The Ultimatum

July 2, 2007
The age-old marriage conundrum receives an engaging but overwritten treatment in the second novel from Newark Star-Ledger sportswriter Graziano. The reader trap is nicely baited when young New Jersey lawyer Layla Starling celebrates her sixth anniversary with writer-boyfriend Henry by giving him an ultimatum: within a week, either propose or leave. The author sends Henry through a gauntlet of laughably inept advisers-five-times-married golf buddy John, divorce-ravaged brother Jake, manboy Pete Gresham-but any hope of a sportswriterly rebuttal to chick lit conventions are dashed by Henry's overanalysis. Other irritations are Henry's requisite writer's block and Graziano's constant restating of the situation. The female side rolls along more smoothly and features a running debate between Layla's friends, hard-nosed Gloria and sweet naïf Susan, along with distractions from on-deck beau Ben and dictator-boss Jessica Standridge. The conflicts between Henry and Layla are realistic and involving, and the last-minute race to the reception a blitz of delight, but even within the final sure-fire chapters, the author oversells his wares. There is a charming story within these pages, but Graziano often stands in its way.

May 28, 2007
The age-old marriage conundrum receives an engaging but overwritten treatment in the second novel from Newark Star-Ledger sportswriter Graziano. The reader trap is nicely baited when young New Jersey lawyer Layla Starling celebrates her sixth anniversary with writer-boyfriend Henry by giving him an ultimatum: within a week, either propose or leave. The author sends Henry through a gauntlet of laughably inept advisers-five-times-married golf buddy John, divorce-ravaged brother Jake, manboy Pete Gresham-but any hope of a sportswriterly rebuttal to chick lit conventions are dashed by Henry's overanalysis. Other irritations are Henry's requisite writer's block and Graziano's constant restating of the situation. The female side rolls along more smoothly and features a running debate between Layla's friends, hard-nosed Gloria and sweet naïf Susan, along with distractions from on-deck beau Ben and dictator-boss Jessica Standridge. The conflicts between Henry and Layla are realistic and involving, and the last-minute race to the reception a blitz of delight, but even within the final sure-fire chapters, the author oversells his wares. There is a charming story within these pages, but Graziano often stands in its way.

Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2007
Henrys girlfriend of six years has given him the ultimate ultimatum: propose to her by the end of the week or lose her forever. The dreamy writer is definitely in love with Layla, but hes not sure hes ready for marriage. He starts looking for advice from some unlikely sources like his recently divorced, despondent brother; a golf buddy with five ex-wives; and Laylas hippie father. He shops for a ring and does some soul-searching at the golf course and on the bar stool. Meanwhile, Layla has already booked a date for the following weekjust in case. In his second novel, sportswriter Graziano once again serves up romance from the male perspective. He seems to take his cues from lad-lit pioneer Nick Hornby, but he doesnt quite meet his standards. Regardless, hes sure to charm readers with his affable protagonist, humorous dialogue, and corny-but-satisfying ending.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)