What do you think?
Rate this book
Say Cheese
A spicy age gap romance where one night of passion could lead to a lifetime of love.
In a small town teetering on the brink of collapse, will one woman's arrival seal a factory’s fate or open the floodgate for love and redemption?
Elle Robinson's world is literally swept away when a raging flood sends her car careening toward certain doom, only to be rescued by Angela Lane – a spirited, self-reliant, and unexpected savior who pulls Elle back from the edge of calamity.
In the aftermath of their brush with mortality, passions ignite between the two women, mirroring the uncontrollable rise of the floodwaters. However, fate has a wicked sense of humor.
As the storm of their one-night stand recedes, a startling revelation emerges. Angie learns that Elle is the ambitious young business consultant whose arrival could signal the demise of Angie's cherished family cheesemaking business. Will this city girl bring more destruction than the flood? Or could she evolve into the improbable business partner Angie has been waiting for?
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Vermont, award winning authors TB Markinson and Miranda MacLeod bring you a love story that defies convention, challenges expectations, and may just save an entire town.
In a small town teetering on the brink of collapse, will one woman's arrival seal a factory’s fate or open the floodgate for love and redemption?
Elle Robinson's world is literally swept away when a raging flood sends her car careening toward certain doom, only to be rescued by Angela Lane – a spirited, self-reliant, and unexpected savior who pulls Elle back from the edge of calamity.
In the aftermath of their brush with mortality, passions ignite between the two women, mirroring the uncontrollable rise of the floodwaters. However, fate has a wicked sense of humor.
As the storm of their one-night stand recedes, a startling revelation emerges. Angie learns that Elle is the ambitious young business consultant whose arrival could signal the demise of Angie's cherished family cheesemaking business. Will this city girl bring more destruction than the flood? Or could she evolve into the improbable business partner Angie has been waiting for?
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Vermont, award winning authors TB Markinson and Miranda MacLeod bring you a love story that defies convention, challenges expectations, and may just save an entire town.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 17, 2024
280 people are currently reading
787 people want to read
About the author
T.B. Markinson
70 books1,158 followersT. B. Markinson is an American writer, living in England. When she isn't writing, she’s traveling the world, watching sports on the telly, visiting pubs in England, or taking the dog for a walk. Not necessarily in that order.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
January 30, 2024
4,5⭐️
A romance novel with charming people and lots of humor, the new book from the Markinson/MacLeod team is, as always, a fun read. Coming from a cheese country myself, Switzerland, I was only too happy to shout «Say Cheese».
The book begins with a near-disaster when Elle gets stuck in a precarious position during a flood and Angie comes to her rescue as her knight in shining armor. Insta-attraction and near-death experiences lead to an unforgettable night in more ways than one.
Take a cheese factory on the brink of bankruptcy, a small town struggling with huge flood damage, a community that sticks together, a consulting firm that plays a fake game, and two women who simply belong together (even if they don't realize it from the start). The authors mixed all this and spiced the story with humor, hot sex, prejudice, family dynamics, meddling relatives, delicious cheese and the slobbering giant cuddly dog called Chester, the St. Bernard. The resulting menu is spicy, delicious, and sweet. Good entertainment is guaranteed.
As always, an entertaining story that, in addition to funny moments, also addresses important topics, in this case, environmental damage and what it takes to stand together as a community.
The authors provided ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A romance novel with charming people and lots of humor, the new book from the Markinson/MacLeod team is, as always, a fun read. Coming from a cheese country myself, Switzerland, I was only too happy to shout «Say Cheese».
The book begins with a near-disaster when Elle gets stuck in a precarious position during a flood and Angie comes to her rescue as her knight in shining armor. Insta-attraction and near-death experiences lead to an unforgettable night in more ways than one.
Take a cheese factory on the brink of bankruptcy, a small town struggling with huge flood damage, a community that sticks together, a consulting firm that plays a fake game, and two women who simply belong together (even if they don't realize it from the start). The authors mixed all this and spiced the story with humor, hot sex, prejudice, family dynamics, meddling relatives, delicious cheese and the slobbering giant cuddly dog called Chester, the St. Bernard. The resulting menu is spicy, delicious, and sweet. Good entertainment is guaranteed.
As always, an entertaining story that, in addition to funny moments, also addresses important topics, in this case, environmental damage and what it takes to stand together as a community.
The authors provided ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 29, 2024
My favorite so far from the dynamic co-writing team of Markinson and MacLeod.
Mix a raging storm, damsel in distress and a knight in flannel armor and it's the start to a beautiful storyline featuring Elle and Angie. For good measure, weave in instant chemistry, a small-town v/s big-town vibe, great supporting characters, humor, a two faced boss and a family run cheese making business. Did I mention finding one's true passion and the hot romance? Oh, there are some ups and downs but a perfect ending....why not have sunshine and happiness after stormy darkness? Enough said!!
You can't go wrong taking a chance on this delightful book.
Mix a raging storm, damsel in distress and a knight in flannel armor and it's the start to a beautiful storyline featuring Elle and Angie. For good measure, weave in instant chemistry, a small-town v/s big-town vibe, great supporting characters, humor, a two faced boss and a family run cheese making business. Did I mention finding one's true passion and the hot romance? Oh, there are some ups and downs but a perfect ending....why not have sunshine and happiness after stormy darkness? Enough said!!
You can't go wrong taking a chance on this delightful book.
October 7, 2025
Warm and cozy, low angst romance from this writer pairing who can always be trusted to deliver :). Lovely smalltown fall-season setting.
February 17, 2024
Twee tale of business consultant and cheese maker, with baddies and good back characters. Good fun. Oh! And a huge dog!
January 20, 2024
This one has a completely different feel to it than I'd experienced previously from this dynamic writing duo - in a good way. Of course it's still clever and witty like we've come to expect from them, but this one has some extra umph that thoroughly delighted me. I highly recommend this book.
February 5, 2024
Cute and lots of “cheesy” jokes. Nice setting and two likable MCs.
February 5, 2024
Say Cheese is a charming and witty romance by T.B. Markinson and Miranda MacLeod, featuring two women who fall in love under unlikely circumstances. Elle is a city girl who works as a business consultant, and Angie is a country girl who runs a family cheesemaking business in Vermont. When Elle’s car is swept away by a flood on her way to a wedding, Angie comes to her rescue. Sparks fly between them and their passionate night is followed by a shocking discovery in the light of day: Elle is in town to convince Angie’s family to sell their business to a ruthless corporation. That’s when heads bump and things start to get really interesting.
Markinson and MacLeod are the dream team of sapphic fiction. Everything they write turns to gold. At only 20 days post launch, Say Cheese has been flagged a number one seller for lesbian fiction on Amazon. Sapphic readers can not get their hands on this pair’s new books fast enough.
WLW readers love their stories for several reasons. They have a humorous and witty writing style that makes their books fun and entertaining to read. In addition to that, they create realistic and relatable characters that have chemistry and depth. Readers like their characters and connect with them. They aren’t flat, static characters; they grow and change as the plot progresses. Their various challenges and conflicts make them interesting in ways readers can’t resist. Basically, the bottom line is this: They complement each other’s strengths and skills, facilitating a smooth and appealing narrative for readers each and every time.
Say Cheese more than rings true with all of that. In fact, I would argue it’s one of Markinson and MacLeod’s best joint efforts. Besides being a delightful read, full of humor, chemistry, and heart, its literary constructs are developed with real craftsmanship. To start off with, the duo creates a vivid and cozy story world, one readers can easily slip into. It’s immersive and very “Hallmark” with its colorful cast of supporting characters; make no mistake, these people are a real treat. Readers will especially enjoy Angie’s hilarious family and her lovable St. Bernard. The main characters are also well-developed and likable. Their flaws and struggles are relatable and realistic, hooking readers immediately. Furthermore, the plot is engaging and fast-paced, with a perfect balance of angst and sweetness. Most importantly though, the romance between Angie and Elle is hot, tender and addicting. Their road to HEA is everything a sapphic reader desires.
Final thoughts…
Say Cheese is a must-read for fans of contemporary sapphic romance, especially for those that enjoy age-gap, city girl/country girl and enemies-to-lovers tropes. The take a way is simply; it’s a captivatingly, entertaining story, and it will make you smile.
Strengths…
Completely entertaining and humorous
Great dialogue
Well-written storyline
Likable main characters
Enjoyable secondary characters
Immersive story world
Markinson and MacLeod are the dream team of sapphic fiction. Everything they write turns to gold. At only 20 days post launch, Say Cheese has been flagged a number one seller for lesbian fiction on Amazon. Sapphic readers can not get their hands on this pair’s new books fast enough.
WLW readers love their stories for several reasons. They have a humorous and witty writing style that makes their books fun and entertaining to read. In addition to that, they create realistic and relatable characters that have chemistry and depth. Readers like their characters and connect with them. They aren’t flat, static characters; they grow and change as the plot progresses. Their various challenges and conflicts make them interesting in ways readers can’t resist. Basically, the bottom line is this: They complement each other’s strengths and skills, facilitating a smooth and appealing narrative for readers each and every time.
Say Cheese more than rings true with all of that. In fact, I would argue it’s one of Markinson and MacLeod’s best joint efforts. Besides being a delightful read, full of humor, chemistry, and heart, its literary constructs are developed with real craftsmanship. To start off with, the duo creates a vivid and cozy story world, one readers can easily slip into. It’s immersive and very “Hallmark” with its colorful cast of supporting characters; make no mistake, these people are a real treat. Readers will especially enjoy Angie’s hilarious family and her lovable St. Bernard. The main characters are also well-developed and likable. Their flaws and struggles are relatable and realistic, hooking readers immediately. Furthermore, the plot is engaging and fast-paced, with a perfect balance of angst and sweetness. Most importantly though, the romance between Angie and Elle is hot, tender and addicting. Their road to HEA is everything a sapphic reader desires.
Final thoughts…
Say Cheese is a must-read for fans of contemporary sapphic romance, especially for those that enjoy age-gap, city girl/country girl and enemies-to-lovers tropes. The take a way is simply; it’s a captivatingly, entertaining story, and it will make you smile.
Strengths…
Completely entertaining and humorous
Great dialogue
Well-written storyline
Likable main characters
Enjoyable secondary characters
Immersive story world
January 27, 2024
This is a light-hearted, uplifting read with all the feels. The MCs are likeable and meant for each other even if they are city v country. There’s nothing like a small town where everyone knows everyone else, there’s a problem or problems to solve, a cute but very large dog, and two opposites heading in the same direction to their HEA.
March 17, 2024
Small town romances are the best.
January 26, 2024
Excellent!
I think that this is my favorite Markinson & MacLeod book. Really enjoyed Elle & Angie’s banter. They are so cute! Loved the location and all the secondary characters as well. This is a fun book!
I think that this is my favorite Markinson & MacLeod book. Really enjoyed Elle & Angie’s banter. They are so cute! Loved the location and all the secondary characters as well. This is a fun book!
October 4, 2025
Great book.
If u like a charming small town romance, this book is definitely for you! I loved it! The charm of the small city is irresistible. And cheese! It felt so good to read this story.
If u like a charming small town romance, this book is definitely for you! I loved it! The charm of the small city is irresistible. And cheese! It felt so good to read this story.
January 22, 2024
Big city vs quaint country living.
This writing duo has another cute hallmark meet of opposites attract in this recent release.
Ang, is trying to save her family's creamery. Her mom reaches out to her best friend from college. She sends her daughter to help them come up with a marketing plan.
The daughter Elle was going to skip the meeting & try to land another client at a nearby wedding. While navigating in a storm, ends up needing a rescue while her car ends up in a river.
Hijinks & hilarity ensue in this quaint outing.
The town of Deerfield & its inhabitants are masterfully crafted & make you want to take a real life road trip there.
Say Cheese will have you hungry for the small town life it portrays, and a hankering for the cheese😉
An honest review was given for an advanced copy of the book.
This writing duo has another cute hallmark meet of opposites attract in this recent release.
Ang, is trying to save her family's creamery. Her mom reaches out to her best friend from college. She sends her daughter to help them come up with a marketing plan.
The daughter Elle was going to skip the meeting & try to land another client at a nearby wedding. While navigating in a storm, ends up needing a rescue while her car ends up in a river.
Hijinks & hilarity ensue in this quaint outing.
The town of Deerfield & its inhabitants are masterfully crafted & make you want to take a real life road trip there.
Say Cheese will have you hungry for the small town life it portrays, and a hankering for the cheese😉
An honest review was given for an advanced copy of the book.
September 5, 2024
Wholesome and cute! Must visit Vermont and eat cheese asap!
January 28, 2024
It is now 4:21a.m. and I just finished Say Cheese! I couldn't put this book down! What a beautiful story. Elle is a business consultant from Boston on her way to a wedding in Vermont. When she takes a detour to consult at a cheese factory. While driving in an unbelievable rain storm a rush of water pulls her into the river. She's rescued by Angela. Got you interested, read the book! This is an age gap love story that will hold you. This is definitely a favorite for 2024! Should be more than 5 stars!!
April 3, 2024
Brilliant!
A disastrous situation leaves Elle fearing for her life until Angela comes to her rescue. It isn’t until later that her knight in shining armour realises who she is, and wary of getting a big corporation consultant involved in growing her family business, Angela isn’t impressed when Elle has to stay with her while doing her investigations and planning for the business.
I know I’ll never forget how this story starts — talk about drama! Elle and Angela actually get off to a good start until they realise who one another are, and then bang, tension everywhere. It was easy to understand why Angela found this all so difficult. She had connected with Elle without knowing who she was, then her feelings towards what Elle might do to their family business meant she was conflicted. Elle had similar feelings upon learning who Angela was, but hers were more about wanting to prove she wasn’t some big, bad, city person there to destroy the business Angela’s family had worked so hard to make unique and personal when it came to the experience they offered their customers.
There were many twists in this story that kept me on the edge of my seat and dying to know how it was all going to play out. Elle had great visions and ideas but also wanted to respect Angela’s wishes to keep the heart they’d worked hard on for their business. She really was invested on a personal level and cared about them all, so I admired everything she ended up doing and adored the growing slow burn romance happening between them.
A fun story with heart and wonderful sentiments that really worked well with the cosy small town setting and feel of community, family, and home, running throughout it.
A disastrous situation leaves Elle fearing for her life until Angela comes to her rescue. It isn’t until later that her knight in shining armour realises who she is, and wary of getting a big corporation consultant involved in growing her family business, Angela isn’t impressed when Elle has to stay with her while doing her investigations and planning for the business.
I know I’ll never forget how this story starts — talk about drama! Elle and Angela actually get off to a good start until they realise who one another are, and then bang, tension everywhere. It was easy to understand why Angela found this all so difficult. She had connected with Elle without knowing who she was, then her feelings towards what Elle might do to their family business meant she was conflicted. Elle had similar feelings upon learning who Angela was, but hers were more about wanting to prove she wasn’t some big, bad, city person there to destroy the business Angela’s family had worked so hard to make unique and personal when it came to the experience they offered their customers.
There were many twists in this story that kept me on the edge of my seat and dying to know how it was all going to play out. Elle had great visions and ideas but also wanted to respect Angela’s wishes to keep the heart they’d worked hard on for their business. She really was invested on a personal level and cared about them all, so I admired everything she ended up doing and adored the growing slow burn romance happening between them.
A fun story with heart and wonderful sentiments that really worked well with the cosy small town setting and feel of community, family, and home, running throughout it.
January 23, 2024
Delightful!
When small town Vermont cheesemaker Angie rescues city businesswoman Elle from a dangerous flood, the attraction between them combusts immediately. But after realizing Elle is in town to persuade Angie’s family to sell the business that is her legacy, their romance fizzles under the weight of a serious conflict of interest. Having feelings for each other is the last thing they need, but their hearts have other ideas.
Say Cheese is an adorable and spicy age gap, city girl/country girl romance that amuses, delights, and entertains in every single chapter. Elle and Angie’s immediate chemistry leaps off the page and, despite a host of misunderstandings and prejudices, the attraction grows into an authentic emotional connection that is heartwarming. The small town setting is absolutely glorious with its charming shops, restaurants, and natural beauty; and the side characters, including Angie’s hilariously chaotic family and precious St. Bernard complete this novel’s fun and immersive quality.
No one will need to yell, “Say Cheese!” for this story to leave readers grinning long after turning the last page.
When small town Vermont cheesemaker Angie rescues city businesswoman Elle from a dangerous flood, the attraction between them combusts immediately. But after realizing Elle is in town to persuade Angie’s family to sell the business that is her legacy, their romance fizzles under the weight of a serious conflict of interest. Having feelings for each other is the last thing they need, but their hearts have other ideas.
Say Cheese is an adorable and spicy age gap, city girl/country girl romance that amuses, delights, and entertains in every single chapter. Elle and Angie’s immediate chemistry leaps off the page and, despite a host of misunderstandings and prejudices, the attraction grows into an authentic emotional connection that is heartwarming. The small town setting is absolutely glorious with its charming shops, restaurants, and natural beauty; and the side characters, including Angie’s hilariously chaotic family and precious St. Bernard complete this novel’s fun and immersive quality.
No one will need to yell, “Say Cheese!” for this story to leave readers grinning long after turning the last page.
February 2, 2024
Picture Perfect!
Wonderfully written small town romance! The heat and steam between the MCs was palpable! Pretty low angst with an age gap that couldn’t smother the chemistry.
The one and only thing that had me questioning was that there wasn’t an apology. The anger and reaction was valid but when resolved there was no apology for what was said. Everything else about that scene and the book was amazing but I just kept thinking wait no simple sorry? Oh ok. Then the story flowed and was great.
Highly recommend!!
Wonderfully written small town romance! The heat and steam between the MCs was palpable! Pretty low angst with an age gap that couldn’t smother the chemistry.
The one and only thing that had me questioning was that there wasn’t an apology. The anger and reaction was valid but when resolved there was no apology for what was said. Everything else about that scene and the book was amazing but I just kept thinking wait no simple sorry? Oh ok. Then the story flowed and was great.
Highly recommend!!
March 22, 2024
Gosh, I am always gone for these sorts of cheesy (haha), overly fluffy / domestic romances!! I just love them so much!!
Also, I shall need to listen to this at some point!! I see that Lori Prince is the narrator, and I would listen to it solely to hear how she voices Angie’s father!! Even before I knew she narrated it, I kept thinking “wow, Lori Prince would be the perfect person to do the audiobook for this!!”
Also, I shall need to listen to this at some point!! I see that Lori Prince is the narrator, and I would listen to it solely to hear how she voices Angie’s father!! Even before I knew she narrated it, I kept thinking “wow, Lori Prince would be the perfect person to do the audiobook for this!!”
February 8, 2024
I enjoyed Say Cheese very much. It's a cute rom-com with some interesting takes on city vs country living.
Perfect for when outside is raining and you wanr something to warm up your heart.
Plus... cheese? Hello?! Who doesn't like cheese.
Perfect for when outside is raining and you wanr something to warm up your heart.
Plus... cheese? Hello?! Who doesn't like cheese.
May 31, 2024
3.5 ⭐'s
If you're looking for a reliable, familiar and low key sapphic read then this is it. Solid writing and character development, just didn't make me feel wow is all.
If you're looking for a reliable, familiar and low key sapphic read then this is it. Solid writing and character development, just didn't make me feel wow is all.
January 19, 2024
Another brilliant collaboration of TB & Miranda in this story about Elle and Angie. They meet in dramatic circumstances, but that doesn’t stop them falling for each other. This is a lovely story with good leading characters and a plot that keeps you invested right through the book. Would highly recommend.
September 17, 2024
Otro libro con una portada cuestionable que me leo
Entretenido y entrañable
Entretenido y entrañable
January 27, 2024
Great Title for a Great Book!
Say Cheese is the perfect title for this story because you’re smiling (if not laughing) throughout so much of it! Sure, there’s the opening drama of an almost fatal incident, but even that is lightened with humor wherever possible. And there’s the angst of whether Angie and Elle will ever get together or will Elle be able to save Angie’s family cheese company. All of that, the character developments, the “side” characters including the lovable St Bernard Chester, all wrap up in an awesome reading package complete with a happy ending - a wax paper wrapped package I’m sure!
Say Cheese is the perfect title for this story because you’re smiling (if not laughing) throughout so much of it! Sure, there’s the opening drama of an almost fatal incident, but even that is lightened with humor wherever possible. And there’s the angst of whether Angie and Elle will ever get together or will Elle be able to save Angie’s family cheese company. All of that, the character developments, the “side” characters including the lovable St Bernard Chester, all wrap up in an awesome reading package complete with a happy ending - a wax paper wrapped package I’m sure!
January 25, 2024
I have tears of joy in my eyes as I finish this book.
Miranda and TB are perhaps my favorite author duo, and this treat of a story was just what my heart needed. I have been anticipating this book since you started talking cheese! I love the setting, the characters are just so Vermont! I recall visiting a town along the river after a wicked flood and seeing the damage and the locals working together to bring the town back. It just felt right. This story is like that, it just feels right. Thanks for writing it.
Miranda and TB are perhaps my favorite author duo, and this treat of a story was just what my heart needed. I have been anticipating this book since you started talking cheese! I love the setting, the characters are just so Vermont! I recall visiting a town along the river after a wicked flood and seeing the damage and the locals working together to bring the town back. It just felt right. This story is like that, it just feels right. Thanks for writing it.
May 26, 2025
The prose itself has potential, although it’s spoiled by clunky pacing and characters whose intentions and thoughts seem to fluctuate way too much. I found myself dragging through the second half of the book, which is a shame because I enjoyed the fresh meet-cute set up that I hadn’t seen before. More of a 2 1/2 rather than a 2.
January 27, 2024
Very feel good.
This is a light-hearted, uplifting read with all the feels. The MCs are likeable and meant for each other even if they are city v country. There’s nothing like a small town where everyone knows everyone else, there’s a problem or problems to solve, a cute but very large dog, and two opposites heading in the same direction to their HEA.
This is a light-hearted, uplifting read with all the feels. The MCs are likeable and meant for each other even if they are city v country. There’s nothing like a small town where everyone knows everyone else, there’s a problem or problems to solve, a cute but very large dog, and two opposites heading in the same direction to their HEA.
January 27, 2024
Great HEA
This was a great book from start to finish. I love the way it is written and how the characters have a great sense of humor. How could they not with these two authors. Enjoy!
This was a great book from start to finish. I love the way it is written and how the characters have a great sense of humor. How could they not with these two authors. Enjoy!
January 27, 2024
Very fun read
These two authors write book together it's going to be good. This is a sweet romance. Also the book takes place in Vermont loved it the people are interesting and likeable. Very enjoyable read thanks for another winner.
These two authors write book together it's going to be good. This is a sweet romance. Also the book takes place in Vermont loved it the people are interesting and likeable. Very enjoyable read thanks for another winner.
August 15, 2024
this book was exactly what i needed! i’ve been reading only fantasy and sci fic for months, so i kinda needed something silly and very ordinary, this was it!
January 23, 2024
Rescue during a storm. Sex in front of the fire and being interrupted by the family! Who knew this could result in loosing your job and, rescuing a cheese business. That’s what all happened to Ella in the space of a couple of weeks. Angie was the rescuer, the cheese owner and, the owner of the family. Fate was definitely in the hands of the cards with these two! A brilliant wee story, well written and a great read. They’ve done it again these two! Loved it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews