DNF at 50%, for a couple of reasons. One, because I think I know where this book is headed, and it’s not someplace I want to go. Two, because I’ve had enough of the grumpy/sunshine trope where “grumpy” is code for aggressive rudeness and disrespect. I’m sorry, but Bennet isn’t someone I would let onto my property, much less have a relationship with. I like light, fluffy rom coms, not CoHo sobfests, and if these authors have decided to change direction, then they need to give readers more of a warning. There’s an audience for books like this, but I’m not it. I won’t be reading any more books by these authors.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

This book is very different from anything else I’ve read by these authors. I usually go to them when I am looking for something light and funny. However, this book was a complicated and emotional story about family, starting over, and loving with your whole heart. I’d consider this more of a romantic dramedy.

On her wedding day, Norah receives some devastating news that has her seeing her life in a whole new way. She decides to track down her estranged sister in a small town and start her life over. She ends up crossing paths with reclusive artist, Bennett. The two don’t make the best first impression on each other, but their relationship develops as their paths continue to cross.

There were a lot of things that I really liked about this story. Both Bennett and Norah are independently going through some really difficult family stuff. I loved that they were able to open up to each other and help each other heal in a lot of ways. There were also some funny moments amidst the struggle that had me laughing, which was much needed for this sad story.

For me, this story also brought up the idea of trigger warnings and how important they are. As a frequent dark romance reader, I am used to seeing books with lists that feel a mile long. This book only had a small note that mentioned sensitive content. Although it doesn’t happen often, I was incredibly triggered by this book and it affected how I rated it. Had I known the concept of a prominently featured side plot, I wouldn’t have read this book right now. I wish this book had a slightly more detailed trigger list, so other readers aren’t blindsided as I was.

I would definitely recommend grabbing a box of tissues before picking this one up.

Unfortunately this book just wasn't for me, I didn't click with any of the characters and it wasn't what I was expecting. I think there are lots of people who would love this however, and I'm just sad that wasn't me,

I'm still so emotionally overwhelmed from reading What I Should've Said that I'm going to keep this review brief. Max Monroe gave yet another romance to swoon over. Norah and Bennett were perfect for each other. They might not have thought that at first, but they couldn't deny it as their relationship built and burned bright. The smalltown setting and characters only added to the fun. That being said, this contemporary romance wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. There is a big, emotionally fraught part to this story. I won't say what in this review because it may be considered a spoiler, but I HIGHLY recommend checking content/trigger warnings prior to reading this book if you are a sensitive reader. I haven't cried this much reading a book since I read Kim Holden's Bright Side, and that is saying A LOT.  It was well worth it.

This story flew right into my heart 💖. Don't let this cute cover misleading you - this book is heartbreaking 😞.

The story started like a funny rom-com and ended like a lesson learned. I had tears in my eyes at the last chapters 💔.

My recommendation is to read this book while you are free because you won't want to put it down. Every chapter will enchant you to keep and keep reading. As I said I expected a rom-com however I got so much more 😭🍦.

What I should've Said is an emotional book that will break your heart - I'm warning you- you will go through a little trauma. But it's worth it.

Thank you NetGalley and Max Monroe for the opportunity to read this before everyone. I appreciate it 💘.

I’m not going to overthink this five star rating because I literally read this book all in one sitting. And my heart is lying in pieces on the floor next to my pile of tissues.

We start off with a dedication that said this book changed the authors’ lives, and I completely see why. Because what we get inside the book was completely unexpected, and I am emotionally wrecked.. in the best way.

Love Norah. Love Bennett. Love Summer forever.

💕small town romance
💗single dad
💖runaway bride
💓 grumpy/sunshine
💞 tear jerker

Wow. Lesson learned. Listen to Max Monroe if they have an author’s note stating that this is not their typical book. This book ripped my heart out and took me through so many emotions, but it was all worth it. In between my tears, there were smiles and some chuckles like in other Max Monroe books, but this one has so much more depth.

At the beginning of the book, we find Norah leaving her wedding before it happens because of a mysterious note she received, but we aren’t told what the note revealed. She ends up in the small town of Red Bridge, attempting to get to her sister’s house. Did I mention she hasn’t talk to her sisters in years and there’s a lot of family drama involved? In an attempt to make it into town once the bus drops her off on the outskirts of town, she gets a ride from the town grump, Bennett. Everyone in this town seems to have a secret. The only thing you need to know is that Max Monroe does a phenomenal job developing these characters and making you become invested in their lives. Other than that, go blind. Have a box of tissues ready.

Thank you NetGalley and Max Monroe, for giving me the honor of reviewing this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Max Monroe have the witty charm to make you laugh, smile and swoon in a romance book down to a science.

However, this is a different story from Max Monroe that was a good surprise. This book is a small town romance that pulled on all my heartstrings. it's emotional, sweet and heartfelt. Norah is a runaway bride that shows up on the doorstep of her estranged sister and finds herself back in the small town where she lived and gets a lift from Bennett. A broody and grumpy tall man. However opposites attract and I loved that it was a bit of a slow burn dynamic where you see them slowly fall, long and pine for each other. I couldn't put this book down. I didn't want to stop reading and I finished it in a day. Another thing I really enjoyed was how despite it being a slow burn romance, the story flowed quick paced, had great character development and a great small town and side characters. Despite the romance, I really liked how we see Norah grow into her own, the good, the bad, the sadness. There's grumpy sunshine, boss employee, a single dad and Bennett was such a perfect character for Norah, he's gruff but he's a standby man, caring. protective, sweet, does things for her and he's the guy that you can't help to swoon over and he's a dilf. I can't say too much and you have to read for yourself but trust the process, it's worth finding out. This book had me sniffling and sobbing. It completely broke my heart and had me heart broken. my heart broke for ben and what he goes through because it is not easy and it really did just break my heart but I will say, trigger warning be warned for those that need it but it has a happy ending. I loved this book so much and would've read 100 more pages on this book. if you like small town romance, you must read this book!

What I Should’ve Said gave me the biggest book hangover and now I don’t know what to do with myself 😭
I was not prepared for this book - I was expecting a small town romcom. I got that and SO much more!
This was such an emotional read (I can’t remember the last time I cried so much). It was raw, beautiful, heartbreaking and full of secrets. Norah, Bennett and Summer have my entire heart ❤️

Norah is a runaway bride that left her ex at the alter. She starts her new life in a small town and meets grumpy Bennett. Their first kiss was HOT 🥵 one minute they’re arguing and then the next they’re going at it. They both fight their attraction for each other but their chemistry is undeniable 🔥

I HIGHLY recommend this book 🥹 (have a box of tissues ready)

Would be five stars except my preference is no foul language and no intimate details. The fact is that I was so engrossed in the storyline that I didn't let those things stop me from enjoying the book. Easy to skip over the parts I didn't care to read. I even want to read the one about her sister and separated husband. Many heartbreaking and emotional moments. Thanks to the author for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Another great novel by Max Monroe. What I should've said starts off with Nora getting ready to get married and realizing that maybe she doesn't really know the person she is marrying. Nora leaves her "fancy" life in New York City and reunites with her sister Josie in Vermont. In Vermont, nora meets Bennett, a handsome yet grumpy guy. Nora and Bennett get off on wrong foot when they first meet. Throughout the novel, the reader finds out more about Bennett's life and finds that Nora's life wasn't as nice as one would think. Along the way, Bennett and Nora find their way to each other.
I can't wait to read more in this series.

Thank you @netgalley and @authormaxmonroe for the eARC of What I Should Have Said in exchange for an honest review!

📖📖 Book Review 📖📖 What does one’s reflection look like when their whole existence is a lie? While some people may wonder this is an existential way, Norah finds this to be an honest, straightforward question on her wedding day. And a mysterious letter leaves her with too many doubts and running out of her wedding and back to Vermont…her first time back in Red Bridge in years. What I Should Have Said is an exquisitely beautiful written and humbling novel, creating a cathartic roller coaster of emotions. Max Monroe draws the reader into this heartfelt tale of returning home, illustrating how important it is to learn to listen and trust your inner voice. Along the way, Norah builds bridges with past relationships as she builds new ones that will etch a lasting spot in your heart.

4.5/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

How to prepare to read this book:
- Grab a full box of tissues,
- Remove all makeup, including waterproof mascara,
- Cancel all plans for 24 hours to allow for recovery time.

Oh, my gutted heart. Max Monroe, you did not warn me that I would be a broken mess. I was prepared for a lighthearted romance full of your trademark sassy banter. I was prepared for grumpy sunshine, small town vibes. You gave me all of that for most of the book and I laughed and smiled while watching Norah and Bennett fight their attraction not knowing that you were about to destroy me. And destroy me you did.

Norah runs away to small town Red Bridge, Vermont after leaving her wealthy, high society groom at the altar. The first person she meets is surly Bennett who brings grumpy to a whole new level. The attraction is immediate though both try to deny it. Everything after that is a plot by Max Monroe to steal your heart. It works.

There are a few plot points that seemed overdone or unnecessary, but they don’t detract from the emotional impact of this book. I have a feeling we will meet up with Norah and Bennett again in the future (wink, wink). I can’t wait to return to Red Bridge.

Thank you to NetGalley and Max Monroe for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

While on vacation recently, I wanted a light read and this book’s description fit the bill. I wasn’t expecting a spicy tearjerker, and things didn’t go in the direction I initially thought they would. That being said, this story had a lot of heart and I’m a sucker for strong father-daughter relationships. Thank you for the ARC!

This is where I wish 3.5 stars was an option for ratings.

I'll start with the things that really really worked for this book. The banter was amazing. I love when you have two characters that really hit each other's buttons and it was so funny. I laughed out loud several times. There are lots of pop culture references but it's integrated very well. The FMC was a very complex character but she also made it easy to root for her because of her caring nature and independence. The world building was amazing. I loved reading about the town and side characters. The short scenes of tension between the FMC's sister and her ahem, ex-husband already teased a story that I want to read now! I just know there's a good story behind that.

However, I agree with another reviewer that a disclaimer about the content in the story would have been beneficial prior to reading. The build up and eventual reveal as to what is happening with the MMC's home life came in like a shock. It completely eclipsed the romance aspect of the book. Luckily, there was enough strength in the interactions between the MCs that I can still classify it as a romance book. With the way that the relationship between the MCs began, I was expecting a slower burn but their connection became pretty instantaneous and that surprised me too. Also, I'm sorry to say that a lot of the dialogue that MMC's daughter had did not seem realistic for a 7 year old. I had to keep checking to see how old she was supposed to be. This may also be a "me" thing but I can't get over the fact that the FMC's ex is physically abusive towards the FMC but the FMC also physically slaps the MMC multiple times! And it's brushed off as a "family" thing that she shares with her sister. Was not a fan of that.

I am really looking forward to the next book in the series because I do think the authors created a small town that is worth revisiting. The sister's story had me super intrigued. What I Should've Said wasn't a perfect read but it was still emotional with great banter and the minutes flew by while I read it.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I’m sorry…what…..👀…RIP 👏🏼 MY 👏🏼 HEART 👏🏼 OUT….this book had me crying but also had my laughing throughout it as well. This book was amazing. I love the beautiful duo we know and love as Max Monroe & their writing/books are always my favorite! This one was just another reason why I am a faithful fan! LITERALLY every single one of these characters I loved and they each complimented each other in some way or another but—Bennett and Norah YESSSSS I loved them absolutely 100% right from the start.

Their dynamics and dialogues and chemistry were all great and the plot was just right. Side note…I love a good small town backdrop with multiple POV and a beautifully executed HEA. Bring the entire Kleenex box before starting this book. This book is a must read.

Thank you @netgalley and authors for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

I have a few thoughts about this.

1. There definitely should’ve been more of a disclaimer beyond “This book deals with sensitive subjects.” Not every book requires a laundry list of trigger warnings, but I do think when the content is so heavy, a better warning is necessary.

2. The pacing was a little off. The beginning started off at a fairly normal pace for a romance novel, but then many of the kisses felt like they came out of nowhere and were rushed?

3. The cover is a super misleading? It’s giving beach vacation, not small-town Vermont.

I cried like a baby reading this, but can we as a society stop pretending that very young children get incredibly wise beyond their years upon their death? Thanks.

4.5 stars
I have read a number of Max Monroe’s books but this is the first that I have found to be heartbreaking, yet mixed with humour and sweet moments. There was definitely some ugly crying towards the end of the book but the sweet and uplifting moments definitely helped even this out.

I loved Summer as a character - she definitely introduced sweetness and light that was needed. She was wise beyond her years - but without becoming an irritating child character.

The only thing I will say is that I think the pace was a bit rushed at times, particularly the ending.

I have enjoyed being introduced to other couples and characters that will appear in future stories, and I’m looking forward to learning more about Josie and Clay - their appearance in the epilogue was definitely promising!

I’m intrigued by Red Bridge and its characters and look forward to reading more from this series and this author.

Easy reading for sure but just painfully juvenile writing. Poetic or powerful prose this ain’t. Struggled to persevere with this one.

What I Should of said has Naomi ready and dressed for her wedding which has all been arranged by her mother down to the dress and the groom. She receives a letter that rocks her world so she runs away. She takes a bus to Red Bridge where her sisters lives and hitch hikes into the town. Bennett Bishop an taciturn grumpy artist has no choice but to pick her up when she more or less throw herself in front of his truck but he promptly dumps her back on the road due to her incessant chatter.
Their relationship developed when Naomi becomes Beckett’s assistant and she also forms a close bond with Bennett’s disabled daughter who has a life limiting condition.
This is a wonderful story extremely well told and dealing with loss and is at times profoundly sad but well described and beautifully dealt with. That said there is much humour, sparkling dialogue and a cast of great characters and is also uplifting.
This is a book that will remain with me a long time, a really great and satisfying read.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.