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Ruby Lodge #2

If You Say So

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When Sydney Peterson’s mother was first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s years ago, her gut
reaction was to run, finding it much too hard to stay and face the harsh reality. Years later, she
finds herself back home in northern Minnesota as the lead architect on a large renovation project,
and she’s determined to push aside the lingering heartbreak that ruminates while she’s there. As
if that wasn’t hard enough, she comes face to face with another ghost from her past—one she
has long despised. Cole Fredrickson. A grumpy cabin owner who refuses to sell the land she
was hoping to attain.

When a phone call inquiring about the sale of his cabin prompts Cole Fredrickson to
travel home to check on the property, he finds the place in need of some fixing up after having
neglected it for far too long. While there, he encounters not only past demons of his own, but a
spunky, hint-of-a-flame from high school who proves to be irritatingly persistent about buying it.
What she doesn’t know is that he doesn’t plan on ever selling—especially to her. But that
doesn’t mean he won’t enjoy watching her try.

Will their pasts threaten to keep them both firmly stuck in their ways? Or will coming
together prove to be exactly what the other needs to heal?

Kindle Edition

Published April 24, 2025

10 people are currently reading
205 people want to read

About the author

Megan Reinking

7 books162 followers
Megan 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 112 reviews
Profile Image for Alya ( 20 comments restriction ).
465 reviews149 followers
April 24, 2025
UPDATE: Happy Release Day - Now Available and on KU

✨️ ARC REVIEW ✨️

If you say so by Megan Reinking
( Ruby Lodge book #2 )
Publication date: April 24th 2025

" sometimes your past has a way of coming back to surprise you.”🥲❤️‍🩹

Plot follows Sydney, who left town years ago after finding out her mum had alzheimer's her gut reaction was to run, years later she comes back as the head architect of the Ruby Lodge renovation project, as if her mum's condition wasn't enough Sydney finds herself face to face with someone from her past

Comfort author unlocked? When a short read has the ability to tug at your heartstrings like you're living the story it's PURE TALENT - I don't make up the rules! Megan has a way with words, her writing style is pure comfort, it'll chip at your heart and put it back together the best way possible! Sydney and Cole's story was so vulnerable, tender and emotional, the way their story unfolded and the character development was written is truly perfection! Also I loved how both of the characters got equal shares of "limelight" when it came to their back story, literally the only flaw is that it was too short🥹 I could read another 300-400 pages of them

Tropes

Second chance
Forced proximity
Dual timeline
Enemies to lovers
Grumpy x sunshine
Small town romance

Thanks to the author for the advanced copy
Profile Image for jadynfrahm.
130 reviews5 followers
April 2, 2025
I was able to arc read this awesome book so thank you Megan Reinking! I really enjoyed this book it was easy to follow along with and it did a good job at explaining how each place looked and how pretty it was. Both Cole and Sydney are going through their own battles but that made their connection so much stronger and beautiful. Also the support and the way Sydney’s family doesn’t push her to do anything she isn’t comfortable with really made my heart happy. I do wish I was able to see this place or even visit it for a vacation because of how pretty it sounds. It was more fluffy than spicy which I felt fit the story really well. I definitely recommend this book for anyone looking for something light and wanting your heart to be happy!!
Profile Image for Megan Reinking.
Author 7 books162 followers
January 17, 2025
I’m the author, so obviously I’m biased, but I love this story! Cole and Sydney have a steady, quiet kind of love with a deep emotional connection that I so enjoyed writing!

If you love:
🌲 Enemies to Lovers
🌲 Grumpy x Sunshine
🌲 Second chance
🌲 Forced proximity
🌲 Dual POV/Dual timeline
🌲 Small town romance (remote island vibes)
🌲 Fade to black with high tension

then you might enjoy this book!
Profile Image for Randi Sampson.
1,775 reviews94 followers
March 19, 2025
If You Say So is the second book in the Ruby Lodge series. While you'll see some familiar characters from the first book if you've already read it, I do think this could be enjoyed as a standalone as well.

Simply put, I absolutely adored this book. Cole and Sydney went to high school together and for a brief moment had a connection that never had a chance to go anywhere when he left town abruptly without a word. Years later, they're both back in town- with him refusing to sell his uncle's cabin and her trying to change his mind. The chemistry between these two was absolutely undeniable. The story alternates back and forth between present day and their history back in high school... seeing everything that happened between them and the struggles they were facing in their individual families at the time only made seeing them finally get their chance at a hard fought happily ever after all that much better. This was a deeply emotional story, but beautifully tender and romantic. There was such a vulnerability between these two and I absolutely couldn't get enough of the two of them together.

If You Say So is a closed-door romance with a few fade-to-black moments/implied intimacy. It does have a bit of minor language as well. The story does deal with some difficult topics like a parent with Alzheimer's and abuse (not on pages) and while they were handled with sensitivity, it could still be triggering for some readers.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Cheyenne Collins.
23 reviews
March 23, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this cozy and quick read! Cole and Sydney’s story was one that I wanted to curl up in a soft blanket with tea and dive into 🌄 My only wish is that it would’ve been longer and go into more detail. However, it was also a beautiful story in its brevity. It hits all the cozy romance points with only 🌶️ level. Will look forward to future stories, maybe Sydney’s parents love story? 👀

Thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity to be apart of the ARC team 💕
Profile Image for Cait Ireen | caitireenreads.
841 reviews164 followers
April 13, 2025
4/5 ⭐️
1/5 🌶️

Sydney has been tasked with helping revamp her family’s island lodge, designing new cabins and making the space an idyllic getaway from guests. The only thing standing in the way of her vision being perfect is Cole, the owner of a piece of land on the island, and the boy who broke Sydney’s heart all those years ago. Determined to get Cole out of her life again, Sydney throws everything she has into getting him to sell but Cole won’t budge.

Megan’s writing is just so sweet! I fell in love with the island in Say You Mean It, and loved seeing Graham and Blair again in this story. I love Sydney’s feisty attitude and really empathized with the struggles she had with her mother. The story brought me to tears but also enveloped me in a warm hug. It was adorable and makes me want to live on an island in northern Minnesota so badly!!

What I Loved About This Story:
✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ Second chance
✨ Highly charged forced proximity
✨ Mutual trauma in past
✨ Healing & a sweet relationship build

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book via the author, but my review is all my own.
Profile Image for Afton Gross.
326 reviews24 followers
April 13, 2025
This was such a beautifully written story about finding happiness and healing through the messy, complicated layers of grief. Each character is navigating their own struggles, and Megan Reinking does a phenomenal job showing how pain can look different for everyone—and how love, in its many forms, can be a path forward.

The emotional depth of the plot, the well-developed characters, and the subtle, slow-burn romance all blend together seamlessly. And the setting? A cozy island in Northern Minnesota—it adds such a unique charm and sense of place that makes the story feel even more grounded and real.

I’m truly loving this series. It’s heartfelt, authentic, and full of quiet hope. Can’t wait to see where the next book takes us!
Profile Image for Kristen Abel.
38 reviews1 follower
March 26, 2025
If You Say So is a gorgeous story about second chances, misunderstandings, and finding the beauty in the dark moments.
While it did take a while for me to really feel immersed into the story, once I was hooked, I was HOOKED. The depth of Cole and Sydney’s bond, how they grow and evolve separately and together, was beautiful and their development was beautiful without being rushed or forced.
Profile Image for Kate.
119 reviews6 followers
April 24, 2025
I’m honored to have received an ARC of If You Say So, the second book in Megan Reinking’s Ruby Lodge series. I loved the cozy, rustic setting and thought it was a cute read. The MCs Sydney and Cole were a sweet couple. This book is also great for readers who prefer fade to black over full-on spice.

Tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Forced proximity
Second chance
Dual timeline
Small town romance

I will say I had a bit of fatigue with the Alzheimer’s storyline having just read Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that Megan wrote the storyline in a heartfelt and meaningful way. More of a me problem than anything else!

Last I’ll add that I had minor issues with some repetitive phrases and nitpicks with the writing. On the whole it was a pleasant read good for readers who enjoy these types of stories and low/no spice romance. This one lands in 3.75-4 star territory for me. Thanks again to Megan for including me in the ARC team!
Profile Image for Breanna.
1 review2 followers
April 3, 2025
ARC READER🫶🏼

The chemistry between the protagonists is undeniable, tangled in past pain and unspoken truths that make their journey incredibly gripping, they’re flawed, real, and impossible not to root for. Beyond romance, the book explores grief, healing, and self-discovery, making it so much more than just a love story.
Beautifully written and emotionally charged!! you love second chance romances with deep emotional stakes, this is a must read.
17 reviews
April 7, 2025
ARC review- This book was adorable. I really enjoyed the storyline, the family coming together and healing journey. I felt the romance between the characters was realistic- saw a review about how there was not a lot of tension but I felt I could see the story unfolding which made it more enjoyable for me. Definitely recommend it as a great quick read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Torie May.
263 reviews18 followers
April 20, 2025
The plot and storyline of this was super cute. I just wasn’t captivated the entire time, in all honesty. I didn’t quite understand how Sydney & Cole went from enemies to lovers- the story felt like something was missing. It was an easy comfort read but nothing that blew me out of the water :/
8 reviews
March 20, 2025
I was honored to get an ARC copy of If You Say So and I’m telling you Megan Reinking DOES NOT MISS! Her romances are fast-paced but there is so much complexity to the characters and difficult topics addressed that I feel can be missed in typical 300 page romance books. Sydney’s journey with grief over her mom was beautifully written and her character growth was flawless. I loved the communication style of the couple, and the lack of miscommunication! Overall, this story is sweet, refreshing, and so meaningful. I could immediately reread it. ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Hannah.
721 reviews71 followers
April 17, 2025
4 Stars.

🌲 The vibes:
- forced proximity
- Book 2 in interconnected standalone series
- Dual timeline
- Second chance
- Rustic cabin on the lake setting
- Closed door / FTB

🌲 My thoughts:
When her mom is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Sydney’s entire world implodes. It’s too hard to face- so she runs from her feelings and her town. Years pass and Sydney returns to northern Minnesota to be the lead on a renovation project at Ruby Lodge. Not only is Sydney confronted with all the feelings she’s avoided regarding her mom, but she’s also met with a ghost from her past. Years ago, Cole ran away too and now he’s back and putting a hitch in Sydney’s flawless renovation plans when he refuses to sell his land.

🌲 This one definitely had tough backstories that pulled at my heartstrings. There were so many precious moments between Cole and Sydney that balanced out the romance with the deeper plot lines happening. The way both characters showed up for eachother was very sweet.

🌲 I loved the way that Sydney found a way
connect with her mom 😭. Seeing Sydney struggle with her mom’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis was so sad but also really inspiring. Seeing the strength in both Sydney and her mom throughout that process made me feel a lot of feelings. And I really loved the gentle guidance and solid support from Cole.

🌲 The setting is so cozy - just like the previous book. I love this little lake island so much and want to go stay at Ruby Lodge immediately.

🌲 The end with Cole’s relative felt a little abrupt to me and the initial conflict between Cole and Sydney didn’t hit quite right to me,
but overall this was such an enjoyable read for me. This series from Megan is so cozy and heartfelt, and I highly recommend both books in the Ruby Lodge series.

Thank you so much to Megan Reinking for the gifted copy.

Release date: April 24, 2025.
Note- fade to black / closed door; check CW if concerned.
Profile Image for Abby Pieger.
130 reviews3 followers
April 4, 2025
Thank you to Book Funnel and Megan Reinking for this ARC!

This was a sweet, hallmark-esque story, with enemies to lovers and childhood sweetheart themes. My biggest complaint is that this could have probably been about a hundred pages longer for a more full investment in the story. I felt like I wanted to get to know our characters more. The other thing I didn’t fully buy into was that Cole’s uncle knew about his abuse at the hands of his father, and rather than stepping in, he just said when Cole turned 18 he would help him out. If he and his uncle were so close, his uncle would not have just let him go through what he did.

This was a fully fade to black romance, which I think probably could have benefited from just a little more spice or at least yearning. Not every book needs spice, but I wanted to feel them WANT each other, ya know?

This was my first book by this author, but I would be willing to give more of her books a try!
Profile Image for Cassandra.
43 reviews2 followers
March 29, 2025
ARC Review ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5 stars

This may be my favorite Megan Reinking book to date. Sydney and Cole’s relationship is just so special. All of their private moments and private places. And the way they speak to one another. All throughout the book they would have these quiet, just for them, conversations and it just seems so intimate and perfect.

““I love you, Cole Fredrickson,” I whisper, just loudly enough for him, and him alone, to hear it. Not even the nearby birds or insects are privy to it.””

The epilogue seemed just right, finishing out their story. I love the simple, private life they have built together. Not only is it mentioned that Cole keeps Sydney steady and calm but I could feel that while reading their story. Megan did a great job incorporating another heavy topic into this book same as she did in Say You Mean It.
Profile Image for Chelbie Lane.
150 reviews37 followers
April 14, 2025
Picking up shortly after book one, Graham & Blaire’s story, comes the second chance romance story of Sydney & Cole.

Sydney, our FMC, is an architect tasked with renovating Ruby Lodge. She has a vested interest, as Graham’s sister and family to the lodge, to renovate it right & play tribute to her grandparents who started it all.

One thing she didn’t plan, her high school heartbreak, Cole, our MMC, owning part of the land she needs to make the Reno “perfect”.

This story was cute! I loved the natural chemistry Syd & Cole had. They both had trauma that brought them together & made their connection even stronger. Cole fell first and was the supportive, cinnamon roll boyfriend we all love.

I get a feel that there will be a third book 👀and if I’m right, I’ll be happy to read that one too!
Profile Image for MoreThanAPrettyCover.
181 reviews5 followers
June 13, 2025
Welcome to another book by Megan that feels like a warm hug! The resort on the lake island in the mountains is such a cozy setting. This one is relatively low stakes which adds to the cozy feel.

I love how the characters go through so much growth and healing. Sydney and Cole both have had their challenges, and seeing them get past their own and support each other was the sweetest thing.

If you would like to escape to a rustic lodge on a lake with the sweetest people, this one is for you!
Profile Image for Laurel Hunt.
26 reviews
April 8, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
ARC review
If You Say So written by Megan Reinking

In this book, we follow Sydney, Graham‘s sister from book one, and her struggle dealing with and accepting her mother‘s Alzheimer’s progression. She finally returns to Ruby Lodge to renovate the lodge and surrounding area. We then meet Cole Fredrickson, who is the second POV and learn that he and Sydney have an interesting history going back to high school (8 years ago).

This book was so good!! Better than book one!? It gives cozy cabin vibes with an enemies to lovers trope. The humor and snarky banter between Cole and Sydney is everything! Megan does a great job of incorporating humor and lightheartedness where needed. She writes about some difficult topics (depression, Alzheimer’s, parental abuse) in the Ruby Lodge series, but does so in a way that the reader can really feel the emotion being conveyed. I also want to mention how refreshing it is to read a romance book WITHOUT smut. I love a good steamy scene don’t get me wrong, but it’s so nice to read a closed door romance. This has just the perfect amount of PDA. I can also really connect to the setting of this book. I grew up in a small town in Michigan so this setting made me feel right at home. My family even had a cabin on a lake! When Cole starts to believe that memories and the people you experience them with are more important than the material things- that really hit home with me.
All in all If You Say So was a GREAT book and I would highly recommend.

Thank you Megan for the ARC and opportunity to review this one!
Profile Image for Hannah Hawthorne.
164 reviews
April 6, 2025
I was honored to receive this e-ARC from Megan.

If You Say So is a beautifully cozy, sweet romance that’ll keep you turning the pages until the very end. I’m new to the Ruby Lodge series (so yes, I have to go and get my hands on book one now!), but I loved getting to know the characters.

Sydney deals with… a lot. Her relationship with her mom isn’t easy and I think many of us can relate. Often times we feel obligated to do things for the sake of family but I was so proud of Sydney for taking the space and time she needed to grow.

Cole’s life wasn’t sunshine and roses either. It’s hard to be vulnerable as a teenager, especially when home circumstances are in shambles. In typical teenage boy fashion, he wasn’t the best at communicating and hurt some special people in the fallout.

I can’t give away any spoilers but this book healed part of my heart I didn’t know needed mending. If you enjoy cozy, second chance, small town romances with a little sprinkling of happily ever after you NEED to pick up this book.

If You Say So releases on April 24th!
Profile Image for Lizzie Nesvisky.
26 reviews
April 4, 2025
ARC READ: You know when you finish a hefty series or complicated fantasy and you need something to come back to earth? Make you giggle and fall in love? It’s this. The characters are woven together where you feel their connection and love, but the story is paced quickly with movement and growth. Cole and Sydney are too sweet and I hope we get to see more of their little island 💕
Profile Image for Lindsay Smith.
259 reviews10 followers
March 25, 2025
If You Say So is the second book in the Ruby Lodge series by Megan Reinking. Although you could read this book as a stand-alone, I think it's a richer reading experience if you read the first book first to meet the other characters and get the back-story on the Lodge. I enjoyed this cozy contemporary romance.

Summary: Sydney is an architect tasked with redesigning her family's island lake resort. She wants to tear down an old cabin and replace it with a new part of the resort, but a guy named Cole owns the cabin and won't sell it to her. Tension simmers as Sydney and Cole have to face things that happened between them a long time ago. Will Sydney be able to convince Cole to sell the cabin? Or will her dreams of creating a wonderful resort go down in flames while her personal life does too?

Impressions: The setting was one of my favorite parts of the book. I really enjoyed learning about that part of the country and how the islands and lakes were arranged. It made me want to visit in real life! Reading this book was actually a relaxing experience, because I felt transported to Takini Island.

I appreciated that heavy themes were included, but didn't overtake the book and make it too heavy. I liked how the romance between main characters Sydney and Cole was more focused on their compatible personalities and friendship, instead of just physical lust. I also enjoyed the dual POV, and best of all I liked the flashbacks from the early days of Cole and Sydney's friendship. I liked the way Sydney's character grew through her mom's diagnosis and disease progression. Fans of the found-family and second-chance romance tropes will love this book.

I took off one star because I found parts of the book to be a little slow, and I wanted a little more eventful second half. Perhaps more character development and involvement with the side characters (Neal, Shirley, etc.) would have helped.

Content Considerations: Light language, underage drinking, a few scenes of fade to black romance between an unmarried couple with light making out (not super descriptive or explicit) beforehand, a character's parent with Alzheimer's, a character with past physical/domestic abuse (not described in much detail). I recommend reading the author's note at the beginning of the book if you think you might be sensitive to these themes, but I found the book didn't carry a super heavy tone.

Thank you to the author for the complementary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. My review is in no way influenced by the author or publisher in any way.
Profile Image for Ray Ray.
17 reviews
April 24, 2025
I had the chance to read If You Say So before its release, and let me tell you—it’s an absolute must-read!

This beautiful story blends second chances, parental grief, and the power of love and acceptance in the most heartwarming way. It’s sweet, funny, emotional, and full of moments that will tug at your heartstrings. Don’t get me wrong—I love a good spicy read (yes, there are some steamy moments here!), but nothing over the top. What stood out most was how this book wrapped me in warmth and left me with a deep sense of peace.

This small-town romance has everything I adore: enemies to lovers, second chances, forced proximity, and a grumpy x sunshine dynamic that hit all the right notes. Megan Reinking brought Sydney and Cole to life with such authenticity that I felt like I knew them. Their dual timeline—then (high school) and now—was easy to follow and added so much depth to their journey.

Both characters are navigating heavy emotional terrain, from family trauma and grief to the ripple effects of past abuse and heartbreak. The question of whether Sydney and Cole are trauma-bonded comes up in the story, and honestly, I think they are—but in a way that allows them to grow and heal together. With each other’s presence and support, they find the courage to accept the past and begin truly living in the present.

As someone close to her mom, Sydney’s journey hit me hard. Her mom’s battle with Alzheimer’s is written with sensitivity, grace, and raw honesty. It made me cry, made me reflect, and also made me appreciate the strength of love in the face of loss. Watching Sydney come to terms with her mother’s decline, supported by her family and Cole, was both heartbreaking and healing.

If you’re looking for a story that will make you laugh, cry, smile through your tears, and leave you feeling emotionally full—read this book. Megan Reinking has found a new fan in me, and If You Say So will stay with me for a long time. This was my first book by her, but it absolutely won’t be my last!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kim living life reading books.
124 reviews8 followers
April 23, 2025
If you say so By Meghan Reinking is the second book in the Ruby Lodge series. I believe this would be considered interconnect standalone. I was able to grasp the other character from the first book and the relationship. With that said I will definitely go back and read the first one along with her other series.

This book is about Sydney Peterson who is a senior in high school and dealing with the grief of finding out her mother was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. All Sydney wants to do is RUN. Years later she is back at her family’s lodge as head engineer to help renovate it. While she is trying to still push away the grief she is not ready to deal with she also runs into Cole Fredrickson, the grumpy cabin owner of the land she would like to purchase for adding on the the lodge renovations. He does not make her life easy and there is some past tension from a quick high school romance before Cole abruptly left town without a word. Cole is also working on past grief/traumas and every corner he turns Sydney is there talking to him about selling his land.

Will they be able to move forward and heal or will they remain firmly stuck in the past hurt and trauma.

I LOVED this book! My mother passed away from cancer and I was her main caregiver. This book brought up so many feelings from that time period in my life. And my feelings of life before the diagnoses. But Meghan does a beautiful job writing with sensitivity about the grief, trauma and putting words to feelings and even talking about ways to work through it. This was such a comfort and healing book for me. I loved the family, friends and romance.

I would definitely recommend this book. But as always you want to check trigger warnings before starting.

Thank you Meghan for giving me the opportunity to read this eARC. I look forward to reading your other books.
Profile Image for Ariel Acar.
64 reviews1 follower
April 6, 2025
If You Say So is the second book in The Ruby Lodge Series by Megan Reinking and set to release on April 24th!

IYSS picks up where we left off at Ruby Lodge with Graham’s younger sister Sydney leading the new renovations to the property on Takini Island. Everything is planned and ready to go, save one small hurdle — getting approval from Cole Fredrickson to level his uncle’s cabin. This might be an easier conversation with another island resident, but Cole and Sydney’s mutual animosity dates back to high school 😬

Some things you’ll love:
🪵 Second chance
🪵 Enemies to lovers
🪵 Forced proximity
🪵 Slow burn
🪵 Closed door
🪵 Dual timeline, dual POV
🪵 Cozy Northern Minnesota setting

Content warnings: family member with Alzheimer’s, allusions to domestic/physical abuse

During a stressful few weeks of work, IYSS was the perfect book to pick up when I needed a little escape. Megan Reinking writes in such a calming and gentle way. When I read her books, I’m transported to summer vacations at the lake in Alexandria, MN. The room around me fills with the scent of the lake and the sound of loons echoing across the water 😌

Cole and Sydney grow so much throughout this story. I loved how realistic the pace of their relationship felt. I laughed, I swooned, I misted up at points. Their vulnerability should be a lesson to all of us about letting people in and facing the things that scare us.

Just like Rudy Lodge, If You Say So is a soft place to land. I hope you’ll add it to your TBR and support my favorite local author ♥️

Thank you to Megan Reinking for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Profile Image for Alex.
122 reviews5 followers
April 25, 2025
As if I couldn't fall more in love with Ruby Lodge🥹😭 This story is everything I wanted and more. The magic of Takini Island is still so present when Sydney returns home for book two. Her determination and commitment to honoring her family through the renovation of the lodge is truly heartwarming. It was almost as touching as her journey through grief and acceptance for her mom's diagnosis. The author did an amazing job in capturing all of the bittersweet memories that home on the island brings her.

Cole is so "looks like he'll kill you, is a cinnamon roll," and I'm so here for it! With his pensive glares and tortured past, his dark exterior definitely comes off aggressive. Although, it doesn't take long to see what a genuine sweetheart this man really is. His protective manner and intuitive ability to read Sydney's emotions immediately betray his original gloomy persona.

The plot is so unique, similarly to book one, where I felt truly immersed into what was going on. Both characters had their own storylines and hill to climb, allowing for so much character development. Their slow build was phenomenal - I loved that there were so many moments where they each over-analyzed the next thing to do or say, followed by bursts of emotion that couldn't be barred from their magnetism to one another.

I'm obsessed with the end, even if it was a bit predictable, I felt there was so much to prove that these characters deserved their happy endings. It was like tying it all up in a pretty bow🥰 The Epilogue did surprise me a bit and it felt VERY whole-circle. I will most certainly be rereading this series to come back to the home I've found on Takini Island
171 reviews1 follower
April 25, 2025
Sydney and Cole, what a pair!! The way these two just fit together like two pieces of a puzzle is so adorable and cute 🥰 ironically, they love to complete puzzles together and it’s a fantastic way of bonding and connecting with each other :) this is the story of Sydney and Cole, two people who got a second chance at love, being with each other a second time. Usually love doesn’t get a second chance and Sydney could have walked away. But she means business and she was determined to figure out why it didn’t work out the first time with Cole.

At first, I did get annoyed with Sydney when she wanted Cole to sell his uncle’s land (which was now his) to benefit her vision of renovating Ruby’s Lodge. I guess I can understand why she wanted the land to create the glamping part needed for tourists but I still thought she was pushy for doing so. But, that’s who she is though! She is a woman who isn’t afraid to be straight forward and straight to the point! She takes no nonsense and makes sure everything gets accomplished within the timeline she created for the reopening of Ruby’s Lodge.

Cole just wants to live his life in the mountains, alone and at peace. But when Sydney moves back to renovate the lodge, he has to confront his past and what he did to Sydney when they were in high school. Cole is such a sweet man, with a hidden past and Sydney is nothing but patient and straight forward with what she wants. These two go together like two peas in a pod 🫶🏽 whether they want to admit it or not, one has to read to find out 🤭

Rating: 5/5
Steamy scenes: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Profile Image for Nina van Lil.
25 reviews
April 5, 2025
If You Say So was a short but sweet read for me! It’s the second clean romance book in the Ruby Lodge series, but can be read as a standalone (which is what I did) and releases on the 24th of April.

I really liked the setting: a remote small town surrounded by green, water and nature. The author provides detailed and vivid descriptions, almost making you feel as if you are on the island as well. Her writing style is easy to read and engaging, making you fly through the pages!

The book handles the heavy topic of Alzheimer’s disease with care and shows that there is not just one right way of dealing with the implications and consequences. Sydney and Cole have hit some rough patches in life, albeit in different ways, and their character development both together and apart was heartwarming to read.

Unfortunately, I did not feel much of a romantic connection between the main characters. This is also the major reason I could not rate the book higher… There was understanding of each other’s past, support and love, but all of it felt more like a deep friendship rather than a romantic relationship. I kept waiting for more romantic tension between the characters, but it just didn’t happen for me. There were definitely some lovely scenes and cute kisses though!

All of this to say, I would still recommend if you’re looking for a quick but cozy read! I think many people will enjoy this, but be mindful of the trigger warnings.

Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC for review! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Annie.
111 reviews2 followers
April 8, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ Thank you to Megan for the gifted e-ARC of this book. If You Say So is book 2 in an interconnected standalone series. I absolutely loved being back at Ruby Lodge and the little nods to the first book, Say You Mean It were so fun!

🦅 Small town
🦅 Grumpy x Sunshine
🦅 Second Chance
🦅 Dual POV & Dual Timeline
🦅 Forced Proximity

One thing I have come to love about Megan’s writing is her ability to make you feel like you are right there with the characters. Her descriptive writing truly paints a full picture for us as the reader. “the cabin air smells like earthy wood with a subtle hint of cinnamon and worn rubber from the rain boots that still sit in the front closet”

The emotional connection between the two main characters was evident from early on and I loved how it continued to develop throughout the course of the book. These two characters have been through some incredibly tough situations which just makes their HEA that much more satisfying! This story touches on deeper topics such as mental health, family hardships, and abuse (off page) that really gave our characters layers and depth to them as individuals and as a couple.

While there were heavier topics, the overall feeling of the book was still cozy small town romance and I’d highly recommend!
Profile Image for Alexis (IG: lexislimitlesslibrary)  Anderson.
192 reviews15 followers
April 24, 2025
If You Say So is a beautiful second chance love story! The way Megan weaved the difficult family dynamics with the story of Cole and Sydney is remarkable! It brought me to tears and gripped my heart from the start! I loved the dual timeline and felt that it added so much to the history of their relationship.

✨Take the time to read the author notes on this story. It broke my heart and make the story even more special! Thank you Megan for finishing this story! ♥️

Sydney is a “kick-butt and take-names” kind of girl with the determination to complete her plans, even if the obstacle in her way is a former friend from high school, who broke her heart.

Cole has learned he can only depend on himself. He has faced a challenging childhood. He left his past behind him including leaving high school, with not even a goodbye to the girl he had a budding relationship with.

Reunited years later, Sydney is in charge of renovating Ruby Lodge and Cole’s cabin now stands in the way of her big plans. Cole is not backing down from the spunky, unrelenting Sydney!


Reasons to love this book!
Dual first person POV
Dual timeline
grump/sunshine
second chance love
slow burn
small town vibes
the forced proximity
the banter/witty comebacks
the journal writing
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