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Spruce Texas #1
Football Sundae
BILLY
Spruce, Texas might be a sleepy town, but my life has never been more exhilarating since Tanner Strong strutted back into it.
He was the high school heartthrob I never dared to dream of, the football star who didn't even know I existed. But now, Tanner's home from college, and his dazzling smile and frustrating charm have turned my world upside down. All summer long, I'm busy at my parents' diner, saving up for culinary school while trying not to get distracted by the local hero.
Then out of the blue, I find myself alone with him—and he kisses me. Could this really be happening? What secrets is he hiding behind that perfect smile?
TANNER
Coming back to Spruce means facing my past—and the boy who never left my heart, Billy Tucker.
College football might be tough, but it's nothing compared to admitting my feelings for Billy. He's grown into an incredible man—kind, smart, and hopelessly cute. Every time I see him at the diner, my heart does backflips. But how do I tell him I've been crushing on him since high school?
One night changes everything. Sparks fly, and suddenly, the summer becomes a whirlwind of secret moments and daring adventures. But can I convince him this isn't just a summer fling? Will he believe in a future for us beyond the heat of this crazy, undeniable chemistry between us?
Football Sundae is the first book in a series of southern romances that each center on a different couple in the bright, charming small town of Spruce, Texas.
✔️ M/M opposites attract
✔️ Jock & dessert chef
✔️ Small-town
Have you read all the books in the Spruce Texas series?
Football Sundae ◄◄
Born Again Sinner
Heteroflexible
Wrangled
Rebel At Spruce High
Summer Sweat
Hopeful Romantic
Mr. Picture Perfect
Hot Mess Express
(with more to come!)
What about the Texas Beach Town spin-off series?
In Too Deep
Crusher
Far From Paradise
(more on the way!)
Spruce, Texas might be a sleepy town, but my life has never been more exhilarating since Tanner Strong strutted back into it.
He was the high school heartthrob I never dared to dream of, the football star who didn't even know I existed. But now, Tanner's home from college, and his dazzling smile and frustrating charm have turned my world upside down. All summer long, I'm busy at my parents' diner, saving up for culinary school while trying not to get distracted by the local hero.
Then out of the blue, I find myself alone with him—and he kisses me. Could this really be happening? What secrets is he hiding behind that perfect smile?
TANNER
Coming back to Spruce means facing my past—and the boy who never left my heart, Billy Tucker.
College football might be tough, but it's nothing compared to admitting my feelings for Billy. He's grown into an incredible man—kind, smart, and hopelessly cute. Every time I see him at the diner, my heart does backflips. But how do I tell him I've been crushing on him since high school?
One night changes everything. Sparks fly, and suddenly, the summer becomes a whirlwind of secret moments and daring adventures. But can I convince him this isn't just a summer fling? Will he believe in a future for us beyond the heat of this crazy, undeniable chemistry between us?
Football Sundae is the first book in a series of southern romances that each center on a different couple in the bright, charming small town of Spruce, Texas.
✔️ M/M opposites attract
✔️ Jock & dessert chef
✔️ Small-town
Have you read all the books in the Spruce Texas series?
Football Sundae ◄◄
Born Again Sinner
Heteroflexible
Wrangled
Rebel At Spruce High
Summer Sweat
Hopeful Romantic
Mr. Picture Perfect
Hot Mess Express
(with more to come!)
What about the Texas Beach Town spin-off series?
In Too Deep
Crusher
Far From Paradise
(more on the way!)
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2017
1326 people are currently reading
1687 people want to read
About the author
Daryl Banner
96 books1,991 followersDaryl Banner is a USA Today Bestselling author, composer, and performer. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Houston Honors College with a degree in Theatre and Psychology. He is happily married to his piano. Theory suggests this is why he writes romance.
During Daryl Banner's time in college, he wrote, composed, and produced a musical under Tony Award-winning musical and Theatre producer Stuart Ostrow, as well as two original plays produced under the mentorship of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lanford Wilson, who also mentored Daryl through the writing of his very first novel. In addition to new adult and M/M romance, Daryl also writes post-apocalyptic fantasy as well as dystopian.
Join his mailing list here to be the first to hear about his new releases! He awards an Amazon gift card every newsletter:
https://www.darylbanner.com/subscribe...
Follow him on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/author/darylba...
Like him on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/DarylBannerW...
Connect with fellow readers in Daryl's Doorway:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Daryl...
Fun facts about Daryl Banner:
- He is an obsessive self-taught pianist.
- He is a huge video game enthusiast.
- He left his day job of 10 years to tour with a 2-woman-1-man original musical.
- He's been remixing video game music for over 20 years. One of his remixes is featured in the major motion picture "The Spy Who Dumped Me". Check out his work here: http://www.youtube.com/DarylBanner
- He composes original soundtracks that accompany his books and series, including The Beautiful Dead and OUTLIER. He is also the award-winning composer of the audio drama Janus Descending, as well as several films, games, podcasts, and other media. You can enjoy his music here: http://darylbanner.bandcamp.com
During Daryl Banner's time in college, he wrote, composed, and produced a musical under Tony Award-winning musical and Theatre producer Stuart Ostrow, as well as two original plays produced under the mentorship of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lanford Wilson, who also mentored Daryl through the writing of his very first novel. In addition to new adult and M/M romance, Daryl also writes post-apocalyptic fantasy as well as dystopian.
Join his mailing list here to be the first to hear about his new releases! He awards an Amazon gift card every newsletter:
https://www.darylbanner.com/subscribe...
Follow him on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/author/darylba...
Like him on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/DarylBannerW...
Connect with fellow readers in Daryl's Doorway:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Daryl...
Fun facts about Daryl Banner:
- He is an obsessive self-taught pianist.
- He is a huge video game enthusiast.
- He left his day job of 10 years to tour with a 2-woman-1-man original musical.
- He's been remixing video game music for over 20 years. One of his remixes is featured in the major motion picture "The Spy Who Dumped Me". Check out his work here: http://www.youtube.com/DarylBanner
- He composes original soundtracks that accompany his books and series, including The Beautiful Dead and OUTLIER. He is also the award-winning composer of the audio drama Janus Descending, as well as several films, games, podcasts, and other media. You can enjoy his music here: http://darylbanner.bandcamp.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 648 reviews
May 10, 2023
Empty Calories.
The Southern talk is exaggerated and performative, both in internal monologue and external dialogue. This is set in Texas, and you can count on one hand how many times “y’all” is said. Peculiar verbiage overall.
Their first night together is hot, and they can be very sweet to one another. But the book goes from their first weekend and fast forwards through some pivotal parts of their…relationship? Because they’re basically just secret FWBs...
In a novel about twenty-one-year-olds, the lack of sex is off-putting. Entirely useless condom usage. They’re allegedly in a monogamous relationship and were not promiscuous. Hell, one of them is a virgin. This makes no sense. The irony of Tanner saying, “I trust him completely” as they are about to have sex with an unneeded condom is not lost on the reader. And hands-free cumming? Of course that’s here.
There’s no point to the Foreword--if this is a fantasy, then why can’t the guys just be open with other people? The whole reason for this is beyond contrived.
They don’t even speak about what they want out of life until one of the final chapters. There are multiple references to Tanner not doing well at college but it takes forever to reveal, and ultimately there’s not much there there.
It’s unclear if this needs to be longer or just more focused, but we don’t get enough time seeing them as a couple. The timeline itself is mostly fine, but more should happen between them on page.
The last twenty percent feels like a race to the finish line. The epilogue could have been touching, but it’s just more nonsensical fluff.
Tanner’s party speech is nice.
The Southern talk is exaggerated and performative, both in internal monologue and external dialogue. This is set in Texas, and you can count on one hand how many times “y’all” is said. Peculiar verbiage overall.
Their first night together is hot, and they can be very sweet to one another. But the book goes from their first weekend and fast forwards through some pivotal parts of their…relationship? Because they’re basically just secret FWBs...
In a novel about twenty-one-year-olds, the lack of sex is off-putting. Entirely useless condom usage. They’re allegedly in a monogamous relationship and were not promiscuous. Hell, one of them is a virgin. This makes no sense. The irony of Tanner saying, “I trust him completely” as they are about to have sex with an unneeded condom is not lost on the reader. And hands-free cumming? Of course that’s here.
There’s no point to the Foreword--if this is a fantasy, then why can’t the guys just be open with other people? The whole reason for this is beyond contrived.
They don’t even speak about what they want out of life until one of the final chapters. There are multiple references to Tanner not doing well at college but it takes forever to reveal, and ultimately there’s not much there there.
It’s unclear if this needs to be longer or just more focused, but we don’t get enough time seeing them as a couple. The timeline itself is mostly fine, but more should happen between them on page.
The last twenty percent feels like a race to the finish line. The epilogue could have been touching, but it’s just more nonsensical fluff.
Tanner’s party speech is nice.
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February 10, 2020
Football Sundae is book one in the Spruce, Texas series by Daryl Banner. This was such a sweet story, in so many different ways. Tanner and Billy were both so adorable.
Tanner Strong was the football star of Spruce, Texas. The boy from the wealthy family that owns most of the town. All through high school he did all the expected things. He dated all the prettiest girls, made prom king, and was a star of his football team. He went away to college in Oklahoma and has just finished his third year so he’s home for the entire summer. While away at college, away from all of his town’s expectations, he’s finally learned a few things about himself, most importantly that he’s been living a lie.
Billy Tucker’s parents own the diner in Spruce. He never played sports in school, instead helping his parents in their diner. Billy didn’t get to go away to college as he had hoped due to his father’s health. But he still plans to go to culinary school. Billy’s love of food, his true talent, is in baking. He is a master of making sweets.
The first time Tanner and his friends came into Billy’s diner, Billy was a nervous wreck. He had a secret crush on Tanner all the way through high school. He hasn’t seen him in a long time. They were never friends. He just worshiped him from a distance.
A friendship develops between Tanner and Billy which quickly escalates to more. But Tanner is just figuring out this new life. No one knows except Billy. So they have to keep things a secret. Their feelings grow and they spend every moment they can steal together. But the summer is quickly coming to a close. Was this just a convenient interlude for Tanner? Or is it more?
“It’s like returning home when our mouths lock, and everything is perfectly, simply, exactly where and how it ought to be.”
This was such a sweet story. Billy was so talented with his baking skills. He knew who he was and what he wanted in life. Tanner struggled a bit more figuring out his own direction. He’s a football jock. What did his future hold for him? And how will Billy fit into things? Of one thing that was certain was the way these two felt about each other. It’s what would happen with their feelings that was in question.
I really did enjoy this. It was a quick read. I loved both Tanner and Billy’s families. I think I loved the epilogue most of all. This was sexy and sweet and I look forward to more of this series.
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Tanner Strong was the football star of Spruce, Texas. The boy from the wealthy family that owns most of the town. All through high school he did all the expected things. He dated all the prettiest girls, made prom king, and was a star of his football team. He went away to college in Oklahoma and has just finished his third year so he’s home for the entire summer. While away at college, away from all of his town’s expectations, he’s finally learned a few things about himself, most importantly that he’s been living a lie.
Billy Tucker’s parents own the diner in Spruce. He never played sports in school, instead helping his parents in their diner. Billy didn’t get to go away to college as he had hoped due to his father’s health. But he still plans to go to culinary school. Billy’s love of food, his true talent, is in baking. He is a master of making sweets.
The first time Tanner and his friends came into Billy’s diner, Billy was a nervous wreck. He had a secret crush on Tanner all the way through high school. He hasn’t seen him in a long time. They were never friends. He just worshiped him from a distance.
A friendship develops between Tanner and Billy which quickly escalates to more. But Tanner is just figuring out this new life. No one knows except Billy. So they have to keep things a secret. Their feelings grow and they spend every moment they can steal together. But the summer is quickly coming to a close. Was this just a convenient interlude for Tanner? Or is it more?
“It’s like returning home when our mouths lock, and everything is perfectly, simply, exactly where and how it ought to be.”
This was such a sweet story. Billy was so talented with his baking skills. He knew who he was and what he wanted in life. Tanner struggled a bit more figuring out his own direction. He’s a football jock. What did his future hold for him? And how will Billy fit into things? Of one thing that was certain was the way these two felt about each other. It’s what would happen with their feelings that was in question.
I really did enjoy this. It was a quick read. I loved both Tanner and Billy’s families. I think I loved the epilogue most of all. This was sexy and sweet and I look forward to more of this series.
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
July 23, 2020
Audiobook - 4 Stars
Story - 4.25 Stars
-This was surprisingly cute. 😍
-Billy and Turner were so good together, very cute and sweet.
-The side characters fit so well in the story.
- No drama llama, just two guys who are trying to love each other in a very cute, sugary way.
Overall it was sooooo cute. 😍
Story - 4.25 Stars
-This was surprisingly cute. 😍
-Billy and Turner were so good together, very cute and sweet.
-The side characters fit so well in the story.
- No drama llama, just two guys who are trying to love each other in a very cute, sugary way.
Overall it was sooooo cute. 😍
March 8, 2023
**Reread March 2023**
Still sweet as pie 🥰
**Reread January 2020**
This is still a sweet read for me.
**Reread December 2017**
Just needed a "sweet" read so decided to reread this. I just love these two.
**Originally read February 2017**
**4.25 Stars**
Billy works at his parents' diner baking up his Saturday's Sweet. Tanner, the local football star and Billy's high school crush, is home from college. When Tanner visits the diner, SWEET and openly gay, Billy catches his eye.
If you are looking for something SWEET this is your book right here. It was packed full of SWEET and sugary goodness, a little angst, and some hot times too. These guys were so cute together and I loved how they were friends and got to know each other that developed into more.
I felt bad for Tanner and feeling like he had to hide being gay from his friends and family but thankfully, it all works out in the end. And who knew ice cream could be erotic...
BTW Daryl....Thanks for the SWEET epilogue!
Still sweet as pie 🥰
**Reread January 2020**
This is still a sweet read for me.
**Reread December 2017**
Just needed a "sweet" read so decided to reread this. I just love these two.
**Originally read February 2017**
**4.25 Stars**
Billy works at his parents' diner baking up his Saturday's Sweet. Tanner, the local football star and Billy's high school crush, is home from college. When Tanner visits the diner, SWEET and openly gay, Billy catches his eye.
If you are looking for something SWEET this is your book right here. It was packed full of SWEET and sugary goodness, a little angst, and some hot times too. These guys were so cute together and I loved how they were friends and got to know each other that developed into more.
I felt bad for Tanner and feeling like he had to hide being gay from his friends and family but thankfully, it all works out in the end. And who knew ice cream could be erotic...
BTW Daryl....Thanks for the SWEET epilogue!
March 11, 2017
~2.5~
This is a very happy story, unrealistically so. The author mentions in the foreword that the town he created is an "idealized, friendly one." He believes that's "how the world should be, and so dang it, this is how the town of Spruce is."
I can't blame the man for writing happy, even if the book was a bit too hokey for my taste, with one too many dangs (55 to be precise).
Every character felt like a caricature, especially Tanner's buddies. Tanner and Billy's voices were nearly interchangeable, and they read much younger than 21 (more like teenagers). I also didn't like the way women were portrayed as gossipy and fickle.
Despite my complaints, I recommend if you like country boys and loads of sugar on top (loving mamas, plenty of steamy action, and a perfect HEA included).
This is a very happy story, unrealistically so. The author mentions in the foreword that the town he created is an "idealized, friendly one." He believes that's "how the world should be, and so dang it, this is how the town of Spruce is."
I can't blame the man for writing happy, even if the book was a bit too hokey for my taste, with one too many dangs (55 to be precise).
Every character felt like a caricature, especially Tanner's buddies. Tanner and Billy's voices were nearly interchangeable, and they read much younger than 21 (more like teenagers). I also didn't like the way women were portrayed as gossipy and fickle.
Despite my complaints, I recommend if you like country boys and loads of sugar on top (loving mamas, plenty of steamy action, and a perfect HEA included).
March 9, 2017
This one was fine to begin with, but seemed to get more 'punny' and corny during the last half of the story, which made me roll my eyes waaaaay more often than I prefer when reading romance.
Plus, the resolution at the end was a bit too convenient to believe, but whatever.
I'd give it about 3 stars overall.
February 6, 2025
Love this one just as much the fourth time around as I did the first.
March 5, 2017
I fell in love with this book just a bit. Ok, a lot.
It sounds cheesy, but sometimes when Daryl Banner writes, I get the strong feeling that I'm reading something that a friend wrote or something that I myself would want to write. It clicks with me on some level that I can't quite articulate, but it very much works for me.
I don't want to go into detail here because part of the fun is seeing how this familiar formula is implemented. Yes, there is a closeted MC, but I was pleasantly surprised when my expectations were subverted in small ways here and there.
Most likely I'll be cuddling up with this book again sometime in the next few months. Just adored it.
It sounds cheesy, but sometimes when Daryl Banner writes, I get the strong feeling that I'm reading something that a friend wrote or something that I myself would want to write. It clicks with me on some level that I can't quite articulate, but it very much works for me.
I don't want to go into detail here because part of the fun is seeing how this familiar formula is implemented. Yes, there is a closeted MC, but I was pleasantly surprised when my expectations were subverted in small ways here and there.
Most likely I'll be cuddling up with this book again sometime in the next few months. Just adored it.
May 16, 2023
This book was fine. The storyline was pretty cute. I think maybe this author’s writing style just isn’t my cup of tea.
February 19, 2017
This one was just what I needed at the time I read it.
It was sweet, funny, charming, and had some quirky characters that were quite entertaining. And more importantly, there was NO ANGST!!! lol
I liked the shyness they had towards each other at first. They did a bit of circling around each other trying to get the feel of one of another. Then they started really feeling each other. lol It was a bit awkward and adorable. Then it went from innocent touch and rubbing to kinky. I was a little wowed by how fast that developed but was entertained by it as well.
The story is a bit OTT with some stuff but I didn't mind it.
I think most will enjoy the story for what it is. A quick sweet read.
It was sweet, funny, charming, and had some quirky characters that were quite entertaining. And more importantly, there was NO ANGST!!! lol
I liked the shyness they had towards each other at first. They did a bit of circling around each other trying to get the feel of one of another. Then they started really feeling each other. lol It was a bit awkward and adorable. Then it went from innocent touch and rubbing to kinky. I was a little wowed by how fast that developed but was entertained by it as well.
The story is a bit OTT with some stuff but I didn't mind it.
I think most will enjoy the story for what it is. A quick sweet read.
November 21, 2024
Loved. 5 stars because of the way this book made me feel. The writing isn’t exceptional and there are definitely some flaws but I could not love this book more.
Only my second spicy MM romance but if this is what they’re all like, I’ll be happy. Jock/Nerd relationship… stunning. I also loved that it wasn’t a slow burn, we were almost straight into spice and it was GOOD.
I also just fell in love with both Billy and Tanner and almost every character that was introduced. I was really rooting for them and it just gave me all the feels especially in the epilogue.
Like I said, not the most incredible piece of literature I’ve ever read but I give ratings based on the way I feel and I feel like I couldn’t have loved this book any more than I do. Turn it into a movie already LMAO
Only my second spicy MM romance but if this is what they’re all like, I’ll be happy. Jock/Nerd relationship… stunning. I also loved that it wasn’t a slow burn, we were almost straight into spice and it was GOOD.
I also just fell in love with both Billy and Tanner and almost every character that was introduced. I was really rooting for them and it just gave me all the feels especially in the epilogue.
Like I said, not the most incredible piece of literature I’ve ever read but I give ratings based on the way I feel and I feel like I couldn’t have loved this book any more than I do. Turn it into a movie already LMAO
Read
October 4, 2023DNF @ 36% - “you want some of my Spruce juice, Billy boy” …..and I’m out.
June 12, 2018
3.5 stars rounded up.
Fun and sweet little love (and lust) story.
Getting a little tired of the big muscly guy being the bottom in like every story I read lately. You know, some of us twerpy guys would like to read the opposite every now and then X) Especially when you make a point of saying over and over just HOW big the guy is in ALL senses of the word. LOL.
Wish the town of Spruce was a real place, though. Banner's note about making a town the way they SHOULD be was certainly true. It's a nice thing to imagine for the future. Maybe one day it'll be reality. :)
Fun and sweet little love (and lust) story.
Getting a little tired of the big muscly guy being the bottom in like every story I read lately. You know, some of us twerpy guys would like to read the opposite every now and then X) Especially when you make a point of saying over and over just HOW big the guy is in ALL senses of the word. LOL.
Wish the town of Spruce was a real place, though. Banner's note about making a town the way they SHOULD be was certainly true. It's a nice thing to imagine for the future. Maybe one day it'll be reality. :)
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September 15, 2023
MM Romance
Audiobook Narrators: Sean Crisden and Chris Chambers
*This book was free with my Audible subscription.
DNF @ chapter 9
I can’t believe this is the same author who wrote “When I See You Again” because that book was a masterpiece and this one is a total cringefest 😬 that not even Chris Chambers could save. I almost stopped in chapter 3-4? when Billy and Tanner were pissing next to each other in the urinal and Billy’s inner thoughts were about how hard Tanner’s stream was and other gross shit I don’t want to read about. 🤢 Then there’s only so many times I can hear the words “man meat” and Tanner referring to his cum as “spruce juice”. Barf 🤮
I usually don’t rate my DNF’s unless I get to 50% but I make an exception for books like this that gross me the fuck out.
Audiobook Narrators: Sean Crisden and Chris Chambers
*This book was free with my Audible subscription.
DNF @ chapter 9
I can’t believe this is the same author who wrote “When I See You Again” because that book was a masterpiece and this one is a total cringefest 😬 that not even Chris Chambers could save. I almost stopped in chapter 3-4? when Billy and Tanner were pissing next to each other in the urinal and Billy’s inner thoughts were about how hard Tanner’s stream was and other gross shit I don’t want to read about. 🤢 Then there’s only so many times I can hear the words “man meat” and Tanner referring to his cum as “spruce juice”. Barf 🤮
I usually don’t rate my DNF’s unless I get to 50% but I make an exception for books like this that gross me the fuck out.
October 19, 2019
This was soooo sweet that it almost gave me a toothache. Lol 😂🤣 Just kidding. But it was what I needed at the moment. Angst free, feel-good, love-filled, chocolate-covered small town romance. 😍 Really, it doesn’t get sappier than this and I meant this in a complimentary way .. I’m all about sappy love stories. 😁
Tanner is the hero of Spruce, Texas. Handsome, rich, endowed with great looks and body, he’s the all in one perfect package. But he has one big secret. And Billy is the desert chef wanna be who’s currently helping his parents out because of his dad’s poor health. And he’s been pining for Tanner for years since their high school days. Now Tanner is back from college and on a mission to capture Billy Tucker’s heart. Our dessert chef is going to get his feet swept off by our football hero!
A small town football hero and the town’s only out gay guy secretly pining for him for years from the high school days and finally getting his fairytale ending. 😁 It was everything a fluffy romance lover could ask for. Strawberry flavored (ahem ahem) handy things, a football star hopelessly in love with the dessert chef and lots of mouthwatering sweets! 😋💜 Loved it. The only thing I would say is that I wish this was narrated only by Chris Chambers. I usually love Sean Crisden but I wasn’t feeling his narration for this one. It got better in the end but the beginning was rough. Anyway, thoroughly enjoyed this and will definitely try more Daryl Banner books. 😉
4 Cover me with chocolate and love me stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Audio rating
Story - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Narration - 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance - 3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Overall - 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tanner is the hero of Spruce, Texas. Handsome, rich, endowed with great looks and body, he’s the all in one perfect package. But he has one big secret. And Billy is the desert chef wanna be who’s currently helping his parents out because of his dad’s poor health. And he’s been pining for Tanner for years since their high school days. Now Tanner is back from college and on a mission to capture Billy Tucker’s heart. Our dessert chef is going to get his feet swept off by our football hero!
A small town football hero and the town’s only out gay guy secretly pining for him for years from the high school days and finally getting his fairytale ending. 😁 It was everything a fluffy romance lover could ask for. Strawberry flavored (ahem ahem) handy things, a football star hopelessly in love with the dessert chef and lots of mouthwatering sweets! 😋💜 Loved it. The only thing I would say is that I wish this was narrated only by Chris Chambers. I usually love Sean Crisden but I wasn’t feeling his narration for this one. It got better in the end but the beginning was rough. Anyway, thoroughly enjoyed this and will definitely try more Daryl Banner books. 😉
4 Cover me with chocolate and love me stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Audio rating
Story - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Narration - 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance - 3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Overall - 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 10, 2017
4.5 stars
Here's the deal with this book:
- It's very over-the-top in every.single.way
- It's uses lots of stereotypes
- It's very Southern
- It's not very realistic
It doesn't sound very good, right? WRONG!
- It's laugh-out-loud funny
- It's sweet it the best sorta way
- It's romantic
- It's very entertaining
- It's erotic AF in some scenes
I really, really enjoyed Football Sundae. It's was my first Daryl Banner book but it definitely won't be the last. I loved this author's sense of humor here and his story telling skills were fantastic. This one would have been 5 stars all the way if it were a little more realistic and a little less over-the-top, especially that epilogue, but I am so glad I got to read Tanner and Billy's story.
Here's the deal with this book:
- It's very over-the-top in every.single.way
- It's uses lots of stereotypes
- It's very Southern
- It's not very realistic
It doesn't sound very good, right? WRONG!
- It's laugh-out-loud funny
- It's sweet it the best sorta way
- It's romantic
- It's very entertaining
- It's erotic AF in some scenes
I really, really enjoyed Football Sundae. It's was my first Daryl Banner book but it definitely won't be the last. I loved this author's sense of humor here and his story telling skills were fantastic. This one would have been 5 stars all the way if it were a little more realistic and a little less over-the-top, especially that epilogue, but I am so glad I got to read Tanner and Billy's story.
March 7, 2017
4 stars
Completely new author to me. This had a very strong southern small town feel to it. It was a pretty fun read - the romance was on the sweet side and the description of the desserts left me salivating!
Completely new author to me. This had a very strong southern small town feel to it. It was a pretty fun read - the romance was on the sweet side and the description of the desserts left me salivating!
February 28, 2017
I loved this book! Football Sundae is like a breath of fresh air. Smoldering and sensual but also a sweet romance. Billy is a vulnerable hero and doesn't want to let his guard down. Tanner and Billy's story develops over time through the book, so it progresses the way love should. This is the first time I've read a M/M romance and don't know why I haven't tried one sooner. This is a great author to try if you have not done so. I've already purchased several more for my kindle which I can't wait to read.
February 6, 2017
Daryl Banner, the author who loves to break your heart and make you cry, has done something he has never done before...he wrote a really SWEET and funny and heart-warming M/M romantic-comedy-drama that will make you feel all warm and fuzzy. It will make you smile and feel damn good inside.
SO come have a taste of Football Sundae...your heart and tummy will thank you for it =) Enjoy!
***** 5 ***** "gooey sticky-sweet chocolate fudge" stars
SO come have a taste of Football Sundae...your heart and tummy will thank you for it =) Enjoy!
***** 5 ***** "gooey sticky-sweet chocolate fudge" stars
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October 4, 2019
Lovely little gem of a romance novel. The characters are sweet, distinctly different from one another, and relatable. Chemistry is certainly there & love is in the air!
July 24, 2020
Football Sundae is the reason I fell in love with romance novels as a young girl.
It's makes me reminisce of Harlequin romance novels.
5 Happy Stars because this story gave me all the gooey feels. It doesn't have a complicated or intricate plot. It's not thought provoking. *shrug* It's ALL HEART and beautiful in its simplicity.
It's feel-good and leaves you with this sense of hopefulness because of the fact that it's set in Spruce, Texas that has a progressive reverend. A reverend that has influenced the town to be open-minded and loving towards all people ( refreshing y'all).
Despite the simplistic plot it's actually not overly predictable. Obviously I knew there was HEA in the horizon but I wasn't certain where the conflict (well I had an idea but it didn't play out as expected) would come from or how they would figure out the long distance aspect once summer ended. And I was genuinely surprised by the secondary characters, each of them unexpectedly pleasant and none of my previously held assumptions came to fruition.
I seriously adored the story of Tanner and Billy, their love is precious and sweet. I loved Billy's dry humor, sass and sarcasm. I loved that Tanner is not the predictable High School Jock ( well, he still incredibly sexy and built), instead he's sweet, honest, unpretentious ( though he might appear cocky at times) and real with his flaws, vulnerabilities and fears.
*Happy content sigh*
A summer fling that becomes so much more. A lovely, sweet love story.
And seriously, the epilogue *gush-worthy* and wait until you find out about 'football sundae' ;).
Highly recommend if you're looking for a feel-good, low angst, sweet love story between two incredibly lovable characters with depth.
Oh, also highly recommend the audio-book, it's on audible escape, and oh man, Sean Crisden's sexy voice for Tunner *shudders* *fan's self*
It's makes me reminisce of Harlequin romance novels.
5 Happy Stars because this story gave me all the gooey feels. It doesn't have a complicated or intricate plot. It's not thought provoking. *shrug* It's ALL HEART and beautiful in its simplicity.
It's feel-good and leaves you with this sense of hopefulness because of the fact that it's set in Spruce, Texas that has a progressive reverend. A reverend that has influenced the town to be open-minded and loving towards all people ( refreshing y'all).
Despite the simplistic plot it's actually not overly predictable. Obviously I knew there was HEA in the horizon but I wasn't certain where the conflict (well I had an idea but it didn't play out as expected) would come from or how they would figure out the long distance aspect once summer ended. And I was genuinely surprised by the secondary characters, each of them unexpectedly pleasant and none of my previously held assumptions came to fruition.
I seriously adored the story of Tanner and Billy, their love is precious and sweet. I loved Billy's dry humor, sass and sarcasm. I loved that Tanner is not the predictable High School Jock ( well, he still incredibly sexy and built), instead he's sweet, honest, unpretentious ( though he might appear cocky at times) and real with his flaws, vulnerabilities and fears.
*Happy content sigh*
A summer fling that becomes so much more. A lovely, sweet love story.
And seriously, the epilogue *gush-worthy* and wait until you find out about 'football sundae' ;).
Highly recommend if you're looking for a feel-good, low angst, sweet love story between two incredibly lovable characters with depth.
Oh, also highly recommend the audio-book, it's on audible escape, and oh man, Sean Crisden's sexy voice for Tunner *shudders* *fan's self*
Read
March 11, 2023DNF @ 20%
This actually started off pretty good. I liked the characters, the setting, and where the story seemed to be heading. My problem is the writing. It's too choppy and I'm having a hard time getting into the story. If it flowed a little better I could see myself really liking this. Oh well.
This actually started off pretty good. I liked the characters, the setting, and where the story seemed to be heading. My problem is the writing. It's too choppy and I'm having a hard time getting into the story. If it flowed a little better I could see myself really liking this. Oh well.
September 26, 2018
***2 Stars***
I rode the struggle bus the whole time with this book.
I'm not a flat out hater of any particular type of writing style...sometimes things work, and sometimes they don't. Here, the first person present POV was a total miss for me. Especially when the characters talk to the reader. Not for me.
Added to that are one dimensional characters, a flat plot, non-existent chemistry, awkward dirty talk, and some serious cheesiness coating everything.
Also, I'm no expert on guys from Texas in their early 20's, but all the "bro," "bud," and "boy" got to be annoying. And this is mainly between the MCs.
This was just a total miss for me.
March 5, 2019
3.75
I liked this more on the second read. It's not my fave, but good.
I liked this more on the second read. It's not my fave, but good.
February 5, 2020
Audible Escape gem with great narration of a good story. Sweet and fluffy. A totally feel-good book.
Read
February 22, 2025DNF - 40% - free on Audible but this wasn’t really for me. The narration didn’t gel with my ear drums. I’m not sure if that’s an authentic Southern accent or what. The characters seem so young and Tanners friends annoying immature. I also wasn’t in the mood for the corny, cheesy dialogue but I’m sure this will suit someone keen for a low angst, sugary story.
”you want some of my Spruce juice Billy boy?”
”you want some of my Spruce juice Billy boy?”
July 6, 2017
5 Saturday Sweet Stars
Well, wasn't this just a breath of fresh air? I mean, I couldn't get enough of Tanner and Billy in this small town romance. I'm not even sure what to say beyond I absolutely loved Football Sundae!!!!!
Tanner is the small town football player who goes off to college to pursue his football dreams. He still makes it back to Spruce during the summer.
Billy is the small town "token" gay guy who never left home. Working at his parents' diner, he dreams of owning his own dessert shop one day.
Tanner is what wet dreams are made of.
Billy has really grown since high school.
This is a recipe for awesomeness and Daryl delivers. Seriously. This is low angst, hot sex, and dirty, lust filled nights.
"And I want to kiss you."
"What?"
With kissing scenes that left me looking for a fan, these boys light up the pages. First kiss, last kiss, and all the kisses in between are sweet, tender, rough, chaotic, and so full of...everything.
He's kissed people before. I know he has, but this feels too desperate and hungry to just be an experiment. He wants this, and he wants this badly.
I wanted to crawl into these pages and live in Spruce right alongside Billy, Tanner, Kirk, Mindy, Joel, and Ma and Pa Tucker.
Billy Tucker makes me feel at home in my own home.
With one of the best declaration of feelings I have read, Tanner and Billy are one of my favorite couples. Their journey was one of growth and it was beautiful to watch.
It isn't a fantasy. It isn't some made-up scene I've stored in my spank bank. This is real. He is real. And I fuckin' kissed him.
Well, wasn't this just a breath of fresh air? I mean, I couldn't get enough of Tanner and Billy in this small town romance. I'm not even sure what to say beyond I absolutely loved Football Sundae!!!!!
Tanner is the small town football player who goes off to college to pursue his football dreams. He still makes it back to Spruce during the summer.
Billy is the small town "token" gay guy who never left home. Working at his parents' diner, he dreams of owning his own dessert shop one day.
Tanner is what wet dreams are made of.
Billy has really grown since high school.
This is a recipe for awesomeness and Daryl delivers. Seriously. This is low angst, hot sex, and dirty, lust filled nights.
"And I want to kiss you."
"What?"
With kissing scenes that left me looking for a fan, these boys light up the pages. First kiss, last kiss, and all the kisses in between are sweet, tender, rough, chaotic, and so full of...everything.
He's kissed people before. I know he has, but this feels too desperate and hungry to just be an experiment. He wants this, and he wants this badly.
I wanted to crawl into these pages and live in Spruce right alongside Billy, Tanner, Kirk, Mindy, Joel, and Ma and Pa Tucker.
Billy Tucker makes me feel at home in my own home.
With one of the best declaration of feelings I have read, Tanner and Billy are one of my favorite couples. Their journey was one of growth and it was beautiful to watch.
It isn't a fantasy. It isn't some made-up scene I've stored in my spank bank. This is real. He is real. And I fuckin' kissed him.
March 9, 2017
It's like a whole other time. Cute. Happy. (Almost too happy, I reckon) Stuff of horny dreams with wet bodies slappin' around and dang it, I enjoyed every minute of this fast paced story. It's not some high end emotional drama. Just a bit angsty (very tiny) and a whole lotta smexy. Cliched yet totally perve worthy.
Read
October 26, 2024This cover gives me the ick, but the series was recommended to me so maybe I'll just pretend I don't see the cover every time I open the book 🤣
Look. I can forgive a lot of things, but apparently not the accents in this audiobook. After MONTHS AND MONTHS of trying to pick it back up I'm going to have to just set it to the side and move on.
Look. I can forgive a lot of things, but apparently not the accents in this audiobook. After MONTHS AND MONTHS of trying to pick it back up I'm going to have to just set it to the side and move on.
July 5, 2022
Just 2 good ol’ boys,
fuckin’, eatin’, and playin’
under Texas sun.
fuckin’, eatin’, and playin’
under Texas sun.
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