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Ruby Lodge #1
Say You Mean It
The last thing city girl Blair Williams wants to do is travel to a remote island on a lake near the Minnesotan/Canadian border for her law firm’s company-wide retreat. Having long struggled with high-functioning depression and low self-esteem, she attempts to fake her way through the weekend while battling the ever-present melancholy and negative internal thoughts that plague her. While there, she takes comfort in the quiet and serene setting, befriending Graham, the owner of the barely surviving Ruby Lodge.
With his mom currently in the nursing home, suffering from Alzheimer’s, and his dad preoccupied with taking care of her, Graham Peterson is left to run the lodge and deal with the growing pile of bills that threaten to jeopardize its future.
After a successful retreat filled with various team-building activities, something small seems to shift inside Blair. Enough so that when Graham calls her weeks later, looking for legal advice, she doesn’t hesitate to drop everything and travel back to the island to help. When the work is done, will she end up returning to her lackluster life? Or will the lure of the quiet island and the way it—and Graham—makes her feel be too strong to resist?
With his mom currently in the nursing home, suffering from Alzheimer’s, and his dad preoccupied with taking care of her, Graham Peterson is left to run the lodge and deal with the growing pile of bills that threaten to jeopardize its future.
After a successful retreat filled with various team-building activities, something small seems to shift inside Blair. Enough so that when Graham calls her weeks later, looking for legal advice, she doesn’t hesitate to drop everything and travel back to the island to help. When the work is done, will she end up returning to her lackluster life? Or will the lure of the quiet island and the way it—and Graham—makes her feel be too strong to resist?
261 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2024
60 people are currently reading
1288 people want to read
About the author
Megan Reinking
7 books162 followersMegan Reinking is a wife and mother who lives in Minnesota, where she spends her days reading, writing, or chauffeuring her three children around town. She's a homebody who loves quiet, lazy days and connecting with family and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 211 reviews
February 27, 2025
Le sigh. I was victim to the cover. There's something about a gloomy day with pine trees, forests and a cozy cabin that speak to me so without *really* reading the synopsis I just jumped in blind.
╰┈➤ 1 star for the cover and another for Graham.
For a 260 or so page book, this seemed to drag on forever. Let me give a brief intro:
Blair our FMC is in an incredibly shitty relationship. This guy is literally the worst, but don't worry because he's hardly in the book. She's an attorney at a law firm and the firm decides to do a sort of bonding exercise out in the wilderness in northern Minnesota for a few days.
Kinda weird? Really gave me a National Lampoon's kind of vibe because these are city folks trying to rough it out in the woods. I wish I could say that there were funny moments but I really just sat there with my kindle and a straight face lol.
While out on this bonding trip, Blair meets our MMC Graham - he is the owner and operator of the little 'resort' the law firm stays at.
When Blair returns home to Chicago, after a few days, she receives a call from Graham who just received notice that he's being sued from a guest that recently stayed at the lodge for twisting their ankle.
Blair decides that the best thing for her to do in order to help Graham is to fly back out to the lodge and tackle it first hand.
╰⪼ Besties - I really wanted to love this one, but unfortunately it really started to put me in a bad mood. I love a good depression rep but I had a really hard time with Blair's character in this one. She had zero personality. Zip -zero, nada. She was extremely hard on herself. We get her negative internal thoughts as we're reading and they were horrible.
I understand that this can be a symptom of depression, so I'm not trying to take away from that but I didn't feel like their was any balance with her character. Not only was she having these horrible internal thoughts but she had the personality of a wet sock toward others.
╰┈➤ Honestly, the book started to depress me.
Aside from that, I didn't feel like there was much going on.
While Blair is out there helping Graham with his legal issues, he has to go visit his mother in the hospital who has Alzheimer's. So literally it's just Blair scrubbing cabins, Blair helping the cook cut up fruit salad, Blair checking guests in. 😐
╰┈➤ The romance doesn't even start to come into play until around the last 25ish% and it just fell short for me. I feel like Graham deserved better.
╰┈➤ There was no build up, no deliciousness - all and all just meh.
'For anyone struggling to quiet a harsh inner voice. I see you.'
╰┈➤ 1 star for the cover and another for Graham.
For a 260 or so page book, this seemed to drag on forever. Let me give a brief intro:
Blair our FMC is in an incredibly shitty relationship. This guy is literally the worst, but don't worry because he's hardly in the book. She's an attorney at a law firm and the firm decides to do a sort of bonding exercise out in the wilderness in northern Minnesota for a few days.
Kinda weird? Really gave me a National Lampoon's kind of vibe because these are city folks trying to rough it out in the woods. I wish I could say that there were funny moments but I really just sat there with my kindle and a straight face lol.
While out on this bonding trip, Blair meets our MMC Graham - he is the owner and operator of the little 'resort' the law firm stays at.
When Blair returns home to Chicago, after a few days, she receives a call from Graham who just received notice that he's being sued from a guest that recently stayed at the lodge for twisting their ankle.
Blair decides that the best thing for her to do in order to help Graham is to fly back out to the lodge and tackle it first hand.
╰⪼ Besties - I really wanted to love this one, but unfortunately it really started to put me in a bad mood. I love a good depression rep but I had a really hard time with Blair's character in this one. She had zero personality. Zip -zero, nada. She was extremely hard on herself. We get her negative internal thoughts as we're reading and they were horrible.
I understand that this can be a symptom of depression, so I'm not trying to take away from that but I didn't feel like their was any balance with her character. Not only was she having these horrible internal thoughts but she had the personality of a wet sock toward others.
╰┈➤ Honestly, the book started to depress me.
Aside from that, I didn't feel like there was much going on.
While Blair is out there helping Graham with his legal issues, he has to go visit his mother in the hospital who has Alzheimer's. So literally it's just Blair scrubbing cabins, Blair helping the cook cut up fruit salad, Blair checking guests in. 😐
╰┈➤ The romance doesn't even start to come into play until around the last 25ish% and it just fell short for me. I feel like Graham deserved better.
╰┈➤ There was no build up, no deliciousness - all and all just meh.
'For anyone struggling to quiet a harsh inner voice. I see you.'
March 12, 2025
Update: I can't decide between 4.5 or 5 stars so I'll go for 5 lol.This was such a cute comfort read with relatable and likeable characters.
Read this if you enjoy
▪︎ small town romance
▪︎ slow burn
▪︎ closed door romance
▪︎ mental health rep
▪︎ healing and finding your own happiness plot
Read this if you enjoy
▪︎ small town romance
▪︎ slow burn
▪︎ closed door romance
▪︎ mental health rep
▪︎ healing and finding your own happiness plot
March 11, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is my new favourite comfort read! 🥰 Say You Mean It is a story full of heart, hope and healing with amazing mental health rep and beautiful characters. It was honestly a joy to read.
If you're looking for your next comfort read, be sure to check this one out.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to book a vacay at a cabin by a lake...✈️
This book is my new favourite comfort read! 🥰 Say You Mean It is a story full of heart, hope and healing with amazing mental health rep and beautiful characters. It was honestly a joy to read.
If you're looking for your next comfort read, be sure to check this one out.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to book a vacay at a cabin by a lake...✈️
March 28, 2024
Okay I loved this book! It was such a heartwarming romance with self discovery that was so refreshing! I loved the slow burn of Blair and Graham. I felt like their romance was so sweet and realistic. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read this book! I would highly suggest adding this to your TBR list!
March 27, 2024
Read this if you like:
•Slow burn romances
•Mental health rep
•Small town romance
•Finding yourself & your happiness plot
•Only one tent
•Closed door romance
This book was such a delight. This is absolutely a comfort book. The detailed descriptions of up north Minnesota had me yearning for my next trip up north. Megan doesn’t great job bringing the magic of quintessential northern Minnesota into the writing. I loved the mental health rep & the finding your happiness part of the plot. Graham was so dang sweet and the perfect match for Blair.
Thank you Megan Reinking for the arc!!! This will be out in May!
•Slow burn romances
•Mental health rep
•Small town romance
•Finding yourself & your happiness plot
•Only one tent
•Closed door romance
This book was such a delight. This is absolutely a comfort book. The detailed descriptions of up north Minnesota had me yearning for my next trip up north. Megan doesn’t great job bringing the magic of quintessential northern Minnesota into the writing. I loved the mental health rep & the finding your happiness part of the plot. Graham was so dang sweet and the perfect match for Blair.
Thank you Megan Reinking for the arc!!! This will be out in May!
February 23, 2024
Hi, friends! I may be a bit biased, and I don’t mean to sound braggy, but I really am so so proud of this story. Say You Mean It was, in a lot of ways, cathartic and healing for me to write. It sits just a tad closer to my heart than my other books. I hope you enjoy your time at Ruby Lodge and that you feel warm, loved, and worthy by the time you finish reading it. 🫶🏻
May 13, 2024
I had the privilege of beta reading this gem and absolutely fell in love with Blair and Graham. After rereading the arc, I’ve decided that the best way to describe this book is: gentle. It’s a gentle warm hug of a story.
The self discovery and mental health journey for Blair was really well represented and fleshed out. Her friendship with Graham felt completely natural. The romance is definitely secondary, but once it comes, it’s so swoony!
Graham is 100% cinnamon roll. I love him. We must protect him at all costs. Even though he’s facing his own struggles with his family and business, he’s an incredible cheerleader and supporter for Blair the entire time. So many highlights in my kindle are things out of that man’s mouth!
The setting is a dream and had me looking for airbnbs on lakes, because I needed to sip coffee watching the sun rise over some water… or make smores on a shore… or hike through some woods. I love a book that can mentally take you on a trip so clearly that you want it in real life. This did it!
My favorite book from Megan yet- can’t wait for y’all to get your hands on it!
The self discovery and mental health journey for Blair was really well represented and fleshed out. Her friendship with Graham felt completely natural. The romance is definitely secondary, but once it comes, it’s so swoony!
Graham is 100% cinnamon roll. I love him. We must protect him at all costs. Even though he’s facing his own struggles with his family and business, he’s an incredible cheerleader and supporter for Blair the entire time. So many highlights in my kindle are things out of that man’s mouth!
The setting is a dream and had me looking for airbnbs on lakes, because I needed to sip coffee watching the sun rise over some water… or make smores on a shore… or hike through some woods. I love a book that can mentally take you on a trip so clearly that you want it in real life. This did it!
My favorite book from Megan yet- can’t wait for y’all to get your hands on it!
May 13, 2024
“𝓨𝓸𝓾’𝓻𝓮 𝓼𝓪𝓯𝓮 𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮.”
Rating: ★★★★☆
Spice: nada (closed door)
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 that beautifully intertwines the struggles of two main characters, Blair and Graham, while finding love along the way. The story delicately navigates themes of love, depression, family drama, and the complexities of life stress, offering readers a deeply moving and relatable story. I love that the struggles are depicted in an emotional but not overly dramatic way, as this also makes it easier to understand and relate to.
Blair and Graham’s relationship shows that if you truly love someone, nothing can get in the way of that. They brought out the best in each other, and were a good example of how to support someone through the struggles of mental health.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Spice: nada (closed door)
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 that beautifully intertwines the struggles of two main characters, Blair and Graham, while finding love along the way. The story delicately navigates themes of love, depression, family drama, and the complexities of life stress, offering readers a deeply moving and relatable story. I love that the struggles are depicted in an emotional but not overly dramatic way, as this also makes it easier to understand and relate to.
Blair and Graham’s relationship shows that if you truly love someone, nothing can get in the way of that. They brought out the best in each other, and were a good example of how to support someone through the struggles of mental health.
May 25, 2024
Say You Mean It had me hooked from start to finish. Highly recommend for anyone in need of a good love story and some self-discovery.
This is my first read by Megan Reinking and I’m ready for the next one! Megan perfectly intertwines the struggles of the MCs Blair and Graham with care and emotion. She builds a world and story surrounding delicate topics; love, depression, family struggles, life’s everyday stress and money struggles. The story is both powerful and relatable.
This book was a slow burn with closed door spice, but I honestly didn’t care (shocker!!) the story didn’t need it. The emotional connection between Blair and Graham was so beautifully written it stood entirely on its own.
I closed this book feeling warm hearted with a sudden urge to fly across the world to a cabin in Minnesota…. Anyone???
Huge thanks to the Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and the Author for sending me an ARC – all opinions are my own, of course!
This is my first read by Megan Reinking and I’m ready for the next one! Megan perfectly intertwines the struggles of the MCs Blair and Graham with care and emotion. She builds a world and story surrounding delicate topics; love, depression, family struggles, life’s everyday stress and money struggles. The story is both powerful and relatable.
This book was a slow burn with closed door spice, but I honestly didn’t care (shocker!!) the story didn’t need it. The emotional connection between Blair and Graham was so beautifully written it stood entirely on its own.
I closed this book feeling warm hearted with a sudden urge to fly across the world to a cabin in Minnesota…. Anyone???
Huge thanks to the Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and the Author for sending me an ARC – all opinions are my own, of course!
August 20, 2024
3.25 ⭐️
This was an enjoyable low-stakes read. I related a lot to Blair’s character and her struggle with mental health issues. While this was an easy and cosy read, I would’ve appreciated the story being a little longer to show more of the friends to lovers dynamic that forms between the two main characters and greater chronicle Blair’s mental health journey.
This was an enjoyable low-stakes read. I related a lot to Blair’s character and her struggle with mental health issues. While this was an easy and cosy read, I would’ve appreciated the story being a little longer to show more of the friends to lovers dynamic that forms between the two main characters and greater chronicle Blair’s mental health journey.
April 17, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Megan Reinking for an ARC of Say You Mean It! 💌♥️
WOW, I knew right away that this book was going to pull on my heart strings from the dedication alone!! Say You Mean It follows Blaire, a lawyer from Chicago who suffers from a very harsh inner critic and high functioning depression on her journey of discovering herself and healing, as well as Graham, the caretaker of a sweet little island lodge in way northern Minnesota as he navigates family hardships and the lodge itself.
I immediately fell in love with Graham - my goodness this man felt like SUNSHINE to read!!! His character was such a breath of fresh air. He is kind, thoughtful, so intentional, and when I tell you this man loves serving others HE WON ME RIGHT AWAY. And sweet Blaire.. this girl deserves the world. Reading her POV broke my heart most of the book and had me rooting for her to find her healing and accomplish what she wanted to.
This is a really sweet and beautiful story of healing, coming alive, & choosing and finding yourself, along with such a fun setting at a little cabin lodge in the woods (goals, take me there now). Also, this is a closed door romance (no spice!) which I really appreciated! Absolutely loved this. Highly recommend if you’re wanting a heart warming, make-your-eyes-water romance!
Say You Mean It will be published & available to everyone on May 14, 2024.
WOW, I knew right away that this book was going to pull on my heart strings from the dedication alone!! Say You Mean It follows Blaire, a lawyer from Chicago who suffers from a very harsh inner critic and high functioning depression on her journey of discovering herself and healing, as well as Graham, the caretaker of a sweet little island lodge in way northern Minnesota as he navigates family hardships and the lodge itself.
I immediately fell in love with Graham - my goodness this man felt like SUNSHINE to read!!! His character was such a breath of fresh air. He is kind, thoughtful, so intentional, and when I tell you this man loves serving others HE WON ME RIGHT AWAY. And sweet Blaire.. this girl deserves the world. Reading her POV broke my heart most of the book and had me rooting for her to find her healing and accomplish what she wanted to.
This is a really sweet and beautiful story of healing, coming alive, & choosing and finding yourself, along with such a fun setting at a little cabin lodge in the woods (goals, take me there now). Also, this is a closed door romance (no spice!) which I really appreciated! Absolutely loved this. Highly recommend if you’re wanting a heart warming, make-your-eyes-water romance!
Say You Mean It will be published & available to everyone on May 14, 2024.
April 22, 2024
4⭐
ARC review:-
I can totally understand Blair's because at some dark eara of my life I have been like her but all I had was my self, I didn't have Graham to help me....
So when you first meet Blair her thought was like:
𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒇𝒊𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆.
𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒆. 𝑵𝒐 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒔.
𝒀𝒆𝒔, 𝒅𝒐 𝒊𝒕. 𝑮𝒐 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒖𝒑 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆
Then we went to "𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒎𝒖𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒔?".
These small acts are like magic for any one who is suffering from depression, especially if she/he isn't a talkative person :(
And when she opened up to Graham he said "𝑰𝒇 𝒊𝒕 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍 𝒕𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔" , maybe it looks like a normal words but trust me it everything✧*。
Actually I really felt everything Blair did or thought about because I know this dark spot and I know how bad it is, I mean going from " 𝑰'𝒎 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆. 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒐. 𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝑰 𝒇𝒊𝒕" to knowing exactly that you're worth it isn't easy at all and needs a lot of efforts and brave decisions to finally say "𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆. 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓. 𝑰 𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒆."
The way Graham gave her support and space to let her choose herself first was incredible, he gave her space but he was there, he was always there for her..."𝑰 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒉 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇." .
This book was really worth it and if you are depressed and have these annoying inner thoughts/voices you need to get that book on 14 May, 2024 ♡
Read if you like:
♪small twon vibes🍂
♪mental health rep 💌
♪finding yourself and your happens ✨
♪Caring MMC X depressed FMC
♪warm and cozy read
*And my advice is that you are a wonderful person so don't lower your standards because your thoughts say that you don't deserve any good treatment, you deserve all the love in the world, you deserve everything and keep that in your mind:
If you feel uncomfortable in a relationship/friendship end it.
If you are with someone who gives you less than what you deserve leave him.
Life is too short to waste your time and destroy your mental health because of some voice that isn't even real...you determine your worth not anyone else, not even the people around you...
ARC review:-
I can totally understand Blair's because at some dark eara of my life I have been like her but all I had was my self, I didn't have Graham to help me....
So when you first meet Blair her thought was like:
𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒇𝒊𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆.
𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒆. 𝑵𝒐 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒔.
𝒀𝒆𝒔, 𝒅𝒐 𝒊𝒕. 𝑮𝒐 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒖𝒑 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆
Then we went to "𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒎𝒖𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒔?".
These small acts are like magic for any one who is suffering from depression, especially if she/he isn't a talkative person :(
And when she opened up to Graham he said "𝑰𝒇 𝒊𝒕 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍 𝒕𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔" , maybe it looks like a normal words but trust me it everything✧*。
Actually I really felt everything Blair did or thought about because I know this dark spot and I know how bad it is, I mean going from " 𝑰'𝒎 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆. 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒐. 𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝑰 𝒇𝒊𝒕" to knowing exactly that you're worth it isn't easy at all and needs a lot of efforts and brave decisions to finally say "𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆. 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓. 𝑰 𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒆."
The way Graham gave her support and space to let her choose herself first was incredible, he gave her space but he was there, he was always there for her..."𝑰 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒉 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇." .
This book was really worth it and if you are depressed and have these annoying inner thoughts/voices you need to get that book on 14 May, 2024 ♡
Read if you like:
♪small twon vibes🍂
♪mental health rep 💌
♪finding yourself and your happens ✨
♪Caring MMC X depressed FMC
♪warm and cozy read
*And my advice is that you are a wonderful person so don't lower your standards because your thoughts say that you don't deserve any good treatment, you deserve all the love in the world, you deserve everything and keep that in your mind:
If you feel uncomfortable in a relationship/friendship end it.
If you are with someone who gives you less than what you deserve leave him.
Life is too short to waste your time and destroy your mental health because of some voice that isn't even real...you determine your worth not anyone else, not even the people around you...
March 3, 2024
5 stars.
🛶 The vibes:
- dual pov
- cabins on remote island
- Mental health rep
- Slow burn
- Strangers to friends to lovers
🌲 My thoughts:
I feel like this is Megan’s best work. (I love Megan’s books - so this says something for me). I felt like these characters were so sweet. The entire story felt so cozy but also very deep. I wanted to give both Graham and Blair a big hug for all they were going through individually.
🌲 I felt like Blair’s depression and her journey through it was so meaningful. This book was super enjoyable to me- but more than that, I felt like it was an important story to be told.
🌲 Depression doesn’t break us or make us less worthy of joy and love. It doesn’t dictate our future or determine what we deserve out of life. It’s worth fighting everyday to find safety and joy and life.
Check TW if you have concerns.
Release date: May 14, 2024
Thank you so much to Megan Reinking for the gifted copy.
🛶 The vibes:
- dual pov
- cabins on remote island
- Mental health rep
- Slow burn
- Strangers to friends to lovers
🌲 My thoughts:
I feel like this is Megan’s best work. (I love Megan’s books - so this says something for me). I felt like these characters were so sweet. The entire story felt so cozy but also very deep. I wanted to give both Graham and Blair a big hug for all they were going through individually.
🌲 I felt like Blair’s depression and her journey through it was so meaningful. This book was super enjoyable to me- but more than that, I felt like it was an important story to be told.
🌲 Depression doesn’t break us or make us less worthy of joy and love. It doesn’t dictate our future or determine what we deserve out of life. It’s worth fighting everyday to find safety and joy and life.
Check TW if you have concerns.
Release date: May 14, 2024
Thank you so much to Megan Reinking for the gifted copy.
May 1, 2024
Megan Reinking always does such a beautiful job writing deep topics and really capturing the essence of her settings! Ruby Lodge sounded so wonderful and I wish I could go there myself!
Say You Mean It was such a cute and cozy read that just warms your heart! It felt like being wrapped in a warm blanket on a rainy day ❤️
Say You Mean It was such a cute and cozy read that just warms your heart! It felt like being wrapped in a warm blanket on a rainy day ❤️
May 5, 2024
- 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.
- 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.
April 11, 2024
***ARC REVIEW***
Say You Mean It releases 5/14/2024.
[3.5 Stars😊] Say You Mean It was my first book by Megan Reinking, and I thought it was a sweet story with an uplifting theme. I loved how Megan Reinking wrote Graham and Blair's emotional entanglement through the lens of friendship and mental health and then gave us the romantic element. I thought it helped to create a "safety net" foundation for Blair to work through her fears, anxiety, and mental obstacles that kept her from truly living and keeping everyone at arms-length. Graham was such a sweetheart, cinnamon roll character because he unconditionally supported and cared for Blair, and his thoughtfulness made my heart melt.
I love to read all spice levels in my romance books, and I enjoyed that Say You Mean It was a clean romance, letting the book rely on relationship and character development. However, I wish the book was longer to allow the friendship-turned-romance between Graham and Blair to simmer longer because I missed the tension and chemistry. I would have loved to have had one or two more will they/won't they moments because I love those moments so much!
Overall, I enjoyed Say You Mean It and hope to read another Megan Reinking book in the future!
+A huge thank you to NetGalley and Megan Reinking for the arc of Say You Mean It! All thoughts in this review are my own.
____________________________________
Details:
💘Contemporary romance
👀Dual, first-person POV
🏡Small town romance
🌹No third act breakup
Tropes:
🍰Cinnamon roll MMC
📍Forced proximity
💙He falls first
🧲Opposites attract
🤐Secrets
🧨Slow burn
Spice:
🌸None (Clean)
____________________________________
Emoji Ranking System:
🤩Fantastic (4.75-5.00)
😍Great (4.25-4.75)
😊Good, but not great (3.50-4.25)
😒Just OK (2.75-3.50)
😑It's A No (1.00-2.75)
🚫DNF
Say You Mean It releases 5/14/2024.
[3.5 Stars😊] Say You Mean It was my first book by Megan Reinking, and I thought it was a sweet story with an uplifting theme. I loved how Megan Reinking wrote Graham and Blair's emotional entanglement through the lens of friendship and mental health and then gave us the romantic element. I thought it helped to create a "safety net" foundation for Blair to work through her fears, anxiety, and mental obstacles that kept her from truly living and keeping everyone at arms-length. Graham was such a sweetheart, cinnamon roll character because he unconditionally supported and cared for Blair, and his thoughtfulness made my heart melt.
I love to read all spice levels in my romance books, and I enjoyed that Say You Mean It was a clean romance, letting the book rely on relationship and character development. However, I wish the book was longer to allow the friendship-turned-romance between Graham and Blair to simmer longer because I missed the tension and chemistry. I would have loved to have had one or two more will they/won't they moments because I love those moments so much!
Overall, I enjoyed Say You Mean It and hope to read another Megan Reinking book in the future!
+A huge thank you to NetGalley and Megan Reinking for the arc of Say You Mean It! All thoughts in this review are my own.
____________________________________
Details:
💘Contemporary romance
👀Dual, first-person POV
🏡Small town romance
🌹No third act breakup
Tropes:
🍰Cinnamon roll MMC
📍Forced proximity
💙He falls first
🧲Opposites attract
🤐Secrets
🧨Slow burn
Spice:
🌸None (Clean)
____________________________________
Emoji Ranking System:
🤩Fantastic (4.75-5.00)
😍Great (4.25-4.75)
😊Good, but not great (3.50-4.25)
😒Just OK (2.75-3.50)
😑It's A No (1.00-2.75)
🚫DNF
March 31, 2024
This was such a sweet and fun story! Blair is forced to visit Ruby Lodge on a remote island in Minnesota for a work retreat. She has suffered from anxiety, depression and low self-esteem for a long time, but she takes comfort in the beautiful setting and the sweet, handsome man Graham who runs the resort. When she receives a call from Graham asking for legal advice, she returns to the resort to provide support. This was a beautiful story about love, friendship and healing. I could really relate to Blair and I really loved the mental health representation in this book. I loved Megan’s writing style and I really hope she continues this series!
Tropes:
▫️Small town romance
▫️City girl x country boy
▫️Strangers-to-friends-to-lovers
▫️Cinnamon roll MMC
▫️Mental health representation
Thank you to Megan Reinking and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Tropes:
▫️Small town romance
▫️City girl x country boy
▫️Strangers-to-friends-to-lovers
▫️Cinnamon roll MMC
▫️Mental health representation
Thank you to Megan Reinking and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Read
April 23, 2024"You're not sick of me yet?" I murmur.
I can feel the shake of his head against the back of my neck. "No," he whispers, getting closer to my ear. "The opposite...”
✨THINGS AND STUFF ✨
-dual pov
-lawyers from chicago
-weekend retreat in the middle of lake of the woods, minnesota
-unexpected friends to lovers
-she’s a lawyer & he runs the lodge
-“you’re safe here”
-soul searching
-hikes & canoeing
-mental health rep
-#IsThisAKissingBook: closed door. his nonchalant affection 🥹 and bear hugs.
I can feel the shake of his head against the back of my neck. "No," he whispers, getting closer to my ear. "The opposite...”
✨THINGS AND STUFF ✨
-dual pov
-lawyers from chicago
-weekend retreat in the middle of lake of the woods, minnesota
-unexpected friends to lovers
-she’s a lawyer & he runs the lodge
-“you’re safe here”
-soul searching
-hikes & canoeing
-mental health rep
-#IsThisAKissingBook: closed door. his nonchalant affection 🥹 and bear hugs.
June 9, 2024
This was really good, it was a mellow read but had a lot of mental health related undertones.
The female mc was in an emotional abusive relationship but didn’t understand that. She was depressed but not in the way she wanted to end her life she just felt the misery is what she deserved.
There was a lot of good character development, the female mc at the end of the book was like an entirely new character because of her character development.
The male mc was very boring though tbh, I didn’t care for his family drama, but the female mcs backstory made up for it. Minus the unnecessary “Blair bear” nickname.
The female mc was in an emotional abusive relationship but didn’t understand that. She was depressed but not in the way she wanted to end her life she just felt the misery is what she deserved.
There was a lot of good character development, the female mc at the end of the book was like an entirely new character because of her character development.
The male mc was very boring though tbh, I didn’t care for his family drama, but the female mcs backstory made up for it. Minus the unnecessary “Blair bear” nickname.
November 17, 2024
This book is a journey. It’s not for readers who are looking for a light, fun read. I’ve never been diagnosed with depression but could very much empathize with Blair dealing with those terrible and intrusive thoughts.
This was a story about her healing and growing as much as it was a romance with Graham. Both characters faced trials and struggles, but together they forged a friendship and camaraderie that pulled them through their darkness.
Some things to note:
Say You Mean It has a handful of swear words and contains multiple fade-to-black/closed-door scenes between an unmarried couple.
This was a story about her healing and growing as much as it was a romance with Graham. Both characters faced trials and struggles, but together they forged a friendship and camaraderie that pulled them through their darkness.
Some things to note:
Say You Mean It has a handful of swear words and contains multiple fade-to-black/closed-door scenes between an unmarried couple.
January 5, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Ah this was super sweet, I loved the way that the FMC just fell in love with the island and with Graham - they were both exactly what she needed in her life. My only gripe was that I wanted MORE - more about their past and more of the two of them together!
Ah this was super sweet, I loved the way that the FMC just fell in love with the island and with Graham - they were both exactly what she needed in her life. My only gripe was that I wanted MORE - more about their past and more of the two of them together!
April 13, 2024
3-3.5⭐️
💧Fade to black slow burn
⛴️ Small Town
💧 Mental health rep (depression, parents with dementia)
⛴️Found family
💧 Dual POV
Blair is a successful lawyer from Chicago who is struggling with depression and finding joy in her everyday life. Her relationship is lack luster at best and she feels stuck…
Until she is required to attend a work trip in the middle of nowhere Minnesota. Will Tikini Island be her personal hell for the weekend or will the handsome bartender give her something to look forward to?
Graham is struggling.. balancing the Lodge that’s in financial trouble and a mother that doesn’t remember him. The weight on his shoulders feels overwhelming so when a clumsy guest threatens to sue the Lodge over a fluke accident, he finds himself in need of a good lawyer.
This is a fade to black slow burn romance with characters that will just make your heart happy. However, there are heavier topics discussed in this book, so be mindful of any trigger warnings prior to reading.
If you’re looking for a laidback, comfort read or the perfect palette cleanser this might be the book for you.
I didn’t find this book to really stand out and parts were very predictable, but it was still an enjoyable read!
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book!
💧Fade to black slow burn
⛴️ Small Town
💧 Mental health rep (depression, parents with dementia)
⛴️Found family
💧 Dual POV
Blair is a successful lawyer from Chicago who is struggling with depression and finding joy in her everyday life. Her relationship is lack luster at best and she feels stuck…
Until she is required to attend a work trip in the middle of nowhere Minnesota. Will Tikini Island be her personal hell for the weekend or will the handsome bartender give her something to look forward to?
Graham is struggling.. balancing the Lodge that’s in financial trouble and a mother that doesn’t remember him. The weight on his shoulders feels overwhelming so when a clumsy guest threatens to sue the Lodge over a fluke accident, he finds himself in need of a good lawyer.
This is a fade to black slow burn romance with characters that will just make your heart happy. However, there are heavier topics discussed in this book, so be mindful of any trigger warnings prior to reading.
If you’re looking for a laidback, comfort read or the perfect palette cleanser this might be the book for you.
I didn’t find this book to really stand out and parts were very predictable, but it was still an enjoyable read!
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book!
September 25, 2024
This was a feel-good, dual POV, small island town kissing only romance between the man who runs a hunting/sports lodge and a clinically depressed lawyer who falls in love with him and his island while staying there for a work retreat. Megan Reinkling was a new to me indie author and I thought this was a solid book. Light on the steam but big on the emotional depth, this story explores high-functioning depression and the challenges of a having a parent with Alzheimer's. Just okay as an audiobook for me since there was only one narrator and I didn't love the way she voiced the male lead's parts. Many thanks to NetGalley and the author for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review. Recommended for fans of authors like Madison Wright.
March 19, 2024
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.
Thank you so much Megan Reinking and NetGalley for allowing me to receive a copy of this book.
February 22, 2025
This book surprised me! I didn’t expect to connect with the characters so much and feel all the feelings. I was crying at 7am!
It also has a different feel from other romances and I loved that! Blair has high-functioning depression. While visiting Takini Island in northern Minnesota she learns how to fight for herself and choose what makes her happy and fills her soul. I found it to be just what the author promised - a heartwarming, emotional, soothing read. Graham is so so sweet! I love him. Annie is such an amazing friend to Blair. There’s lots of mentions of Shirley’s cooking and baked goods..made me hungry lol
I love that the author shared a playlist for the book on her page. Books with playlists make a superior reading experience☺️
This is a fade to black romance.
Quotes:
“I really don’t know what normal feels like anymore. It’s hard to fight for something that feels so out of reach, especially when I’m not entirely sure I’ve ever known it.”
“It’s okay if you don’t want to go home yet. If you want to stay. You’re safe here—safe to figure out whatever it is you need to.”
————————
(longer quote/conversation I just have to include)
“I’m just wondering how people do it,” I answer, equally as soft. “Go through life just letting circumstances and events happen to them, constantly pulling their emotions in different directions. Is it all worth it, if it always ebbs and flows? Does happiness ever really last? Does the sadness come on stronger the next time because now you’ve had farther to fall from?”
“That’s called being alive, Blair.
Life is shitty a lot of the time. I don’t know anyone who’s been able to figure out how to avoid that part. But there are also some really incredible moments too, if you can hold out long enough. Those heart-soaring, feel-like-you’re-about-to-burst kinds of times. And to me, life is all about grasping onto the high moments and hoping like hell that they’ll carry you through the low ones. You just gotta find what lights up your soul, Blair—and cling to it for dear life. ‘Cause those moments are worth everything else—in my opinion, anyway.”
————————
“It’s not lost on me that I used to crave going to sleep. I couldn’t wait until I could crawl into bed and finally disappear into my empty dreams. But here with him tonight, I’m desperately fighting to stay awake. To spend a few more seconds in his arms and under the stars.”✨
It also has a different feel from other romances and I loved that! Blair has high-functioning depression. While visiting Takini Island in northern Minnesota she learns how to fight for herself and choose what makes her happy and fills her soul. I found it to be just what the author promised - a heartwarming, emotional, soothing read. Graham is so so sweet! I love him. Annie is such an amazing friend to Blair. There’s lots of mentions of Shirley’s cooking and baked goods..made me hungry lol
I love that the author shared a playlist for the book on her page. Books with playlists make a superior reading experience☺️
This is a fade to black romance.
Quotes:
“I really don’t know what normal feels like anymore. It’s hard to fight for something that feels so out of reach, especially when I’m not entirely sure I’ve ever known it.”
“It’s okay if you don’t want to go home yet. If you want to stay. You’re safe here—safe to figure out whatever it is you need to.”
————————
(longer quote/conversation I just have to include)
“I’m just wondering how people do it,” I answer, equally as soft. “Go through life just letting circumstances and events happen to them, constantly pulling their emotions in different directions. Is it all worth it, if it always ebbs and flows? Does happiness ever really last? Does the sadness come on stronger the next time because now you’ve had farther to fall from?”
“That’s called being alive, Blair.
Life is shitty a lot of the time. I don’t know anyone who’s been able to figure out how to avoid that part. But there are also some really incredible moments too, if you can hold out long enough. Those heart-soaring, feel-like-you’re-about-to-burst kinds of times. And to me, life is all about grasping onto the high moments and hoping like hell that they’ll carry you through the low ones. You just gotta find what lights up your soul, Blair—and cling to it for dear life. ‘Cause those moments are worth everything else—in my opinion, anyway.”
————————
“It’s not lost on me that I used to crave going to sleep. I couldn’t wait until I could crawl into bed and finally disappear into my empty dreams. But here with him tonight, I’m desperately fighting to stay awake. To spend a few more seconds in his arms and under the stars.”✨
May 19, 2024
Let me just start off by listing the things that I liked about this book:
I really appreciated the raw, real perspective on depression that we got with Blair's character. I thought the author did a great job at describing how bleak and numb it can be and how it's not something that can just be cured.
The setting and the small town feel of the lodge honestly seemed picturesque. I love how tight knit Graham's employees were. It seemed like the perfect place for a getaway. I completely understood how Blair fell in love with it.
Another thing I liked was how accurate Blair's job as a lawyer was portrayed. As someone who works in the legal field, it was fun to see stuff talked about that I'm familiar with in a specifically accurate way instead of the usual general terms you get when a main character is a lawyer.
Unfortunately, I didn't really like this book. I love character driven stories, but this one was kind of boring? I also adore a slow burn, but because usually there's some really good tension or build up that will have me going feral over something like their pinkies brushing, but we didn't even get so much as a charged moment between them until like 60%?? They seemed more like friends than anything and honestly, that would have been fine, but it just didn't really have me wanting to stick around and keep reading (though I did)
Also, this was my bad, but I see now that one of the genres listed under this book on GR is "clean romance" (hate that term btw) but since I don't read blurbs, I wasn't expecting the closed door romance lmao. Don't get me wrong, I have read and loved many closed door romances, but in this case it was just so unsatisfying after no build up or tension but I can't fault the book for it since it's clearly listed - that's on me. I'd never heard of this author before or had read any of her other stuff, but I don't think I'll be reading any more from her.
I really appreciated the raw, real perspective on depression that we got with Blair's character. I thought the author did a great job at describing how bleak and numb it can be and how it's not something that can just be cured.
The setting and the small town feel of the lodge honestly seemed picturesque. I love how tight knit Graham's employees were. It seemed like the perfect place for a getaway. I completely understood how Blair fell in love with it.
Another thing I liked was how accurate Blair's job as a lawyer was portrayed. As someone who works in the legal field, it was fun to see stuff talked about that I'm familiar with in a specifically accurate way instead of the usual general terms you get when a main character is a lawyer.
Unfortunately, I didn't really like this book. I love character driven stories, but this one was kind of boring? I also adore a slow burn, but because usually there's some really good tension or build up that will have me going feral over something like their pinkies brushing, but we didn't even get so much as a charged moment between them until like 60%?? They seemed more like friends than anything and honestly, that would have been fine, but it just didn't really have me wanting to stick around and keep reading (though I did)
Also, this was my bad, but I see now that one of the genres listed under this book on GR is "clean romance" (hate that term btw) but since I don't read blurbs, I wasn't expecting the closed door romance lmao. Don't get me wrong, I have read and loved many closed door romances, but in this case it was just so unsatisfying after no build up or tension but I can't fault the book for it since it's clearly listed - that's on me. I'd never heard of this author before or had read any of her other stuff, but I don't think I'll be reading any more from her.
March 13, 2024
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!
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!
March 27, 2024
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 for writing this book, Megan - so many of us needed it.
***
Also thank you to NetGalley and the author for an ARC of this book.
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 for writing this book, Megan - so many of us needed it.
***
Also thank you to NetGalley and the author for an ARC of this book.
April 5, 2024
3/5 ⭐️
This was such a cutie cozy read, Graham was such a pure soul, he was so attentive towards Blair which was the sweetest.
Everything was described in a way you can clearly envision what you’re reading which was such a sweet romance. This book takes place on a remote island where Blair goes on a retreat with her coworkers and meets Graham, the owner of Ruby Lodge which is struggling to stay a float. We get to see Blair and Grahams relationship become stronger through time. Although this was a 3 star for me I can see why other readers love it but for me the slow burn was just a bit too slow and lacklustre, this was also a closed door romance which I have never read before and found out I’m not the biggest fan of 👀
I loved the coziness of the whole book, I loved the connection Blair and Graham built through trust and communication 🤌, I loved Shirley bless her soul I want to feed people like she does 😂
🍂 Cozy vibe
🍂 Small town
🍂 Mental health rep
🍂 Slow burn
🍂 Closed door romance
A few trigger warnings, this book addresses the characters struggle with depression and low self esteem also the challenges connected with caring for a parent with alzheimers, the way Megan wrote about these topics with care is something I appreciate so much.
Thank you #NetGalley #SayYouMeanIt
This was such a cutie cozy read, Graham was such a pure soul, he was so attentive towards Blair which was the sweetest.
Everything was described in a way you can clearly envision what you’re reading which was such a sweet romance. This book takes place on a remote island where Blair goes on a retreat with her coworkers and meets Graham, the owner of Ruby Lodge which is struggling to stay a float. We get to see Blair and Grahams relationship become stronger through time. Although this was a 3 star for me I can see why other readers love it but for me the slow burn was just a bit too slow and lacklustre, this was also a closed door romance which I have never read before and found out I’m not the biggest fan of 👀
I loved the coziness of the whole book, I loved the connection Blair and Graham built through trust and communication 🤌, I loved Shirley bless her soul I want to feed people like she does 😂
🍂 Cozy vibe
🍂 Small town
🍂 Mental health rep
🍂 Slow burn
🍂 Closed door romance
A few trigger warnings, this book addresses the characters struggle with depression and low self esteem also the challenges connected with caring for a parent with alzheimers, the way Megan wrote about these topics with care is something I appreciate so much.
Thank you #NetGalley #SayYouMeanIt
April 5, 2024
Quick intro:
Graham runs a struggling lodge in Northern Minnesota and Blair is a big-city attorney with high functioning depression. They meet when her law firm has a retreat at the Ruby Lodge. We follow her mental health journey and ultimately her discovery of what truly makes her happy.
Quick thoughts:
This was a quick, light, and easy romance read perfectly paired with a warm cup of coffee or glass of wine. There wasn’t anything about this book that made it particularly unique or mind blowing, but I’d still recommend it if you are looking for an easy, low-stakes, and closed door romance. At less than 300 pages, you’ll be able to fly through it.
Both of the MCs are likeable enough, I just was left wanting more out of the story I guess. I appreciated how the author handled Blair’s mental health struggle, the positive therapy representation, and her healing journey. And Graham was the perfect match for Blair on her journey - he was a good communicator and cared for her really well.
Read if you like mental health rep, woodsy settings, small-town feel, no third act breakup, closed door, and slow burn.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for early access to this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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