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Gelato Surprise
She came to the beach to find herself--and found him.
Forty-two-year-old divorcée Danielle Peters ends up alone on her family's annual beach vacation. Maybe time to herself is exactly what she needs. That and gelato from her favorite ice cream shop. But when the owner's intoxicating young nephew offers more than sweet treats, she's tempted to indulge in a hot summer fling before returning home.
Thirty-one-year-old Matteo Verducci craved a fresh start to mend his broken heart, and he's found almost perfection in Ocean View, where he scoops gelato by day and crafts furniture by night. But when a sexy older woman stops to sample his wares—Mamma mia! He only has two weeks to convince her their passion is more than a delicious surprise.
Forty-two-year-old divorcée Danielle Peters ends up alone on her family's annual beach vacation. Maybe time to herself is exactly what she needs. That and gelato from her favorite ice cream shop. But when the owner's intoxicating young nephew offers more than sweet treats, she's tempted to indulge in a hot summer fling before returning home.
Thirty-one-year-old Matteo Verducci craved a fresh start to mend his broken heart, and he's found almost perfection in Ocean View, where he scoops gelato by day and crafts furniture by night. But when a sexy older woman stops to sample his wares—Mamma mia! He only has two weeks to convince her their passion is more than a delicious surprise.
- GenresRomance
114 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 29, 2020
23 people want to read
About the author
Sadira Stone
24 books239 followersAward-winning contemporary romance author Sadira Stone spins steamy, smoochy tales set in small businesses—a quirky bookstore, a neighborhood bar, a vintage boutique. Set in the U.S. Pacific Northwest, her stories highlight found family, friendship, and the sizzling chemistry that pulls unlikely partners together. When she emerges from her writing cave in Las Vegas, Nevada (which she seldom does), she can be found shaking her hips in dance class, playing her guitar (badly, but getting better), exploring the Western U.S. with her charming husband, cooking up a storm, and gobbling all the romance books. For a guaranteed HEA (and no cliffhangers!) visit Sadira at https://sadirastone.com
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September 2, 2020"Readers will need LOTS of ice cream to cool down after this spicy concoction!"
Check out my full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/...
Check out my full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/...
September 1, 2020
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Readers will need LOTS of ice cream to cool down after this spicy concoction! This is a short novella, but it packs a lot of punch and flows well despite not being long in length.
Read full review in the 2020 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Readers will need LOTS of ice cream to cool down after this spicy concoction! This is a short novella, but it packs a lot of punch and flows well despite not being long in length.
Read full review in the 2020 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
August 30, 2020
Such a sweet story with lots of heat between the characters. Great when you want a quick read to put you in a good mood.
July 10, 2020
*I received this book free from the author.*
Danielle was kind of stuck. She'd been cheated on and then through a divorce, and was stuck in the aftermath. She worried about her kids being introduced to another one of their dad's girlfriends. She was upset that the only time he could take them for two weeks was during their annual trip to the beach. So now while he's in Florida with the new girlfriend and their kids, she was convinced by her friends to go to the beach anyway. To take some 'me' time.
Matteo lead his life with his heart. It's what ended him up at the gelato shop helping his uncle after his aunt had passed away. He is a handsome sweetheart who everyone either wants to date or wants to fix up with someone. And either way he wasn't interested. When Danielle comes in to the shop his uncle introduces them and asks her to save him from all the unwanted attention. She does. But then suddenly she's the only thing catching his attention.
It was only meant to be temporary, but when neither wants it to end that only leaves one solution. And when the kids finally meet Matteo he dazzles them and after a couple days even has them sticking up for their relationship. Hello, panda batter!
Gelato Surprise is a fast-paced, quick read about finding the unexpected. I can't tell you if it has a happily ever after, but it does end with the potential for one. It would have been perfect had there been an epilogue at the end instead of leaving it open.
I wanted to include a little except instead of a quote or two. I loved this part of their conversation...
"Convince me of what?"
"To give this a try." He pointed to his own chest, then to hers.
"You mean, a little vacation fling?"
"No, bella. A woman like you could never be just a fling."
Danielle was kind of stuck. She'd been cheated on and then through a divorce, and was stuck in the aftermath. She worried about her kids being introduced to another one of their dad's girlfriends. She was upset that the only time he could take them for two weeks was during their annual trip to the beach. So now while he's in Florida with the new girlfriend and their kids, she was convinced by her friends to go to the beach anyway. To take some 'me' time.
Matteo lead his life with his heart. It's what ended him up at the gelato shop helping his uncle after his aunt had passed away. He is a handsome sweetheart who everyone either wants to date or wants to fix up with someone. And either way he wasn't interested. When Danielle comes in to the shop his uncle introduces them and asks her to save him from all the unwanted attention. She does. But then suddenly she's the only thing catching his attention.
It was only meant to be temporary, but when neither wants it to end that only leaves one solution. And when the kids finally meet Matteo he dazzles them and after a couple days even has them sticking up for their relationship. Hello, panda batter!
Gelato Surprise is a fast-paced, quick read about finding the unexpected. I can't tell you if it has a happily ever after, but it does end with the potential for one. It would have been perfect had there been an epilogue at the end instead of leaving it open.
I wanted to include a little except instead of a quote or two. I loved this part of their conversation...
"Convince me of what?"
"To give this a try." He pointed to his own chest, then to hers.
"You mean, a little vacation fling?"
"No, bella. A woman like you could never be just a fling."
June 29, 2020
I loved this book! Ms. Stone has a knack for describing scenes with a few words that creates vivid pictures without bogging down the story. I could smell the sea air and taste the tang of the gelato. Matteo is the perfect summer book boyfriend. He's kind, loving and super sexy. Danielle is getting over a divorce and is willing to get to know him, even if it's only for two weeks. The sex scenes are hot and Ms. Stone makes camping on the beach an intimate experience. If you want a great beach read, that will singe your e-reader, and has an HEA, pick up Gelato Surprise.
I received an ARC. This is my voluntary review.
I received an ARC. This is my voluntary review.
August 15, 2020
I gained five pounds reading this story, but it was worth the weight. The ice cream and meals shared by Danielle and Matteo were scrumptious as was rooting for Danielle as she wrestled with her attraction to a younger and very appreciative man. The setting, the secondary characters, the situations, everything worked to suck me into this well-crafted story that evokes the magic and joy of summer by the sea. Oh and did I happen to mention the sex between the Danielle and Matteo was gratifyingly hot and gave wonderful glimpses into a recently divorced woman learning she has the right not to settle for anything less than absolutely everything. If you liked How Stella Got Her Groove Back or Moonstruck, then like me, you're going to love this novella that combines the best of both.
June 25, 2021
Matteo & Danielle ❤️
This was a beautiful story featuring an older woman and younger man who fall in love. Danielle has been hurt in the worst way, but on vacation she meets Matteo. He only sees a beautiful woman and slowly captures her heart. There are sweet moments, steamy moments, and it's all based in a real-life scenario I've seen happen more than once. I found Matteo sexy and Danielle a compassionate woman who finds her courage and confidence again. The author did a great job. It's a novella, but doesn't feel rushed at all with a happy, believable ending. Read it. You won't be disappointed.
This was a beautiful story featuring an older woman and younger man who fall in love. Danielle has been hurt in the worst way, but on vacation she meets Matteo. He only sees a beautiful woman and slowly captures her heart. There are sweet moments, steamy moments, and it's all based in a real-life scenario I've seen happen more than once. I found Matteo sexy and Danielle a compassionate woman who finds her courage and confidence again. The author did a great job. It's a novella, but doesn't feel rushed at all with a happy, believable ending. Read it. You won't be disappointed.
July 8, 2020
What’s not to love about a gorgeous, young, Italian guy who falls in love with a beautiful older woman who recently had her heart handed to her by her cheating husband? This story is hot and sexy and wonderful. I didn’t want it to end. The characters were charming, sensual, and did I mention hot? Thank you, Ms. Stone, for giving Danielle her Matteo. Even his name is hot.
This book is a delightful novella which is part of the One Scoop or Two Series, and I have to say I haven’t been disappointed with any of them. Fantastic summer/beach reading!
This book is a delightful novella which is part of the One Scoop or Two Series, and I have to say I haven’t been disappointed with any of them. Fantastic summer/beach reading!
August 1, 2020
I have really enjoyed reading this book, the author did such a great job developing the characters, that I feel like I really know them, and not just the major characters, but the minor ones too.
Also, it caused me to lose quite a bit of sleep while I was reading it, because it was so hard to put down at night.
This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.
Also, it caused me to lose quite a bit of sleep while I was reading it, because it was so hard to put down at night.
This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.
August 13, 2020
She went to the beach for peace, quiet and healing. What she got was . . . him.
Newly divorced speech therapist Danielle Peters finds herself all alone at the annual family vacation spot in Ocean View, Washington after her ex-husband plays the “one-up card” by taking their kids to Disneyland with his new girlfriend and her two kids. Determined to use the time wisely, Danielle discovers a new side to herself as well as the part-time helper at her favorite gelato shop: Matteo Veducci.
The town she thought she knew so well after so many visits takes on a new vista as seen through Matteo's eyes. And the steamy sexual attraction to a younger man ain't bad either.
Together Danielle and Matteo forge a bond based on trust and honesty—two qualities new to her in a partner. Two weeks is all he asks for—then she must make a decision to return to her home and life—or start a new life with him and Ocean View.
For steamy romance, filled with exceptional realism for the plight of single parents as they navigate the potholes and pitfalls of post-divorce behaviors, Sadira Stone has created a perfect story—and it's a true delight.
On a scale of 1-5, Gelato Surprise deserves a 7.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
Newly divorced speech therapist Danielle Peters finds herself all alone at the annual family vacation spot in Ocean View, Washington after her ex-husband plays the “one-up card” by taking their kids to Disneyland with his new girlfriend and her two kids. Determined to use the time wisely, Danielle discovers a new side to herself as well as the part-time helper at her favorite gelato shop: Matteo Veducci.
The town she thought she knew so well after so many visits takes on a new vista as seen through Matteo's eyes. And the steamy sexual attraction to a younger man ain't bad either.
Together Danielle and Matteo forge a bond based on trust and honesty—two qualities new to her in a partner. Two weeks is all he asks for—then she must make a decision to return to her home and life—or start a new life with him and Ocean View.
For steamy romance, filled with exceptional realism for the plight of single parents as they navigate the potholes and pitfalls of post-divorce behaviors, Sadira Stone has created a perfect story—and it's a true delight.
On a scale of 1-5, Gelato Surprise deserves a 7.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
August 18, 2020
Simple Romantic Fun
Oh, was this book a lot of fun! I always enjoy stories with an older heroine with a complex backstory, but I don't read a lot where the hero is decidedly younger. The author writes in a frothy, flirty style that just pulls you in to her character’s world easily. Loved The opening scene with the girlfriends convincing the heroine to take her normal summer beach trip even though her unpleasant, cheating ex has deprived their kids of their normal vacation. I also loved both Uncle Sal and Matteo. They're both sweet and adorable in their own way. And then things get steamy for the heroine and Matteo—as yummy as the gelato and zabaglione sound! The perfect lazy summer romance read.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
Oh, was this book a lot of fun! I always enjoy stories with an older heroine with a complex backstory, but I don't read a lot where the hero is decidedly younger. The author writes in a frothy, flirty style that just pulls you in to her character’s world easily. Loved The opening scene with the girlfriends convincing the heroine to take her normal summer beach trip even though her unpleasant, cheating ex has deprived their kids of their normal vacation. I also loved both Uncle Sal and Matteo. They're both sweet and adorable in their own way. And then things get steamy for the heroine and Matteo—as yummy as the gelato and zabaglione sound! The perfect lazy summer romance read.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
August 1, 2022
GELATO SURPRISE is the twelfth book in the multi-author One Scoop or Two series. Each is a stand-alone romance that features an ice cream shop. In this one, Matteo has come to Ocean View to help his uncle run the local gelato shoppe after his aunt’s passing.
An older woman reeling from a recent divorce after the shock of infidelity. Ugh, the feelings of inadequacy that goes with that. I know! Handsome, younger, sweet Matteo makes her feel beautiful and desired. This is an unbelievable gift. The greater gift is that he wants more than a summer fling.
I loved the romantic re-affirming sweetness of this story. I loved the beautiful descriptions of scenery and characters. I loved Danielle and Matteo.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via BookSprout, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: GELATO SURPRISE
Series: One Scoop or Two #12
Category /Genre: Contemporary Romance
Recommended for: 18+
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from: Sadira Stone
An older woman reeling from a recent divorce after the shock of infidelity. Ugh, the feelings of inadequacy that goes with that. I know! Handsome, younger, sweet Matteo makes her feel beautiful and desired. This is an unbelievable gift. The greater gift is that he wants more than a summer fling.
I loved the romantic re-affirming sweetness of this story. I loved the beautiful descriptions of scenery and characters. I loved Danielle and Matteo.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via BookSprout, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: GELATO SURPRISE
Series: One Scoop or Two #12
Category /Genre: Contemporary Romance
Recommended for: 18+
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from: Sadira Stone
July 1, 2020
Danielle and Matteo's story was exactly the read I needed. Probably because I live fifteen minutes from the beach, I treasure beachy reads, and soaked this baby up without sunscreen. Of course, the older (slightly) woman with the hot, younger man––way too much fun to resist.
I won’t spoil the plot since I’m a reader who loves self-discovery in movies and especially books. Most of us can relate to Danielle’s plight of being the last to know certain unsavory details once the marriage is over. But a gelato-scooping beach town heart throb?
Who wouldn’t mind bumping into Matteo on a sun shiney summer day.
Danielle doesn’t trust herself, and it is charming to watch her cave, little by little. Not trusting Matteo either, not at first. This is a romance, though, and more than half the fun is going along for the thrill of…lets just say he has a cleft chin and a little scruff, the exact right amount. And he speaks Italian.
Sure, the cioccolato fondente is cold, but the temperature of the room is steamy. If you’re a reader who likes it hot, you’ll love dipping into Gelato Surprise.
I received an ARC of the book and this is my honest review.
I won’t spoil the plot since I’m a reader who loves self-discovery in movies and especially books. Most of us can relate to Danielle’s plight of being the last to know certain unsavory details once the marriage is over. But a gelato-scooping beach town heart throb?
Who wouldn’t mind bumping into Matteo on a sun shiney summer day.
Danielle doesn’t trust herself, and it is charming to watch her cave, little by little. Not trusting Matteo either, not at first. This is a romance, though, and more than half the fun is going along for the thrill of…lets just say he has a cleft chin and a little scruff, the exact right amount. And he speaks Italian.
Sure, the cioccolato fondente is cold, but the temperature of the room is steamy. If you’re a reader who likes it hot, you’ll love dipping into Gelato Surprise.
I received an ARC of the book and this is my honest review.
April 30, 2021
This delightfully dreamy read should be subtitled How “Bella” Got Her Groove Back! Following her divorce, Danielle takes her first vacation alone to her family’s usual beachside retreat. There she finds herself in the arms of a hot young Italian local and rediscovers herself and what makes her happy after years of being someone’s wife and mother.
Even if you aren’t able to get to the shore for this perfect beach read, this talented author will whisk you away for a vacation of the mind and heart, skillfully using her words to paint a portrait of a seaside getaway and a fantasy romance that simply delights the senses. I loved it from the very first word to the sigh-worthy last.
Even if you aren’t able to get to the shore for this perfect beach read, this talented author will whisk you away for a vacation of the mind and heart, skillfully using her words to paint a portrait of a seaside getaway and a fantasy romance that simply delights the senses. I loved it from the very first word to the sigh-worthy last.
June 27, 2020
This is an older woman/younger man story about Danielle and Matteo. Danielle rents a cottage every year at Ocean View, but this year she will be going alone. Her ex-husband, Jason, wants to take their kids to a Disneyland with his new girlfriend and her sons. I really enjoyed this story and the characters. It will have you laughing in parts and crying in other parts. Grab your copy and see if Matteo and Danielle get together or decide to go their separate ways.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
July 2, 2020
This is a well written summer read with older woman Danielle and younger man Matteo. The author does a great job bringing out all the emotions , both happy and sad , along with strong characters and an entertaining story line. She paints her scenes in vivid detail and weaves a steamy romance. It moves quickly and fluidly and I loved reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
July 19, 2020
Gelato Surprise is a fun, fast-paced romance. The main characters are likeable and I loved that the age gap was reversed and Dannielle was the older character. I loved all the matchmaking buy bodies in town and the setting had a fun feel. The storyline was very lifelike and relatable. I enjoyed the story a lot and it was hot enough to melt your icecream!
June 29, 2020
An unplanned and unexpected older woman/younger man romance. The ex-husband tries unsuccessfully to use the children to derail the budding romance. Well written, credible plot, plenty of action, hard to put down.
I received this book free as an advanced reader copy and my review is voluntary.
I received this book free as an advanced reader copy and my review is voluntary.
July 25, 2020
The book is a good small town romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 14, 2020
A cute second chance romance with an older woman and a younger man. Sadira Stone has a way with writing romance that transcends the genre.
September 1, 2020
I loved this story. Sexy, fresh, the perfect summer romance. And Matteo. Wow.
September 27, 2020
Forty-two year old Danielle Peters is alone for annual summer beach vacation after her jerk of an ex decides to take their two kids to Disney at the last minute (with his flavor of the month bimbo and her unfortunate children).
Rather than lose her money and because she loves her annual respite from real life at Ocean Haven, Dani decides to use her two week solo trip to reconnect with the relaxed, guitar playing person she was in her younger days.
When Dani meets 31 year old Matteo Verducci, an Italian charmer who has returned to the family nest to help out at his uncle's gelato shop and who also works at repurposing furniture, the sparks fly and a vacation fling begins. Except Dani isn't only physically attracted to hot hunk Matteo. His thoughtful, caring attitude goes a long way toward healing Dani's battered heart and an ego bruised by her callous, thoughtless, philandering ex. Something more is at play. Dani might just be falling for the man who has rejected the rat race which led his father to a premature death.
This nurturing mom and her delicious beau aren't the only things that pulled me into this fast moving, steamy tale.
Ms. Stone's gift with words, whether describing luscious flavors of gelato, the town's funky Main St., or the sounds and scents of a secluded beach cove, is unparalleled.
Every aspect of the story is relatable and real from the town's unique folks to Dani's stalwart bookgroup girlfriends. What happens at the end of this fun, second chance romance?
Bring it along on your next trip to the beach and find out.
Highly recommend.
Rather than lose her money and because she loves her annual respite from real life at Ocean Haven, Dani decides to use her two week solo trip to reconnect with the relaxed, guitar playing person she was in her younger days.
When Dani meets 31 year old Matteo Verducci, an Italian charmer who has returned to the family nest to help out at his uncle's gelato shop and who also works at repurposing furniture, the sparks fly and a vacation fling begins. Except Dani isn't only physically attracted to hot hunk Matteo. His thoughtful, caring attitude goes a long way toward healing Dani's battered heart and an ego bruised by her callous, thoughtless, philandering ex. Something more is at play. Dani might just be falling for the man who has rejected the rat race which led his father to a premature death.
This nurturing mom and her delicious beau aren't the only things that pulled me into this fast moving, steamy tale.
Ms. Stone's gift with words, whether describing luscious flavors of gelato, the town's funky Main St., or the sounds and scents of a secluded beach cove, is unparalleled.
Every aspect of the story is relatable and real from the town's unique folks to Dani's stalwart bookgroup girlfriends. What happens at the end of this fun, second chance romance?
Bring it along on your next trip to the beach and find out.
Highly recommend.
February 25, 2021
Great book! Well-developed story line and characters. Recommended read! ? I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 23, 2021
Gelato Surprise by Sadira Stone is a hot treat. I identified with the main character, Danielle, from page one (although I’m not divorced). Danielle is a suburban mom who has lost her ability to enjoy life on her terms. She’s been buried in the mom persona and represents many recently divorced moms across the US. Stone nailed her characterization of Danielle, so it was easy for me to fall into the story. Heart-throb Matteo was sweeter than his gelato and said all the delicious things a woman wants to hear. After some of his lines, I had to stop reading to have my “girly sigh” moment. He’s now on my book-boyfriend list. Swoon!
What I loved most about this steamy romance was the accurate portrayal of Danielle’s kids, Olivia and Noah. Kids tend to be story pawns made of cardboard, but not in Gelato Surprise. They were dynamic characters who had realistic reactions to their parent’s divorce. I think this book gives the divorced parent reader hope that they will find love again. I highly recommend Gelato Surprise to anyone who likes their beautiful, hopeful romances extra spicy.
What I loved most about this steamy romance was the accurate portrayal of Danielle’s kids, Olivia and Noah. Kids tend to be story pawns made of cardboard, but not in Gelato Surprise. They were dynamic characters who had realistic reactions to their parent’s divorce. I think this book gives the divorced parent reader hope that they will find love again. I highly recommend Gelato Surprise to anyone who likes their beautiful, hopeful romances extra spicy.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews