Reviews

Say You Mean It by Megan Reinking

teeclecticreads's review

adventurous hopeful sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.5

Thank you to Megan Reinking for sending me an ARC of this book. All these opinions expressed are my own.

I think this book was pretty good and I really appreciated how depression was portrayed, because most people believe that to be depressed you have to be stuck in bed all day and unable to do anything. While this is true for a lot of people, others experience high functioning depression where on the outside they may seem like they are okay and active, but on the inside they really are wrestling with negative thoughts and emotions. 

The romance between Blair and Graham developed beautifully and I think it was really important that Graham emphasised how much of the work Blair did herself and that he was not the reason why Blair was able to fight through her depression. It’s important that people remember that as much as someone on the side may be able to help, a lot of the work comes from within.

My only critique is that there didn’t seem to be as much of a buildup in relation to the climax of the story. The conflict didn’t really feel like much of a conflict because of how easily things were resolved, and it felt like there were subplots that got thrown away at the end

like Sydney not wanting to visit their mom and Graham and his dad dealing with her Alzheimer’s

. Regardless, it’s still a good read.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Emotional abuse, Mental illness, and Toxic relationship

harmour's review against another edition

4.0

I received an ARC from the Author.

If I’m being honest, this book starts very slow. However, I think it needed to in order to convey the idea of loving yourself before you can love others.

Blair is very relatable in her struggle to find her way through her depression. Graham is so kind and caring to the people around him.

Overall, great love story. Would recommend.

bookishkir's review

slow-paced

4.0

 

• Work Retreat
• City Girl/Country Boy
• Lawyer FMC
• Depression Rep
• Fade to Black

 
This is such a heartwarming romance. I absolutely loved Graham and Blair. Graham has major golden retriever energy and Blair, boy oh boy, my heart just broke for her reading the negative thoughts she had about herself. I really enjoyed and appreciating her journey to finding her peace. Say You Mean It also has some lovable side characters which is always a plus as well.  

readbooks16's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I beta read this book for Megan last year and now reading it, in its finished form, I love it even more. 

Graham and Blair are such real life characters, with real life struggles that make them relatable and lovable. The friendship that forms between them first is so good and I love the way their slow burn relationship grows in such a natural way. 

I love the location and the setting, the periphery characters, the conflicts. They are all woven in so well for a perfectly crafted story that will make you laugh and cry. 

I can hardly wait for this book to be in more hands come release day! 

lucyana's review

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

sarabracz's review against another edition

4.0

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.

fisherslittlelibrary's review

4.5

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 / 5

Say You Mean It is a sweet and atmospheric story set at the Ruby Lodge in Minnesota 🌲🎣 It follows the connection between city girl Blair and Graham, the lodge owner. I felt their romance was heartwarming and realistic. The writing style was cozy (such a comfort read!) and perfectly paced through the book. I thought the mental health representation was well done. This was my second book by this author and it won’t be the last! 

The Vibes 🌲🎣🛶🪵

Hiking

Fire pits

Lodge library

Picturesque views

Rustic remote island 

Thank you to the author for an advanced copy! 
Say You Mean It is available May 14, 2024 and will be available on Kindle Unlimited! 

colbygirl13reads's review

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

What a great read. Blair, FMC struggles with depression and a work retreat helps her see the light. On the retreat she meets Graham, the owner of Ruby Lodge.  This story follows Blair and Graham’s slow burn romance. I loved seeing Blair overcome her depression struggles and finally put herself first. Graham was such a perfect guy for her and together they both are better. If you love slow burn romance, one tent, small town romance with a mental health rep this books is for you. I love how Megan made me feel like I was right there at the lodge in North Minnesota with them. I highly recommend this book. Thank you for the ARC Megan. 

pellbogen's review

emotional lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

purelykatherine's review

emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

5.0

If you are looking for a clean (no spice), well written, emotionally impactful romance you need to read this book.
This adorable romance takes place in my own home state of Minnesota. You are following Blair and Graham.
Blair is a lawyer from Chicago that struggles with mental health, self doubt, and abandonment issues. This is depicted in an amazing way that I fully resonated with. She's a bit standoffish and secluded to protect herself from being hurt. Graham is the sweet innkeeper of a resort that is her company's getaway retreat spot. If you love a man who performs acts of service you are going to swoon over Graham.
These two have a slow start as Blair discovers just what it means to feel alive again; not only by finding love but rediscovering herself again.
I absolutely loved this entire story from start to finish and devoured it in two days.
The writing style is easy/fast paced but cohesive throughout the events of the book.
The descriptions in this authors writing style will have your mouth watering from the amazing food that one of the resort workers makes and your eyes alight with the Lake of the Woods views.

The only downside I would say to this book is everything major that happens is a little easily resolved with little to no strife, which makes this story really believable but sometimes a little flat. The drama was lacking but it was covered by just the overall cozy feel of this amazing love story.

I would highly recommend this book if you are looking for a sweet, cozy, and impactful shorter romance.