The Ultimatum: A Funny Love Story About One Week, a Marriage Proposal, and a Mad Road Trip

by Dan Graziano

Henry's got it good. He's a semi-successful, if not yet famous novelist. He's got a good job and good buds. Best of all, he's got Layla, his long-time, live-in lover, a fast-track associate at a New Jersey law firm. Henry loves Layla and she loves him. Life is a banquet, until . . . The Ultimatum ! In a week, Henry and Layla are off to Maine for a friend's wedding. And if Henry hasn't proposed marriage by the time the bride tosses the bouquet, Layla swears they're finished. For good. Henry thinks if it's not broke, don't fix it. But Layla needs proof of his love and devotion. And she's not kidding. So who can he turn to for advice? Jake, his despondent divorced brother? His marriage-junkie golf friend, Big John? His outsized Peter Pan pal Pete, who simply won't grow up? Meanwhile Layla's got her two best girlfriends, tough-talking Gloria and sensitive Susan, giving helpful, contradictory advice. Time is ticking away on the most important decision of Henry's life. But it'll take a mad, high-speed road trip and some bizarre behavior—perhaps even an impromptu kidnapping—to point him in the right, life-changing direction.

Genres: Chick Lit

291 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2007

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This seems to be a new phenom to me: I can't decide on the genre for "The Ultimatum." Is it chick lit written by a man? Is it the men's version of chick lit?

Regardless, though this book is a quick, easy read, it provides an informative glimpse into how both the sexes think about and solve problems. The problem here though, has high stakes: Layla has given her SO, Robert, a week to decide if he wants to marry her.

[Martha☀ · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book makes light of a brutal situation. Layla gives Henry an ultimatum - marry me or I'm outta here. Henry spends the rest of the book weighing out his options. I thought Graziano did well at analysing a guy's perspective on settling down and committing. He also handled Layla's side well. Light and breezy.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun read!

A guy and girl have been going out for 6 years. The girl wants to get married, so she gives him an ultimatum: "Propose within a week, or I am gone"

I liked the book and I liked Graziano's writing style.

[MaryAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very fun easy summer read. told from the male perspective, it is amusing to see how this character think about preparing for marriage, or how he tackles his day to day experiences.. Men do think differently.

can be read in an afternoon for pleasure alone...

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a quick, light read...good for a beach getaway or a summer day in the park. i also liked that it gave the guy's perspective on getting engaged.

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was alright...not one I would read again though. A romance story written by a dude gives an interesting perspective on things. I actually learned a little from that.

[JoAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light fast read. Man writing about a woman's motivation to marry--time's up.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again know the author, but a good read none the less.

[Chatterbox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent humor and a very delightful read.