3.5, stars, rounded up to four

’m never quite sure how to review books like this, books that are neither terrible nor amazing, but fall somewhere in between. Books that are, simply put, average.

This story is sweet, simple, and uncomplicated. If that sort of thing appeals to you, you’ll probably love this book.

As for myself - while I found the mental health aspects to be beautifully handled, I found the story telling to be too subtle for my tastes. I appreciate that not all authors feel the need to throw in unnecessary third-act breakups when the plot doesn’t call for them, but there has to be some form of tension to move the plot along. It’s like all the elements were there, but the assembly was off. Or the volume got turned down a little too low.

I enjoyed both main characters, and I would be willing to check out the author’s other works, but this particular book didn’t hold a strong appeal for me. It was cute and cozy, but ultimately a little boring.

Thanks so much to NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy of this book.

Big city lawyer Blair travels to a remote island for her company at an island lodge near the Canadian border. During her stay, see befriends the lodge owner Graham who is struggling to keep the lodge open as well as dealing with his ailing parents. Weeks later when Graham reaches out for legal advice, Blair finds herself returning to the island to help. Their mutual attraction has Blair questioning whether she should return to her normal life or see what life and Graham have to offer on the island. A small town, friends to lovers romance

This book is quietly stunning. It isn’t high drama, it isn’t spicy, and it’s not an escape. Reinking did something harder, and something more important, than all that - she offered a story that is committed to real emotions. If anything - Blair’s story is a mirror that will ask many readers to recognize themselves…one that might make some of us feel less comfortable, but also less alone.

Say You Mean it is one of the best books I’ve read in so long. With a name like Midwest Reading, you know I am here for the rural Minnesota setting. And the setting is the stunner of this book. Not only could I picture all of it, I also felt I could share in the peace of a campfire or a coffee by the lake. As if the book was a gentle reminder to lower my own shoulders, breathe a bit deeper, and rest while reading.

I think it takes so much more skill as a writer to write about the quiet moments, or an unproblematic male lead like Graham and a relationship that develops naturally and easily.

I’ve been heartened to see mental health rep across so many novels lately, but Reinking’s portrait of high-functioning depression hits different. It isn’t an add-on in an otherwise lighthearted story about something else. Depression IS the story here. Reinking is never tempted to resolve this piece, but still gives readers a HEA. And that couldn’t be more important.

Thank you to NetGalley and Megan Reinking for the ARC of this book.

In a genre that often skirts the surface of deeper issues, this romance novel is a refreshing read that handles mental health with the sensitivity and depth it deserves. The author skillfully shows the impact of depression through the characters' daily lives, creating a realistic portrayal The romance between the main characters is heartfelt. I found myself wholeheartedly cheering for both the male and female leads. The male main character, in particular, stands out for his supportive and sweet nature towards the female lead's struggles. Both characters grew as individuals creating relationship dynamics without falling into the trap of codependency. No 3rd act break-up and a HAE.

I fell head over heels for this book!
My only complaint is that it isn’t long enough!🫶

I absolutely loved the fact that mental health issues were raised through out this book. It is so different from anything I have ever read. In the sense it doesn’t just say ‘I have depression’ it shows how hard it is to live with this Illness, how hard it is to stay motivated, how tiring just talking to someone can be.
I was obsessed with the male main character, his personality, his struggles and his kindness had me pining for more from him.

The small town trope is one of my favourites and this really hit the spot for me!

If it had another 200 pages added on this would easily be a 5 star read for me, I just felt in the beginning the story setting was a little rushed and maybe we could’ve seen more on the female main character’s relationships with her friends and family before jumping into the main story line.

Oh my this book had me not wanting to stop reading! The growth of Blair was amazing to read and graham supporting her the whole way was perfect, and then seeing Blair support graham during his struggles with the resort as well! I love the cozy feel of this book being it takes place on a cozy cabin island in MN!

I wanna start by saying I felt so connected to Blair. As someone who suffers with similar mental barriers everyday I really felt some of her inner monologue to my core! I felt seen but in a positive way and I resonated with how she felt and what her fears were.

Graham is such a lovely, gentle and kind man. I loved his story and loved having the pov of a man who struggled to be vulnerable.

The setting of this story is so cute, quaint and perfect for fans of a heartwarming small town romance. The romance is sweet and the low level of spice felt fitting for the tone of the book.

Although the plot of fairly simplistic, I enjoyed how the struggles and concerns of our main characters felt realistic and relevant which isnt always the case in some romance books. The mental health representation really connected with me and drew me in from the dedication which I really loved.

The reason I haven’t given this 5 ⭐️ is purely because I’d love this to have been longer to allow more development of the characters and plot so that as a reader, I could get more drawn into the overall feel of the book. I was invested in Blair and Grahams journeys, therefore I was greedy for more!

What a heartwarming story! I was immediately hooked by chapter 1! I found myself rooting for these characters & their happiness. I was able to fully immerse myself in this beautiful love story & I loved every minute of it!

Thanks to netgalley and Megan Reinking for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed Say You Mean It. A great comfort read with likeable characters, a location that makes you want to visit it and just the sweetest MMC.

I would have loved for there to have been a little bit more 'spice' - however still an enjoyable read. It had great character growth and once I got to about 50% I couldn't put it down.

If you're looking for an easy, comfort read to get you out of a slump, this is it.

As someone who struggles with some mental health issues, I appreciated the realness of this book and Blair’s struggles. The relationship between Graham and Blair was sweet and honest.

Hello! I posted this review on Goodreads on March 24th, 2024, and plan to post a review on my social media (@caitireenreads on Instagram) in advance of the publishing date as well as on my Amazon review on the publishing date. Thank you for the opportunity to review!

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Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️/5

Say You Mean It is the story of a woman’s journey to find herself again after struggling with high-functioning depression and low-self esteem, and the man who helps her realize what she deserves.

Blair is a lawyer from Chicago who attends a company-wide retreat at a remote island in northern Minnesota. A long-time struggler of depression, it’s been a while since Blair has found any sort of happiness or accomplishment in her job, her relationship or in her life in general. It’s on her retreat where she meets Graham, the owner of the Ruby Lodge where her company is staying, who is also feeling a bit down on his luck. Despite a good number of folks coming through the door to stay at the resort, the Ruby Lodge is barely staying above water. Couple this with his mother’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, and Graham has been left in a precarious situation and an unstable future. After Blair’s retreat ends, she can’t really fathom parting from the island and, most importantly, Graham. What follows is a story of healing and love, and how Blair and Graham find each other for partnership and support.

Wow. I absolutely loved this book. It really punches you in the gut, especially for someone like me who can have moments of high-functioning depression and issues with self esteem. I can’t remember the last time I felt SO empathetic towards a character - it was like the author plucked my story and put it on the page. I LOVED IT! I also was completely enamored with our MMC and his constant support, encouragement and ability to uplift of our FMC. Such a heartfelt, wonderful story! I highly recommend.

Tropes in this story:
✨ Acquaintances to friends to lovers
✨ Cinnamon roll MMC
✨ No third act-breakup
✨ Depression / mental illness representation
✨ HEA

Triggers are listed at the front of the book, loud and clear. Lots of tough verbiage around depression and self-worth, but it all served towards the plot.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book via NetGalley, but my review is all my own.

I really wanted to read this, but it wasn’t formatted right and it was impossible to read on my phone on the Kindle app. I am excited for this Author and I will pick it up as soon as it is out because it’s on my list.

Just what I needed - a book with good characters and an easy to follow story. I liked this book a lot. The writing was great and I look forward to more in the series. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

“What’s one good thing that happened today?”

If I had to pick one, it would be getting to read this book! I loved the cozy vibe I got while reading Blair’s story. The love story that bloomed between Blair and Graham had this sweet innocence to it and I found myself so enamored by them.

This love story offered an escape to a cozy island in Minnesota, but it also served a real world reminder that it is okay to choose yourself, to take care of your mental health, and not tie your worth to someone or something.

I recommend this read to anyone looking for a sweet escape. I hope you fall in love with the scenery, the city girl, and the woodsy man just as I have. I will be thinking about these characters for a long time!

4.0/5.0
- Closed Door Romance Book
- Cozy Vibes

Thank you to NetGalley and Megan Reinking for an advanced copy of this book. Say You Mean It will be available for purchase on May 14, 2024, and is available for preorder NOW! This book will also be available on KindleUnlimited.

Really enjoyed the story. Storyline wasn’t cringey which is my complaint with many romances.

Chemistry was great, and would absolutely read other books from them!

The mental health aspects were well thought out too and while some was difficult to read as close to home, the notes on the first page were really thoughtful.

Read trigfer warnings if sensitive to mental health content.

Rating it five based on the material in the ARC received from the publisher/ author.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishing company for the advanced copy for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were likeable and the story was easy to follow.

I am absolutely in love this story and its characters and the writing style is honestly amazing i was hooked from the start and this couple are adorable. The mental health representation was done really well

Thank you for allowing me to read this lovely book. I really enjoyed it. Blair’s character development was so lovely to see.

This heartwarming and emotional read follows the story of Blair Williams, a city girl struggling with high-functioning depression and low self-esteem, as she is forced to attend her law firm's retreat on a remote island in Minnesota.
At first, Blair is resistant to the idea of spending a weekend on a quiet island, but as she begins to explore her surroundings and befriend the owner of the lodge, Graham Peterson, she finds solace and comfort in the peaceful setting. As she navigates through the retreat's team-building activities and battles with her inner demons, something begins to shift inside of her. One of the most captivating aspects of this book is how well Reinking portrays Blair's struggles with mental health. Reinking doesn't shy away from the tough topics and instead, she presents them in a raw and honest manner. The way she weaves Blair's inner dialogue and thoughts throughout the story is incredibly powerful and adds a layer of authenticity to the character. The relationship between Blair and Graham is also beautifully written. Their connection grows slowly and naturally, and their interactions are filled with genuine emotion and vulnerability. Graham's own struggles with his mother's Alzheimer's and the weight of running a failing lodge add depth to his character and make him a perfect match for Blair. Overall, this book is a touching and heartfelt story that will stay with you long after you finish reading. This is a definite must-read for anyone who enjoys a heartwarming romance with relatable characters and a beautiful setting. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a heartwarming and emotional read that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.

I really enjoyed this book. The romance was so sweet and the character development was very well done.