressing himself, it's part of who he is. Elizabeth has always been shy and kept to herself, she talks with a stutter which made highschool hard, of course having a crush on Rob didn't help matters! They are thrown together when their Uncles have to go away and they are left to run the family business together, Rob is finally back home so his momma is going to fix up her single son, because thats what good Italian momma's do, so to keep his sanity Rob tells his family that he has been dating Elizabeth, what happens next is one of the sweetest love stories I have read in a long time.
September 9, 2011
I wasn't expecting to like this as much as I did. I thoroughly enjoyed about Roberto and Lizzy. It was great to see him fall for her slowly. She just kind of crept into his thoughts and heart. Lizzy's friends were great supporting characters. I loved how they supported and worried about her.
All the talk about food and especially all the delicious desserts, made me drool and crave some serious sweet stuff!
All the talk about food and especially all the delicious desserts, made me drool and crave some serious sweet stuff!
June 8, 2011
I just love Marilyn! Her writing is so sweet and fun! And this was no exception. How can two apparently different people come together romantically? Well, give this book a gander and found out. How does anyone move past insecurities to find happiness? Sometimes you just have to let go....
Also, give "According to Jane" a chance. Another one by Marilyn. Now this gem is on my go to list of books when I can't find anything new to read.
Also, give "According to Jane" a chance. Another one by Marilyn. Now this gem is on my go to list of books when I can't find anything new to read.
July 19, 2011
What a delicious treat of a book! I absolutely adored every second. But, I'm not really surprised. Because On Any Given Sundae was written by Marilyn Brant, and captivating, engrossing, amazing books are her specialty.
January 5, 2016
Don't read this on an empty stomach ... you will crave all the delicious desserts and sweet treats this lovable cast of characters cook up and you'll fall in love with all their personalities! A very sweet and fluffy story :)
Read
August 14, 2011I hope you'll have as much fun reading this light romantic comedy (packed with delectable desserts) as I had writing it!!
July 18, 2011
A quick romantic story that leaves you smiling.
July 29, 2011
A really cute story. It was a fun and light read.
July 26, 2012
A fun, light read. Just what I was in the mood for!
September 21, 2018
I loved the story. The characters were quirky but very compelling and interesting.
June 27, 2014
This book is one of those you would wanna read curled up with a cuppa tea or relaxing by the beach. It gives you the warm fuzzies, the sweet smiles and the sighs especially when reading about lovely & yummy food and desserts.
Lizzy is just cute through and through and it's without a doubt that she is adorable even with the stuttering. Rob is a sweetheart but he doesn't feel it. The secondary characters in this book made the story even more enjoyable. I loved the camaraderie between Lizzy, Gretchen, Nick & Jacques. They are the best friends anyone could have especially with all the desserts they were whipping up. It was sweet to see their fierce loyalty and protectiveness for Lizzy. Another part that I enjoyed were scenes of the town coming together and snippets of the high school days. It made the story complete without being overwhelming.
This is my first book by Marilyn Brant and I'll be checking her other books out.
Lizzy is just cute through and through and it's without a doubt that she is adorable even with the stuttering. Rob is a sweetheart but he doesn't feel it. The secondary characters in this book made the story even more enjoyable. I loved the camaraderie between Lizzy, Gretchen, Nick & Jacques. They are the best friends anyone could have especially with all the desserts they were whipping up. It was sweet to see their fierce loyalty and protectiveness for Lizzy. Another part that I enjoyed were scenes of the town coming together and snippets of the high school days. It made the story complete without being overwhelming.
This is my first book by Marilyn Brant and I'll be checking her other books out.
September 12, 2011
OMG, the desserts mentioned in Brant's novel are mouth-watering--almost as mouth-watering as the book's hero Rob, once a high school football star and now a successful restaurateur. Of course, every high school hero has a girl who carried a torch for him, and Rob has Lizzy, once a frizzy-haired, awkward teen, but now, a lovely young woman who's made peace with her liabilities and capitalized on her assets. Until Rob comes back to town.
On Any Given Sundae is a delightful concoction containing the elements I love and often write in my own romance novels: small towns; a handsome hero who wants to be loved for himself and his brain, not just for his awesome body; a heroine who's loving and giving and who now has a lovely exterior that matches her interior; and a secondary cast of characters (including an Italian mom) to help spread the love and humor around.
Treat yourself today!
On Any Given Sundae is a delightful concoction containing the elements I love and often write in my own romance novels: small towns; a handsome hero who wants to be loved for himself and his brain, not just for his awesome body; a heroine who's loving and giving and who now has a lovely exterior that matches her interior; and a secondary cast of characters (including an Italian mom) to help spread the love and humor around.
Treat yourself today!
January 9, 2015
This book tells the story of Elizabeth and Roberto. They studied together in high scholl and, while Roberto was a popular jock, Elizabeth was a shy, chubby nerd and had a crush in Roberto. She always stuttered when she talked to him. Because of their uncles, they have to work together for a couple of months in order to keep open their uncles' ice cream parlor. To make things short, this time brings them together.
I didn't like the book, although this is the plot of most chick-lits (fate unites two people who wouldn't be together in the first place only for them to fall in love). I think the problem was that the author was not successful in showing how he could fall for her. It annoyed me that the protagonist still stuttered when in front of Roberto when she was already 30 years old and successful. I think I like my protagonists stronger.
I didn't like the book, although this is the plot of most chick-lits (fate unites two people who wouldn't be together in the first place only for them to fall in love). I think the problem was that the author was not successful in showing how he could fall for her. It annoyed me that the protagonist still stuttered when in front of Roberto when she was already 30 years old and successful. I think I like my protagonists stronger.
January 30, 2015
As always, On Any Given Sundae was no disapointment. A lite comedic novel that is an easy read and wonderful to curl up with on a snowy day, or drop in the bag to take to the beach for a lazy day.
Mayilyn does a fabulous job of drawing you in and convincing you that you ARE a part of the story and a member of the cast in her creations of romantic fanzy (smile).
The quick wit of the dialogue keeps you smiling as you turn the pages, even though you KNOW good and well, he's going to eventually get it right... or his mom is going to bean him with a bowl of pasta.
I save Maralyn's books for those special days when I need a pick-ME-up or just want to daydream my day away... you couldn't find a better way to do it than with ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAE.
Mayilyn does a fabulous job of drawing you in and convincing you that you ARE a part of the story and a member of the cast in her creations of romantic fanzy (smile).
The quick wit of the dialogue keeps you smiling as you turn the pages, even though you KNOW good and well, he's going to eventually get it right... or his mom is going to bean him with a bowl of pasta.
I save Maralyn's books for those special days when I need a pick-ME-up or just want to daydream my day away... you couldn't find a better way to do it than with ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAE.
June 10, 2011
This fun book has depth and great writing that made me laugh at times, and other times touched my heart. The small Wisconsin town's former golden boy and frizzy-haired brainiac were so well-drawn, with insecurities as well as strengths. I enjoyed reading about their friends and relatives, too. Great characters all around, and I could see this as a TV show. And then there was the food, especially the desserts that made me want to raid my fridge. (Where I had nothing as good as in the book.)
This book is like a light meal ending with a luscious, layered sundae that leaves you with a smile on your face and a desire to come back soon and dip into it again.
This book is like a light meal ending with a luscious, layered sundae that leaves you with a smile on your face and a desire to come back soon and dip into it again.
January 24, 2015
Oh. My God. I just... UGH THIS WAS AMAZING!
I was a little bit hesitant to begin reading this book but once I started, I could NOT put it down.
Elizabeth's character was just absolutely adorable with her stuttering and sexy side that manages to come out here and there.
And Rob! Geez, someone find me someone like him -.- Yes, he's a little chatterbox and he can never seem to say the right thing at the right time but in the end, him and Elizabeth - though they were completely on different sides of the bridge - made the most perfect couple ever.
I give this book 4.5 stars for adorable characters and a storyline to squeal over.
I was a little bit hesitant to begin reading this book but once I started, I could NOT put it down.
Elizabeth's character was just absolutely adorable with her stuttering and sexy side that manages to come out here and there.
And Rob! Geez, someone find me someone like him -.- Yes, he's a little chatterbox and he can never seem to say the right thing at the right time but in the end, him and Elizabeth - though they were completely on different sides of the bridge - made the most perfect couple ever.
I give this book 4.5 stars for adorable characters and a storyline to squeal over.
February 6, 2016
Someone mentioned not to read this book hungry. True. This book will make you hungry. This was a free little Jem I found on my facebook news feed. I love when this happens, and I love the story and discover a new author. I loved every one of the characters. Even all the secondary characters. This doesn't happen often. I loved all the different cultures/ethnicities represented. I loved the heroine and hero of course. Elizabeth Daniels was totally relatable to me. Roberto was sigh worthy. His mom had me cracking up. Just a sweet, charming, totally enjoyable story. I would definitely read more from Ms. Brant
August 6, 2011
Very sweet story about the high school football star and the shy frizzy haired smart girl thrown together to run their uncle's business 10 years after graduation. Lizzy still has a crush on Rob and Rob still thinks Lizzie sees him as a dumb jock. Rob's big Italian family and Lizzie's eclectic bunch of friends make for some laugh out loud dialog. Rob's old school Italian mother's love of all things Madonna in her house(and not the religious figure) had me laughing out! At times the "romance" was laid on a bit thick, but all in all a fun and fast read.
June 24, 2014
This is the first book I have ever read by Marilyn but it won't be the last. This story is about Elizabeth "Lizzy" Daniels and Roberto "Rob" Gabinarri. Rob is a former high school jock turned successful restaurant owner who lives in Chicago. He returns home to Wisconsin to help Elizabeth run their uncles' ice cream shop while they are in Europe. Elizabeth tries unsuccessfully to avoid Rob in the beginning. Their story is very sweet and I would recommend it. Also I think maybe I need to go get some ice cream now! :)
January 22, 2016
I had been wanting to read this book and finally picked up the book (it was free one day on Amazon) and decided to jump into the story.
There are a lot of sexual innuendos especially on the first page...so be forewarned!
Rob and Lizzy are an interesting pair with history between them and also that attraction, well at least on Lizzy's side..at first. But a lot has happened since they were kids and both have grown up and now they are meeting again as adults.
There are parts that will make you laugh, but in the end you will be rooting for Rob and Lizzy
There are a lot of sexual innuendos especially on the first page...so be forewarned!
Rob and Lizzy are an interesting pair with history between them and also that attraction, well at least on Lizzy's side..at first. But a lot has happened since they were kids and both have grown up and now they are meeting again as adults.
There are parts that will make you laugh, but in the end you will be rooting for Rob and Lizzy
May 15, 2016
This was a short and somewhat cute romance. Elizabeth was an interesting heroine, one I found a little unique. Rob's constant "I'd rather be in Chicago" routine got a little old, and his desire to deceive his mother about his relationship status was somewhat distasteful, especially since he never really gave a good reason for wanting to remain a bachelor. The Uncles' matchmaking was a bit unique as well, as I'd not encountered male matchmakers in a romance before. It was a good romance, but it wasn't what I'd consider great, though I am interested in reading more of the series!
July 15, 2011
I really enjoyed this story. I was a little nervous when I first went to purchase since the last book I read from Ms. Brant was ACCORDING TO JANE which was in 1st person. And 1st isn't my preferred voice. I like to know what the hero is thinking too. I was thrilled though when I checked out the excerpt and found I got both perspectives.
I blasted through this book in a couple of hours. I enjoyed the characters and craved ice cream sundaes by the time I was done.
I blasted through this book in a couple of hours. I enjoyed the characters and craved ice cream sundaes by the time I was done.
August 19, 2011
I have to read this a second time just for all the delicious food! I drooled from the first page to the last. Oh, and the characters and charming storyline were excellent as well. I liked that this was a reunion story but the past was revealed in small, meaningful snippets.
And I'm seriously going to read it again, just so I can imagine eating all the Italian dinners and mouth-watering desserts.
And I'm seriously going to read it again, just so I can imagine eating all the Italian dinners and mouth-watering desserts.
February 26, 2015
This was a sweet mactchmaking small town story. It wasn't super in-depth, but I liked it. (It would probably make a great Hallmark movie.) The main characters were pretty good, if a little too one-minded onto their own faults, but it was a cute rom-com.
Also, I just have to say that this is an awful cover, which I am seeing for the first time on Goodreads. Blech. I probably wouldn't have read the book had I seen it.
Also, I just have to say that this is an awful cover, which I am seeing for the first time on Goodreads. Blech. I probably wouldn't have read the book had I seen it.
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