This book was such a cute and warm read!! The chemistry between Blair and Graham was so great, and I found myself smiling throughout the book. I loved how the author included the mental health aspect into her story, and I feel like it made it that much better. When I first saw the description for this book the remote island setting really drew me in, and made me want to read it.

Thank you so much Megan Reinking and NetGalley for allowing me to receive a copy of this book.

I have read some of this authors work before and enjoyed it. I was partly expecting this one to be all happy romance but it wasn't- not a bad thing. It felt more real and I could see myself in the FMC with her thoughts and decisions which was refreshing to see in a book. Overall I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from the author.

Megan Reinking's "Say You Mean It" is a cozy and heartwarming romance that delves into themes of depression, self-discovery, and the healing power of love. While the story may feel uneventful and repetitive at times, it offers a comforting and relatable narrative that leaves readers with a cozy feeling.

The protagonist, Blair Williams, struggles with high-functioning depression and low self-esteem, which she battles throughout the story. When she travels to a remote island for a company retreat, she finds solace in the serene setting and forms a bond with Graham, the owner of the struggling Ruby Lodge. Their relationship blossoms slowly, providing Blair with the love and support she needs to confront her inner demons.

Reinking handles sensitive topics such as depression and Alzheimer's with care, offering a realistic portrayal of these conditions through her characters. Despite the challenges they face, Blair and Graham's romance is heartwarming and uplifting, showcasing how they bring out the best in each other.

While the writing style may be basic at times, the author's ability to tackle complex issues and craft a compelling romance shines through. As the first installment in the Ruby Lodge Series, "Say You Mean It" sets the stage for a promising series that explores love, friendship, and personal growth.

In summary, "Say You Mean It" is a feel-good romance that tackles important themes with sensitivity and warmth. With its idyllic setting and endearing characters, it's sure to leave readers with a smile and a longing for a peaceful retreat by the lake. (3.5 stars)

Thank you NetGalley for the free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

Say You Mean It by Megan Reinking is a heartwarming read that wraps you up like a familiar blanket. The story's cozy charm lies in its relatable characters and heartfelt narrative. With every turn of the page, you feel like you're settling into a comfortable nook, eager to delve deeper into the lives of the characters and discover where their journeys will take them. It's the literary equivalent of a warm cup of tea on a rainy day—a comforting and delightful experience from start to finish.

I enjoyed this one! While it touches on topics such as depression and Alzheimer’s, the author handled with care.

AHH-MAZING!!! Thank you NetGalley, Megan Reinking, and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a splendidly beautiful and genuinely heartwarming contemporary romance, brimming with sweet and tender moments, guaranteed to leave you feeling wonderfully warm and cozy!! So immerse yourself in a charming tale of a strangers-friends-lovers trope, featuring a slow burn romance set on a small remote island in Northern Minnesota!! "Say You Mean It" deeply resonates with me on a personal level, evoking a whirlwind of emotions from laughter to tears and everything in between. What truly enthralls me is Megan Reinking's expert handling of emotional, relatable, and heavy topics, masterfully balanced with lighter moments. The author's infusion of love, care, heart, and hope into her narratives is deeply evocative and immersive. I absolutely loved this adorable book, and it will linger in my thoughts for a long time!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

The last thing on city girl Blair Williams' mind is traveling to a remote island on a lake near the Minnesotan/Canadian border for her law firm's company-wide retreat. Battling high-functioning depression and low self-esteem, she attempts to navigate the weekend while grappling with persistent melancholy and negative internal thoughts. Amidst the serene setting, she finds solace and forms a bond with Graham, the struggling owner of Ruby Lodge, whose mother battles Alzheimer's in a nursing home while his father manages her care and the lodge's mounting bills. Following a successful retreat with team building activities, Blair experiences a subtle shift within herself. When Graham seeks legal advice weeks later, she readily returns to the island to assist. As the work concludes, Blair faces a pivotal decision: return to her lackluster life or succumb to the allure of the tranquil island and the feelings it, and Graham, evoke within her?!

I adored Blair and Graham's story. Graham was incredibly sweet and attentive, providing Blair with the love and security she deserves. He listens to her without pressuring her and consistently ensures her well-being, What's remarkable is how they both bring out the best in each other even when apart. Their undeniable chemistry adds depth to their closed-door romance.

Please note that the story addresses a character's struggle with depression and low self-esteem, as well as the challenges associated with caring for a parent with Alzheimer's. Despite this, the author's commendable efforts and adept portrayal of these relatable medical conditions through her storytelling deserve recognition.

In summary, this heartwarming tale is sure to leave you with a smile and a cozy feeling. I wholeheartedly recommend it and believe it deserves all the stars!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is a great cozy romance.

The exploration into the lead character Blair’s depression is well done and the author's descriptions of Blair's experiences with her mental health resonates with this reader. Another plus is that the plot structure is a *bit* unique from other romance books. However, while I enjoyed the passages detailing the character's depression, the writing style is generally quite basic.

This is Book 1 of the Ruby Lodge Series and it’s a good start to what I hope to be a cozy, cute series. I look forward to seeing where Reinking takes this series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Megan Reinking for the ARC.

This was SUCH a sweet romance. I really enjoyed the mental health representation and thought that it was talked about realistically and tastefully. The romance was just so perfect and gentle and felt like a warm cozy hug on a rainy day. This does deal with some heavy topics, so be aware.

This was such a cozy, sweet read. I really enjoyed the mental health representation and how understanding/sweet Graham was. It was also so refreshing to not have an entire romance book based off smut. It truly focused on the slow burn of two strangers becoming friends and eventually more. Thank you Megan for the ARC!

Say You Mean It by Megan Reinking is a sweet and heartwarming romance. Blair Williams, a lawyer in Chicago, goes on a retreat with her firm to a cozy and secluded lodge up in Northern Minnesota. Battling with her depression and unhappiness with her life at home, she finds this extra socialization and activity to be exhausting, although she does her best to hide it. While at the lodge, she meets the owner, Graham, and takes some comfort in chatting with him.

Graham finds himself in a legal bind weeks later and reaches out to Blair, hoping she can help him figure out what to do. She does not hesitate to drop everything and go back to the lodge to help him. As she starts to reflect on her needs/wants, she realizes that she needs to make some changes in her life for her own happiness. Seeing her struggle and manage her mental health is something I think so many people can relate to and I loved how her ups and downs were portrayed. All the while, Graham is present and supportive during her time at the lodge. She is pleasantly surprised by all the sweet little things he does for her and how supportive he is when just listening to her express her feelings.

As their friendship develops into something more, they are so sweet and loving towards one another. The slow burn romance is perfect for Blair on her healing journey and I absolutely love how their story ends up.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and as an outdoorsy woman, loved the setting being on a lake and up north! Would definitely recommend for anyone looking for a cozy cabin vibes contemporary romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and Megan Reinking for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for the ARC of this beautiful story!

Say You Mean It is a beautiful small town love story that takes place in the Midwest. She’s a lawyer from a big city heading home for a case; and he is a family man trying to keep a lodge going while his family health is on the decline. Not to mention that he was being sued for something that wasn’t his fault.

This author really touches on different sensitive topics and talks about mental health. With that being said, check the trigger warnings!

this is a truly lovely story, through and through. not only is their the most tender, adorable love story, but the mental health representation was beautiful & dedicated. the FMC is open about dealing with chronic depression, and the story shows how debilitating, unpredictable, and consistent it can be. all people have different experiences with mental health & I deeply appreciated the depiction of this characters experience in the story. even during the lovely romantic parts of the story, this theme is present & part of the story— not shoved to the side & acted as though it isn’t there just because the FMC is “happy” in a certain moment.

and, as I said above, the love story is so cute & adorable! Graham is the sweetest, kindest. tenderest man— I love him so much!!!! he is the perfect man for Blair, always being loving, accepting, and present to be hers. and Blair is so sweet & fun— finding her safe place & doing everything to be there, finding her people, making her mark, and showing so much love & tenderness to graham.

overall, just an amazing, beautiful, sweet & tender story! thank you for the arc :)

Wow, this is an amazing book that really makes you feel. Blair is struggling with chronic depression, while Graham is struggling with managing the lodge and dealing with the grief surrounding his father having Alzheimer's. These two are both broken people who are delaing with such tough life circumstances, but they form a friendship and eventually fall in love, and they help each other heal and deal with all that life has handed to them. I loved the remote setting of the book, and worked really well for the characters and their journey together. The mental health representation in this book is so good, and the author definitely did the heavy topics justice. I loved the trope of strangers to friends to lovers! Graham is the perfect book boyfriend who really listens and it's clear how much he cares for Blair. This book really does feel like a warm hug and is my new comfort read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Megan Reinking for the eARC of this book!

Some books you read, and you can just feel the author’s love for the characters coming through. I loved Blair and Graham’s story, which was a cosy read full of empathy, friendship and the best remote-island-vibes.

Struggling with chronic depression, and feeling like she’s just going through the motions, Blair encounters new perspectives and experiences with staying at Ruby lodge for a work retreat. Struggling with managing the lodge whilst his dad cares for his mother with alzheimers, Graham is drawn to Blair. When he seeks legal advice from Blair, they start to lean on each other, and Blair starts to contemplate a different way of life.

I recommend reading the author’s trigger warnings at the start of the book. The book captures Blair’s battle with her thoughts and symptoms in a way that provided insight into her experience of chronic depression without feeling tokenistic. Likewise, Graham’s experience of work stress and the grief associated with the gradual loss of a loved one to alzheimers was sensitively portrayed, and relateable.

I loved the island setting, and the respect and maturity of the characters as they navigated relationships. The remote island setting is just what attracted me to this book, and made for the perfect backdrop for Blair and Graham’s relationship. I’m glad to see this is first in a series, and look forward to reading the next book!

Thank you Megan Reinking and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.