Round Robin - A Love Story of Epic Proportions

by Joseph Flynn

Round Robin Phinney ... She's 230 pounds of bad attitude. She dishes out sandwiches and insults to the customers at Screaming Mimi's deli. She takes a dim view of people in general and men in particular.Her home is her sanctuary. She has an apartment upstairs. Downstairs, she's created a private park, lushly landscaped, dotted with ponds, furnished with two Chicago Park District benches.Manfred Welk is what Charles Atlas would have looked like if he'd been serious about lifting weights. A former Olympic powerlifter for East Germany, his When cold weather hits and Robin's furnace goes out, the plants in her park start to die. Worse, she has no money for repairs - but she does have a small vacant apartment in her basement. Something she might swap for the services of a live-in handyman.After interviewing a number of prospective fix-it people, Robin finds, to her great horror, the best choice is a giant German with CIA connections. That's bad enough, but the guy turns out to have a kid, a blue-haired prepubescent brat named Bianca who's been raised in a brothel.Robin, Manfred and Bianca all have their demons to cast out.You'll have a grand time watching as they do.

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Humor, Contemporary, Ebooks

Unknown Binding

First published December 20, 2010

About the author

Joseph Flynn has been published both traditionally — Signet Books, Bantam Books and Variance Publishing — and through his own imprint, Stray Dog Press, Inc. Both major media reviews and reader reviews have praised his work. Booklist said, “Flynn is an excellent storyteller.” The Chicago Tribune said, “Flynn [is] a master of high-octane plotting.” The most repeated reader comment is: Write faster, we want more.

http://www.committingfiction.blogspot...

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up on a whim thinking it looked cute but not expecting much….what a pleasant surprise! This was a lovely book that caused all the feels. And the ending left me with happy tears. Robin was an interesting character and I thoroughly enjoyed her insults while also feeling her underlying pain. So many great characters in this story. Well worth your time if you are looking for a little bit of happy in this crazy world.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. Its wonderful to have characters who aren't "beautiful people". I loved all the characters, flaws & all. It is one of those books that you want to get to the end to see how everything is resolved, but when you are done, you're sad to leave these great folks.

[Su · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am only giving this book 5 stars because I cannot give it more!! Sharp wit, touching scenes and the child from hell all contribute to making this one of the most enjoyable books I have read for a long, long time! I love the characters, Robin and Manfred, even the evil Bianca grew on me. I simply could not put this down once I had started and would recommend it to anyone! BRILLIANT!!

[Pam Warner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book very much but didn’t love it. There were a number of parts I just did not understand.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Joseph Flynn book and I was not quite sure what to expect. Flynn presents us with a very interesting and diverse cast of characters who each have incredible stories to tell. The interactions between the characters are quite entertaining, especially the goings on at Screamin' Mimi's which were hilarious. While this book contains a good amount of humor, Flynn also tackles some very serious issues. Overall I think Flynn did a wonderful job in portraying the characters feelings, and in addressing tough topics such as abortion in a way that doesn't make the reader feel uncomfortable. I loved the way that Flynn attempted to keep the characters nonjudgmental which in turn allowed me as a reader to try to get to know the characters better before I stamped a judgement on them. I especially enjoyed seeing the progress that each character made as a person. I appreciated the fact that the author did not turn Robin into a Cinderella type character. Although she did make some changes to her appearance, it really felt like it was something that she was doing for herself and not to get a man, and also it felt that those physical changes were not an integral part of Robin and Manfred's budding relationship. I hate books where the hero doesn't notice the heroine until she does a drastic full body makeover. I enjoyed Bianca's character a lot. Although I felt an emotional attachment to each of the characters, I must say Bianca was the one that I was really pulling for because she simply had so much to overcome. As always I am a sucker for a HEA and I am very happy that I stumbled upon this book which is something that I generally would not have read, but thoroughly enjoyed.

[gert · Rating 3 out of 5]

listen, joseph flynn can do no wrong (well, so far - don't want to box myself in) but this book is definitely for a broader range of readers then most of his other stuff.

frankly, this could be a book club book, as its got lots of undercurrents that would be enjoyable to dissect and discuss.

if you're wavering - don't. its got great writing, it has a good kindle $$ price, its got a funny cover and uses alliteration in its title. what else do you want?

here are some key phrases cut and pasted from a kiss-up i wrote earlier today:

"heartwarming, but not painfully schwarmy; cute, but not dumb; awesome characters; a departure from flynn's thrillers - but not a departure from flynn's excellent writing; loved it!"

[Erin B · Rating 1 out of 5]

Is it possible to unread a book? It was a Kindle freebie, so this read was analogous to the slightly stale, storebought cookies at the mechanic's--you know they're not going to be good, but they're there, and they're free.

[Michelle [Helen Geek]]

06/06/2013 -- Free on Amazon today. Read the blurb! Sounds like it will be hilarious!

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had I known how it'd turn out, I'dve never started reading it in the first place. Had humorous elements but overall was blech.

[Nicole Normand · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book for free via Freebooksy; this is my honest review.
-Main characters: Manfred, Robin, Nancy, Dan & Patti, Mimi, Bianca, Tone Morello, Iggy Gross. Phil Leeds. Jeri Whitman.
-It's a love story between Manfred and Robin. It's a hate story between Robin and Tone that should not have escalated as it did. It's full of lies from Bianca, Robin, and Jeri. Such is life.
-Tone just doesn't let go and takes everything personally, which wasn't the point at Screaming Mimi. Iggy Gross wears his name perfectly; he's gross. Phil's surname should be Lewd...
-A big LOL moment: "Robin made good and sure she only shook it." AKA not kiss it, as previously.
-Bianca was way too old for her age. Only eight going on twenty-eight.
-It can be funny, sad, horrifying at some point, but never dull or boring. Great job on the editing.
-Huge dangerous error on the author's part: "Next to the plate lay the can of air freshener she’d left for Manfred last night. It was as crumpled as a discarded Dixie cup." An aerosol can will explode when crushed.
-At the end of the book, the author offers a free book on another website. It's no longer on that website but on Amazon for a price. Pointy Teeth is a "Twelve Bite-Size Stories" with no page count.

[Raelene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Round Robin" by Joseph Flynn is a compelling read that mixes suspense, humor, and a touch of romance, crafting a unique blend that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The novel follows the story of Robin Rourke, an aspiring actress with a complicated past. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she finds herself entangled in a dangerous web of espionage and political intrigue.

Joseph Flynn does a fantastic job in developing a strong, likable protagonist in Robin. She's resourceful and witty, making her easy to root for as she navigates the various challenges thrown her way. The supporting characters are equally well-crafted, providing a robust cast that enhances the story's depth and appeal.

The plot of "Round Robin" is fast-paced and filled with unexpected twists that make it hard to put the book down. Flynn expertly balances the tension of the thriller elements with lighter, humorous moments, ensuring that the narrative maintains a good pace without becoming too heavy.

The setting of the book, which shifts between the bustling streets of Hollywood and various international locales, adds an extra layer of excitement and glamour to the story. Flynn's descriptive writing vividly brings these environments to life, immersing the reader in each scene.

"Round Robin" is a thoroughly enjoyable read that combines the best elements of its genre. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy thrillers with a strong female lead and a dose of humor. Joseph Flynn has delivered a novel that is both entertaining and suspenseful, making it a recommended pick for anyone looking for a compelling new read.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars. I really enjoyed Round Robin. It’s a funny, sharp-witted, & touching story with strong character development and a few plot twists that keep things fresh. The relationships — especially between Robin and Manfred, & Robin and Bianca— were a highlight for me and felt real and well-paced.

I liked that the characters didn’t fit traditional beauty standards — it made them feel more human & relatable. The ending was surprising; I’m still not sure how I feel about it. Not bad, just maybe not totally believable for the story that came before.

Overall, a solid read with heart, humor, and a few unexpected turns.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not What I Expected

I expected a lighthearted book. The cover looks lighthearted, the subtitle sounds lighthearted, even the premise of the book seems lighthearted. It isn't. ROUND ROBIN is a serious book in disguise. It tackles painful, even horrific, issues and damaged people compassionately, while dealing harshly yet comically with the perpetrators. This is accomplished with Flynn's trademark diverse characters and pithy dialogue. A good, quick read that sticks with the reader.

[Nikki Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touching, filled with quirky and memorable characters

I enjoyed the love story and transformations made by the main characters. The story is touching and oftentimes funny. The only thing I would complain about is the fates of all of the characters are ticked up quickly in the epilogue. Excellent to read a love story about "real" people who are not all skinny and perfect. Highly recommend!

[Jim Skiver · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bizarre "Love Story"

While I have enjoyed all of Mr. Flynn's books (especially the McGill series), I found this book difficult to become engaged in. It wasn't a flowery romance-type love story. The character dynamics were strange and somewhat depressing to me. I did persevere to the end, but I feel bad I cannot give it a stellar review. It was simply an ok book. I do look forward to future writings from this author.

[Deborah Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This man is a writer!

I do not like writing reviews, as I don’t read them, but I must tell you, this is a really good book. Interesting and well paced, with action, adventure and kids. I read the book in one day, stayed up past my bedtime because I couldn’t stop. Thank you Joseph Flynn it was well worth it.

[Marti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this would be a quick, silly afternoon’s read and was prepared to not care much for the story. I was wrong! This book does have some funny parts and sarcastic (sometimes vulgar) humor, but overall it is a fascinating, sensitive tale of love, guilt, family, patience, courage and determination. I do recommend it.

[Allen Prescott · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read

This is not my genre in books but this author has written many other books that fall into my liking.
So I decided to step out of my comfort zone to read this story. I could not put the book down. I laughed a lot and followed the script to the very end. A must read for an evening of entertainment.

[Wendy Hayon Gerber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would have been 5 stars but…

I do enjoy Joseph Flynn’s stories-all his series-and this stand-alone was no exception.

However-on occasion point of views changed abruptly without page breaks or perhaps a new chapter start.

A tad predictable toward the end, but an entertaining read with interesting characters who you must root for!

[Linda Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the Joseph Flynn I LOVE

I couldn’t put this down for two straight days…….
Flynn has written the best love story I have ever read!
The main characters are delightful, funny, hurting people, and their coming together is magical!
I highly recommend this book
Thank you Mr Flynn for making me laugh out loud, cheer Robin on, and cry too.

[Kenn Goslin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not so much stranger than fiction...

This is a wonderful story of life and unexpected friends overcoming self-deception. I love the boy genius and where would we be without puppy love??? How to rate this beyond PG13...???

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page Turner

Joseph Flynn can write anything! I am an impatient reader, I need someone dead in the first fifty pages or the book goes down. Yet with this book I’ve lost countless hours of sleep AND No one died. Until much later😂. It is a love story but it’s so much more.

[Carrie Foust · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Well written, well-developed characters. A few editing errors and the formatting on the Kindle version could have been better, but the story was wonderful. The end was a bit of a wrap up but didn’t detract from the story.

[Kathryn Chafin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Usual, Joseph Flynn TOTALLY DELIVERS!!!

I have been reading novels by Mr. Flynn for many years. This read is quite different and totally enjoyable. Hesitated to read this one, but, please read without hesitation!!

[Claire Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

More! More! More!

Just great writing. Captures the tone and interflow between so many interesting people.

A love story told from a man's perspective with such flat out humour and honesty. I really liked all the characters, good and bad.

[Michael E Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book touches all the bases of greatness. I laughed, I cried, I felt the pain of the main character, I loved how the writer brought all the characters together and made it work. The ending was perfect.

[Cathy Koerner · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet story w many story lines. Hard to keep track of them all.anticlimatic ending, felt like the story was left hanging.

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It

I really enjoyed reading this book. It has well developed characters and a interesting plot. I highly recommend this book.

[Lydia A Chrane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Round Robin

I’ve read a bunch of Joseph Flynn. Love his writing. Round Robin was a great one. Quite a bit different from his mysteries. I would highly recommend his books.

[Carrie Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read!

A story with flawed, quirky, but likeable characters. I was rooting for them all to heal, stay strong, move forward toward happiness. A great read!