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Say Something
First love is never easy, so when teen sweet-hearts Jessie and Toni’s secret affair is dramatically exposed at school, their world falls apart. Bullied by her peers and betrayed by Toni, Jessie has no choice but to move on, vowing never to trust again. Ten years on, in a strange twist of fate, the two women's worlds collide once more. This time, it is Jessie who holds the power. Now a prominent lawyer, she is called upon to assist the very person who betrayed her ten years ago. Can she put the past behind her to help a desperate Toni? Will she be able to deny the feelings for the only woman she has ever loved? After all, no one ever forgets their first love...
322 pages, Paperback
First published March 11, 2014
52 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Jade Winters
119 books215 followersWhile Jade Winters has been putting words together since she was a child, it wasn’t until 2010 that she became a serious writer. Today, as a full-time author, she has published four novels in the lesbian fiction genre as well as several short stories. Jade was born and educated in London where she studied journalism for three years at a London University. She is the youngest of 6 children born to a Nigerian father and English mother and blames her love of spicy food on her African heritage. Jade now makes her home in Dorset in the South of England with her partner and furry companions Zorro, Buttons and Zeus.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 29, 2018
4*
I enjoyed this book and the character development. The characters were relatable which is always nice. The storyline had a good flow, and the romance was 🔥
👍🏻👍🏻
I enjoyed this book and the character development. The characters were relatable which is always nice. The storyline had a good flow, and the romance was 🔥
👍🏻👍🏻
January 11, 2019
Rep: lesbian mcs
let this thread serve as a review because there's no way i'm reliving this book to write a proper one.
let this thread serve as a review because there's no way i'm reliving this book to write a proper one.
August 1, 2014
When I read a novel, I really want to like the main characters. At first I despised one of the main characters here, though, and I was wondering how I could ever like Toni. But as the story unfolds, it soon nearly physically hurts watching Toni not only how she betrays and hurts her love Jessie, but also how she ruins every chance of a happy life for herself.
Toni and Jessie are both well thought-through characters, who make mistakes, who suffer, who try to make things good, who fail, who don't dare to trust, who suffer more, who are so very real and so very loveable - yes, even Toni, especially Toni - that it is eventually a joy to follow their lovestory.
But it is also painful reading about it. How we grow up influences our lives, whether we like that or not. And sometimes things are harder for some people than for others. While Jessie has learned to make the best from her experiences, or so she thinks, Toni's past keeps pulling her back into being someone Toni despises herself.
But apparently they still love each other - so they have to start fighting for their love and for themselves. And as I said above, it's quite a pleasure watching them doing so.
Toni and Jessie are both well thought-through characters, who make mistakes, who suffer, who try to make things good, who fail, who don't dare to trust, who suffer more, who are so very real and so very loveable - yes, even Toni, especially Toni - that it is eventually a joy to follow their lovestory.
But it is also painful reading about it. How we grow up influences our lives, whether we like that or not. And sometimes things are harder for some people than for others. While Jessie has learned to make the best from her experiences, or so she thinks, Toni's past keeps pulling her back into being someone Toni despises herself.
But apparently they still love each other - so they have to start fighting for their love and for themselves. And as I said above, it's quite a pleasure watching them doing so.
March 17, 2017
Wow, just wow. I’m starting to realise I like emotional rollercoasters, and Say Something is definitely that, and a lot more. Unlike most books, that hold back the until two-thirds of the book in, Say Something gets going from the first few pages.
I really felt sorry for Jessie from the start, such a lovely girl who I can totally relate to, treated so horribly. But there’s a lovely balance of happy to take away the sad, and the sad parts don’t last too long. I didn’t find the ending that predictable either, I thought it might have ended differently.
I really felt sorry for Jessie from the start, such a lovely girl who I can totally relate to, treated so horribly. But there’s a lovely balance of happy to take away the sad, and the sad parts don’t last too long. I didn’t find the ending that predictable either, I thought it might have ended differently.
February 6, 2015
Really wasn't impressed with this author's style of writing. Her story jumped all over the place, was rushed, and honestly, Mila's POV wasn't a necessary staple to the story. The two main characters had no depth aside from holding a deep grudge and being a victim. I probably won't read anymore books by this author and wouldn't recommend this to anyone looking for a meaningful romance. This book really did have so much potential, I wish she would have given more thought and detail to the story and characters.
March 29, 2014
An enjoyable read but was disappointed in the editing (typos and wrong character name used in a few spots).
July 14, 2017
That ending...
I liked the book overall, but I am not to find of the ending. I feel like the author just wanted to wrap it up too quickly.
I liked the book overall, but I am not to find of the ending. I feel like the author just wanted to wrap it up too quickly.
June 19, 2017
This was a terribly written book that I only endured cause lesbians
April 22, 2025
Sadly, I had to DNF this book.
I just got through reading a fabulous coming of age lesbian romance and I thought this would be a nice segue into my wlw reading challenge, but I just really disliked the characters.
They had no depth and I still don't understand why they were attracted to each other in the first place. Some of the dialogue was entirely too dramatic for no reason and felt unrealistic. It's too bad because I had high hopes for this story. I hate DNF-ing books but I found myself skimming ahead just to see if things got better and nothing really stood out to me. I'll be donating my physical copy to a LFL. Hopefully someone else enjoys it more than I did. 🥲
I just got through reading a fabulous coming of age lesbian romance and I thought this would be a nice segue into my wlw reading challenge, but I just really disliked the characters.
They had no depth and I still don't understand why they were attracted to each other in the first place. Some of the dialogue was entirely too dramatic for no reason and felt unrealistic. It's too bad because I had high hopes for this story. I hate DNF-ing books but I found myself skimming ahead just to see if things got better and nothing really stood out to me. I'll be donating my physical copy to a LFL. Hopefully someone else enjoys it more than I did. 🥲
February 2, 2017
Different Kind of Love Story
Jade Winters is one of my favorite writers. She deals with a pervasive problem - bullying, and it's potential tragedy.
I was bullied by a couple of mean girls when I was a kid, and even though I am 65-years old now, the scars remain. Are they crippling? No. But sometimes they do rear their ugly heads.
Sometimes Jade ends her books too abruptly for my tastes. I think there could have been a few more chapters that would explore the developing relationship, so I was left feeling a little disappointed.
Jade Winters is one of my favorite writers. She deals with a pervasive problem - bullying, and it's potential tragedy.
I was bullied by a couple of mean girls when I was a kid, and even though I am 65-years old now, the scars remain. Are they crippling? No. But sometimes they do rear their ugly heads.
Sometimes Jade ends her books too abruptly for my tastes. I think there could have been a few more chapters that would explore the developing relationship, so I was left feeling a little disappointed.
July 28, 2020
Very good
I thought this book was an extremely good read! I loved the whole book and don’t really understand the few negative reviews I read before picking this book. How could anyone be negative on a book that describes what so many people go through and live with everyday?? I think the subtle romance and the way the book was written and perceived was uplifting!!! I read entire book straight through...
I thought this book was an extremely good read! I loved the whole book and don’t really understand the few negative reviews I read before picking this book. How could anyone be negative on a book that describes what so many people go through and live with everyday?? I think the subtle romance and the way the book was written and perceived was uplifting!!! I read entire book straight through...
June 17, 2017
Interesting
Love sad , bully and finally figure out true love... then they really love each other a lot ,are tone realize even Jesse but I am impress with them to teach bullies kids or teenager not to do that that will cost someone else love but on other hand love was complicated go on
Love sad , bully and finally figure out true love... then they really love each other a lot ,are tone realize even Jesse but I am impress with them to teach bullies kids or teenager not to do that that will cost someone else love but on other hand love was complicated go on
June 12, 2019
Jade Winters takes the everyday actions of peoples lives and spins the story to create awareness. This one is about verbal and physical abuse transitioning into adult hood relationships. How the thought process can influence your current life. I love her books, and on a mission to finish everyone she has written!
I have currently read 6 of them.
Thank you
I have currently read 6 of them.
Thank you
April 8, 2020
Loved It!
This story was very powerful and heartbreaking. Bullying is still a big issue today and I admire how it was handled. The relationship between Jessie and Toni was written so well. The ins and outs of their complicated history was bared for us to witness. But through it all the love was there. I am a big fan of Jade Winters.
This story was very powerful and heartbreaking. Bullying is still a big issue today and I admire how it was handled. The relationship between Jessie and Toni was written so well. The ins and outs of their complicated history was bared for us to witness. But through it all the love was there. I am a big fan of Jade Winters.
October 17, 2018
I couldn't put this book down!
A beautifully told love story.. My only criticism is.. their names should have been the other way around!.. (my personal opinion)..
A beautifully told love story.. My only criticism is.. their names should have been the other way around!.. (my personal opinion)..
April 1, 2020
A Story of Growing Up
High school bullies are not a thing to overlook. Growing up gay or with an abusive father is especially traumatic. Can victims reconnect and forgive the offenders? Recommend.
High school bullies are not a thing to overlook. Growing up gay or with an abusive father is especially traumatic. Can victims reconnect and forgive the offenders? Recommend.
June 10, 2021
I love the character growth. The POVs from different characters helped me to understand actions involved.
January 24, 2022
Great bok
I enjoyed this story. The fear of coming out and the bullying is such a reminder of what all people are going through today. Your books are amazing. Such great stories.
I enjoyed this story. The fear of coming out and the bullying is such a reminder of what all people are going through today. Your books are amazing. Such great stories.
February 2, 2023
great
As always this author never disappoints. Great read would recommend it. Jade winters is extremely talented. Love is always great to read about
As always this author never disappoints. Great read would recommend it. Jade winters is extremely talented. Love is always great to read about
January 17, 2017
Overall it was a light rom-com style story, very predictable, but also comfortable in that predictability. The author does confuse characters in at least a couple of places, which detracts from the immersion, but this is thankfully rare. The characters are fairly predictable, but sweet and engaging enough that by the end you're really wanting everything to work out for them. I'd give it 3.5 stars, but can't figure out a way to give half stars here, and it's not quite a 4 star book, but still a nice light read.
May 2, 2014
When teenage sweet hearts, Jessie and Toni’s clandestine love affair is exposed, not only does their world come crashing down around them, it nearly destroys one of them. It’s said that a first love is the sweetest, but not in their case.
Jessie’s world had been spiralling out of control for sometime, it was only Toni’s love and friendship that helped her cope. Unfortunately, the constant bullying by her peers and Toni’s ultimate betrayal leaves Jessie bereft and with no choice but to make some drastic changes. Jessie vows never to trust anyone again.
Ten years elapse. Jessie is now a powerful and prominent employment lawyer. When Jessie comes face to face with Toni, the woman who had betrayed her ten years earlier, her world begins to spin. Will Jessie be able to forgive Toni and put the past behind her? Will she be able to deny all the old feelings that come rushing back to her? Toni was her first love and her only love, will she be her last?
Another page turner from the very first page through to the last from Jade Winters. Each of her books are so very different. This book is about bullying and the consequences of a person being bullied. Not only bullying in schools amongst children and teens, but bullying within the work place. It happens far too often. Jade has portrayed these cases with knowledge, care and understanding. She has obviously researched the subject very well. Jade has picked a tough subject to write about, she’s done it extremely well and fearlessly.
Both Jessie and Toni are damaged, flawed characters in different ways. Each carrying their own secrets and living with their own personal hell. Each coping in her own way to get her life back on track.
In her school days, Jessie is the one needing help from Toni to stay strong. She is let down and betrayed. Fast forward ten years and the roles are reversed, Toni needs Jessie’s help. Whether Jessie will help Toni or not, is really down to whether she can find it in her heart to forgive her. It’s this journey that makes for powerful reading.
There are a few typos throughout, but nothing that pulled me out of the story. For the very reasonable price of the book, they can easily be forgiven.
I’m looking forward to Jade’s next book. She’s become one of my favorite authors.
Jessie’s world had been spiralling out of control for sometime, it was only Toni’s love and friendship that helped her cope. Unfortunately, the constant bullying by her peers and Toni’s ultimate betrayal leaves Jessie bereft and with no choice but to make some drastic changes. Jessie vows never to trust anyone again.
Ten years elapse. Jessie is now a powerful and prominent employment lawyer. When Jessie comes face to face with Toni, the woman who had betrayed her ten years earlier, her world begins to spin. Will Jessie be able to forgive Toni and put the past behind her? Will she be able to deny all the old feelings that come rushing back to her? Toni was her first love and her only love, will she be her last?
Another page turner from the very first page through to the last from Jade Winters. Each of her books are so very different. This book is about bullying and the consequences of a person being bullied. Not only bullying in schools amongst children and teens, but bullying within the work place. It happens far too often. Jade has portrayed these cases with knowledge, care and understanding. She has obviously researched the subject very well. Jade has picked a tough subject to write about, she’s done it extremely well and fearlessly.
Both Jessie and Toni are damaged, flawed characters in different ways. Each carrying their own secrets and living with their own personal hell. Each coping in her own way to get her life back on track.
In her school days, Jessie is the one needing help from Toni to stay strong. She is let down and betrayed. Fast forward ten years and the roles are reversed, Toni needs Jessie’s help. Whether Jessie will help Toni or not, is really down to whether she can find it in her heart to forgive her. It’s this journey that makes for powerful reading.
There are a few typos throughout, but nothing that pulled me out of the story. For the very reasonable price of the book, they can easily be forgiven.
I’m looking forward to Jade’s next book. She’s become one of my favorite authors.
October 20, 2015
This book provides much, fear, love, anguish, regret. wishes and desires, longing ..
At the beginning of the history i fall deep for the book, perhaps it could be desperate longing for love reflected on the first pages or perhaps the flash memory of how fragile we are when we are young and how deeply tended to feel what love is.
I dont want to spoil anything but i can only tell you this , if you are looking for a book of girl to girl you have one pretty much good here but for those who are looking for a deep history and even for some of us a healer to our own memories of first love, you found it! :)
This book provide you lot of feelings; good, bad, anger ... doesn't matter any one is allowed
Don't be afraid of your deep scars from your past
**** My own personal note ****
After some pages flow without even notice the time, i couldn't stop myself from keep reading and falling more for the history, the suffer in both girls all the guilty and regrets ... for some briefly moment it was as i was the one feeling all the emotions reflected in every latter
**************************************************************************************************
At the beginning of the history i fall deep for the book, perhaps it could be desperate longing for love reflected on the first pages or perhaps the flash memory of how fragile we are when we are young and how deeply tended to feel what love is.
I dont want to spoil anything but i can only tell you this , if you are looking for a book of girl to girl you have one pretty much good here but for those who are looking for a deep history and even for some of us a healer to our own memories of first love, you found it! :)
This book provide you lot of feelings; good, bad, anger ... doesn't matter any one is allowed
Don't be afraid of your deep scars from your past
**** My own personal note ****
After some pages flow without even notice the time, i couldn't stop myself from keep reading and falling more for the history, the suffer in both girls all the guilty and regrets ... for some briefly moment it was as i was the one feeling all the emotions reflected in every latter
**************************************************************************************************
January 5, 2017
Disappointing
5 stars for the theme of the book. Bullying does need to be addressed openly in every environment. The rest of the book was a major disappointment. Not one likable character in the entire book. Jessie came close but failed by allowing Toni back into her life time and again. Toni was truly pathetic. Forgiven for what she did? I don't think so. No one should be forgiven for pushing someone over the edge to a suicide attempt just because she lacks even the tiniest crumb of courage. Regardless of her home life she should have had at least a tiny something inside her that could have made her handle the situation with the letter better then stabbing the girl she claimed to love in the back in front of their classmates. I do not understand how the writer expected readers to like this character or any of the others. Nice effort but the character development ruined it. Possibly some of the worst characters I have read about in a very long time.
5 stars for the theme of the book. Bullying does need to be addressed openly in every environment. The rest of the book was a major disappointment. Not one likable character in the entire book. Jessie came close but failed by allowing Toni back into her life time and again. Toni was truly pathetic. Forgiven for what she did? I don't think so. No one should be forgiven for pushing someone over the edge to a suicide attempt just because she lacks even the tiniest crumb of courage. Regardless of her home life she should have had at least a tiny something inside her that could have made her handle the situation with the letter better then stabbing the girl she claimed to love in the back in front of their classmates. I do not understand how the writer expected readers to like this character or any of the others. Nice effort but the character development ruined it. Possibly some of the worst characters I have read about in a very long time.
July 24, 2023
I listened to this book on Audible and the story and narrator captured my attention from the beginning. When teenage sweethearts, Jessie and Toni's clandestine love affair is exposed by their bullying classmates, that nearly destroys Jessie when Toni betrays her. Ten years later, the shoe is on the other foot when Toni, who's being harassed at work, needs Jesse's help. Jessie just happens to be a speaker on bullying and harassment and a prominent employment lawyer.
There really wasn't much romance in this book, but Jade did a wonderful job tackling the world of bullying, both in school and in the work environment. This book felt well researched and was written with much care, emotion and understanding. Instead of the romance genre, perhaps this book should be sold under womens fiction as it is so relevant today!
There really wasn't much romance in this book, but Jade did a wonderful job tackling the world of bullying, both in school and in the work environment. This book felt well researched and was written with much care, emotion and understanding. Instead of the romance genre, perhaps this book should be sold under womens fiction as it is so relevant today!
October 26, 2015
Have I told you how much I loved Jade Winters? Truly, one of my favorite lesbian romance writers.
I love her stories. All of them; even the ones that don't work as well. However, I am glad to say that "Say Something," is actually one of my most favorite ones.
It's a great story that involves two women who were friends (and maybe more,) when they were younger, but an event that happened then tore them apart. Years later, they have a chance to connect. This story is their journey to discover is that's what they really want or not and how the event in the past can change many things in the future.
A delightful read from beginning to end.
I'm placing this in my favorites and to re-read collections.
Five stars.
I love her stories. All of them; even the ones that don't work as well. However, I am glad to say that "Say Something," is actually one of my most favorite ones.
It's a great story that involves two women who were friends (and maybe more,) when they were younger, but an event that happened then tore them apart. Years later, they have a chance to connect. This story is their journey to discover is that's what they really want or not and how the event in the past can change many things in the future.
A delightful read from beginning to end.
I'm placing this in my favorites and to re-read collections.
Five stars.
January 3, 2015
It's a story about self empowerment; recognising that you are worth more than the people around you and that you get to make the decisions in your life. But it's also about recognising that what you do affects other people and can have negative impacts on you all in the long run. But mostly, in my opinion, it's about not holding onto anger and regrets because you feel like you need to. You should do what makes you happy, be with who makes you happy. Even if they're done something wrong, if you can forgive them (but not let them think that you will let them do it again (EMPOWERMENT YO)) why make yourself be unhappy without them?
January 21, 2016
This book was just amazing, I cant begin to tell you how much i reccomend it. I just coudn't put it down!
the characters in my eyes were fawless; the main characters not only battling with their feelings with eachother but, with themselves in terms of self empowerment.
To how the side of the "villian" was a nice touch, so often you never see the face of evil and their story/character development.
While the story so well written, it felt cut short with a rushed end. That, or my dream of wanting it to never end took over.
I will definitely read this again, and check out some of the authors other books.
100% recommend.
Well done, Winters!
the characters in my eyes were fawless; the main characters not only battling with their feelings with eachother but, with themselves in terms of self empowerment.
To how the side of the "villian" was a nice touch, so often you never see the face of evil and their story/character development.
While the story so well written, it felt cut short with a rushed end. That, or my dream of wanting it to never end took over.
I will definitely read this again, and check out some of the authors other books.
100% recommend.
Well done, Winters!
June 3, 2014
Good book, bad ending.
Good book, bad ending.
I thought the book was really good. It was full of empowerment not only for the lesbian community, but for woman in general. The book flowed well, but I was hoping for a better ending.
Good book, bad ending.
I thought the book was really good. It was full of empowerment not only for the lesbian community, but for woman in general. The book flowed well, but I was hoping for a better ending.
April 2, 2014
Not a great read to be honest. I don't really see their reason for wanting to be together at all in the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews