Football Sundae: A Small-Town Romance That Scores Big on Heart

What happens when the heat of small-town Friday night football meets the slow churn of something sweeter, deeper, and totally unexpected? Football Sundae by Daryl Banner delivers a delicious serving of romance, tension, and charm that’ll melt even the most guarded hearts.

Romance That Feels Like Coming Home

In the ever-growing world of LGBTQ+ fiction, Football Sundae stands out as a warm, character-driven story that blends classic small-town vibes with modern queer love. This isn’t just about two guys falling for each other. It’s about history, homecoming, and the complicated emotions we carry with us—especially when we return to the places we once left behind.

Daryl Banner, known for his Spruce Texas Romance series, taps into something achingly real in this book: that awkward, electric moment when you see someone from your past… and realize you never really got over them.

A Story of Second Chances (Spoiler-Free)

Football Sundae follows a familiar trope with a fresh voice: the returning hometown hero. We meet Elijah, a former high school football star who left Spruce behind—until life led him back. He’s older now, wearier, and maybe even lonelier than he expected. Re-entry into small-town life isn’t smooth, especially when he runs into Jordan.

Jordan never left. He’s carved out his own space in Spruce, but the return of Elijah stirs up everything he’s tried to forget—or bury. What begins as tension rekindles into chemistry neither man can ignore. But love in Spruce isn’t just about fireworks—it’s about forgiveness, courage, and redefining who you are.

The story doesn’t rely on high-stakes drama or sensational twists. Instead, it leans into emotional authenticity: the slow burn, the quiet ache, the thrill of realizing someone sees you—and has always seen you.

Themes & Characters: Heat, Heart, and Home

🏈 Small-Town Nostalgia Meets Queer Intimacy

Spruce feels alive: the Friday night lights, the nosy neighbours, the unspoken rules of masculinity. Daryl Banner captures the culture of Texas towns without falling into stereotypes and gives us something rarer—a space where queer characters are centred, respected, and deeply loved.

🍨 Sweetness Without Sacrifice

Jordan, who runs an ice cream shop (hence the “Sundae”), isn’t just a love interest. He’s complex, kind, and quietly confident—a man who knows what he wants but also fears the mess love can bring. Their romance grows in subtle, satisfying ways, blending banter, vulnerability, and steamy moments into one very bingeable scoop of story.

💔 Emotional Tension Done Right

This isn’t a “dark college romance” or “bully romance,” but it does hold emotional weight. If you love books with emotional arcs—shame, longing, regret, hope—Football Sundae gives you all that, plus healing. The connection between Elijah and Jordan is rooted in shared history, but their journey is anything but simple.

Who Will Love This Book

• Fans of slow-burn M/M romance who crave emotional payoff
• Readers who love small-town settings with depth and soul
• Queer readers looking for affirming, layered storytelling
• Anyone who appreciates second-chance romance with a heart
• Those who want their heat balanced with emotional realism

If you’ve ever loved stories by authors like Riley Hart, Roan Parrish, or TJ Klune—but wanted something with a more Southern flavour and realistic grit—this one’s for you.

Final Thoughts: You’ll Come for the Football, Stay for the Feels

Football Sundae is more than a love story. It’s about reclaiming your past, choosing love despite fear, and realizing that sometimes, the sweetest endings come when you stop running and come home.

If you’re in the mood for a romance that’s tender, a little messy, and entirely unforgettable—this is your next read.

📚 ByOneClick – One Click, Endless Stories.