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Red Bridge #1
What I Should've Said
You don’t find love. Love finds you…in New York Times bestselling author Max Monroe’s tender and emotionally charged story.
When grumpy, muscled-up artist Bennett Bishop bothers to speak, it’s usually to say something you’re not ready to hear.
When he first speaks to Norah Ellis, a rambling runaway bride who hitchhikes a ride from him, it’s to tell her to get out of his truck and walk because she’s a pain in the…
By appearance, Norah Ellis is a fancy fashionista who’s spent the last several years living the good life in the city—expensive apartments, highbrow events, and a fiancé with wealth and good looks. The only problem is that she didn’t choose any of it for herself.
On the day of her July wedding, Norah’s world turns upside down, thanks to a letter from a stranger. She runs for the small town in Vermont she used to call home, but what’s waiting for her, between her estranged sister, the townspeople, and bad-boy Bennett Bishop himself, is way more than she bargained for.
Enemies turn to lovers, strangers become friends, dark secrets bust open like cans of worms, and most of all…summer will never be the same.
When grumpy, muscled-up artist Bennett Bishop bothers to speak, it’s usually to say something you’re not ready to hear.
When he first speaks to Norah Ellis, a rambling runaway bride who hitchhikes a ride from him, it’s to tell her to get out of his truck and walk because she’s a pain in the…
By appearance, Norah Ellis is a fancy fashionista who’s spent the last several years living the good life in the city—expensive apartments, highbrow events, and a fiancé with wealth and good looks. The only problem is that she didn’t choose any of it for herself.
On the day of her July wedding, Norah’s world turns upside down, thanks to a letter from a stranger. She runs for the small town in Vermont she used to call home, but what’s waiting for her, between her estranged sister, the townspeople, and bad-boy Bennett Bishop himself, is way more than she bargained for.
Enemies turn to lovers, strangers become friends, dark secrets bust open like cans of worms, and most of all…summer will never be the same.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 19, 2024
4241 people are currently reading
68827 people want to read
About the author
Max Monroe
70 books9,310 followersMany moons ago, a dynamic duo of romance authors teamed up under the pseudonym Max Monroe, and, well, the rest is history...
Max Monroe is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of more than thirty contemporary romance titles. Favorite writing partners and long time friends, Max and Monroe strive to live and write all the fun, sexy swoon so often missing from their Facebook newsfeed. Sarcastic by nature, their two writing souls feel like they’ve found their other half. This is their most favorite adventure thus far.
Max Monroe is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of more than thirty contemporary romance titles. Favorite writing partners and long time friends, Max and Monroe strive to live and write all the fun, sexy swoon so often missing from their Facebook newsfeed. Sarcastic by nature, their two writing souls feel like they’ve found their other half. This is their most favorite adventure thus far.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,445 reviews
April 22, 2024
It is with a very heavy heart that I down vote and one star this book. Listen this writing pair are absolutely one click buy for me, no doubt, however this book…. Well let’s just say I have some SERIOUS issues on how this book is presented and what it contains inside.
1) these are funny rom com authors ….. this book is not that AT ALL.
2) TRIGGER WARNINGS are added for a reason and for authors to willfully not add them I believe is irresponsible. So I will add a partial list here: CHILD NEGLECT/ABUSE RESULTING IN CHILD DEATH, DOMESTIC ABUSE/PHYSICAL ABUSE, TERMINAL ILLNESS, SEXUAL ABUSE, FORCED SEX SALES , ESTRANGEMENT FROM FAMILY/ parent, CHILD ABANDONMENT, INFIDELITY, DISCUSSION OF TERMINATION OF PREGNANCY WITH SERIOUS ANTO ABORTION IDEOLOGY,, SIBLING DEATH BY PARENT, HIGH RISH ACCIDENTAL PREGNANCY and finally CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS RELATING TO HUMAN TRAFFICKING BY THE FMC EX AND HER MOTHER.
3 ) all of this is hidden and masked behind a bubblegum pink cover, calling to mind a cozy summer HEA steamy read. Touted as an opposites attract grumpy/ sunshine romance.
4) I feel betrayed by these writing duo. I know that their mentions are full of fav reviews and when I mentioned why there weren’t any trigger warnings I was attacked to the point where I unfollowed the authors. So plz before reading this book, if you have read any of this duos other books consider my review.
1) these are funny rom com authors ….. this book is not that AT ALL.
2) TRIGGER WARNINGS are added for a reason and for authors to willfully not add them I believe is irresponsible. So I will add a partial list here: CHILD NEGLECT/ABUSE RESULTING IN CHILD DEATH, DOMESTIC ABUSE/PHYSICAL ABUSE, TERMINAL ILLNESS, SEXUAL ABUSE, FORCED SEX SALES , ESTRANGEMENT FROM FAMILY/ parent, CHILD ABANDONMENT, INFIDELITY, DISCUSSION OF TERMINATION OF PREGNANCY WITH SERIOUS ANTO ABORTION IDEOLOGY,, SIBLING DEATH BY PARENT, HIGH RISH ACCIDENTAL PREGNANCY and finally CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS RELATING TO HUMAN TRAFFICKING BY THE FMC EX AND HER MOTHER.
3 ) all of this is hidden and masked behind a bubblegum pink cover, calling to mind a cozy summer HEA steamy read. Touted as an opposites attract grumpy/ sunshine romance.
4) I feel betrayed by these writing duo. I know that their mentions are full of fav reviews and when I mentioned why there weren’t any trigger warnings I was attacked to the point where I unfollowed the authors. So plz before reading this book, if you have read any of this duos other books consider my review.
May 9, 2025
I debated all night on whether or not to rate this 4 stars, 4.5, or 5. At first, I thought this was too insta-love but then I thought about it. There are plenty of people who have met their significant others and just immediately knew that they were the one. Yes, things moved at rapid pace in this book but I've lived it.
I went with 5 stars because this is the first book that has ever made me cry. Under Our Scars didn't make me cry. I woke up thinking about this book.
If you're considering this one, just read it already.
I went with 5 stars because this is the first book that has ever made me cry. Under Our Scars didn't make me cry. I woke up thinking about this book.
If you're considering this one, just read it already.
May 2, 2024
4.5 Stars ⭐️
.5 stars less for the loss (because it hurt) and the over the top criminal charges on two other characters.
I loved the heroine! She and her sister are fantastic and the writing was extraordinarily well done. The small town and all the characters, the humor and love made for a wonderful trip.
.5 stars less for the loss (because it hurt) and the over the top criminal charges on two other characters.
I loved the heroine! She and her sister are fantastic and the writing was extraordinarily well done. The small town and all the characters, the humor and love made for a wonderful trip.
Read
April 19, 2024 What I Should’ve Said is LIVE NOW + FREE in KINDLE UNLIMITED!!!!
ONE-CLICK: https://geni.us/WISS_ebook
What I Should’ve Said is a full-length standalone novel that is available in ebook, paperback, Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited. Audio is narrated by Sebastian York and CJ Bloom and will release sometime in May (date TBD).
WHAT IS WHAT I SHOULD’VE SAID ALL ABOUT?
⬇️⬇️⬇️
👰Runaway Bride
🔥Enemies to Lovers
❤️Grumpy-Broody Alpha + Chatty Sunshine
🥵“I don’t like this woman but I’ll kill anyone who hurts her” vibes
🏡Smalltown Charm
🫢Dark Secrets
🥹EMOTIONAL, pull-at-your-heartstrings, you’ll-think-about-this-book-for-days.
⬇️⬇️⬇️
Disclaimer: What I Should’ve Said is a full-length standalone novel. And while it does contain the Max Monroe humor and spice you know and love, this book is a deep, emotional story that will pull at your heartstrings like you’ve never experienced. Summer will never be the same.
Happy Reading!
XOXO,
Max & Monroe
ONE-CLICK: https://geni.us/WISS_ebook
What I Should’ve Said is a full-length standalone novel that is available in ebook, paperback, Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited. Audio is narrated by Sebastian York and CJ Bloom and will release sometime in May (date TBD).
WHAT IS WHAT I SHOULD’VE SAID ALL ABOUT?
⬇️⬇️⬇️
👰Runaway Bride
🔥Enemies to Lovers
❤️Grumpy-Broody Alpha + Chatty Sunshine
🥵“I don’t like this woman but I’ll kill anyone who hurts her” vibes
🏡Smalltown Charm
🫢Dark Secrets
🥹EMOTIONAL, pull-at-your-heartstrings, you’ll-think-about-this-book-for-days.
⬇️⬇️⬇️
Disclaimer: What I Should’ve Said is a full-length standalone novel. And while it does contain the Max Monroe humor and spice you know and love, this book is a deep, emotional story that will pull at your heartstrings like you’ve never experienced. Summer will never be the same.
Happy Reading!
XOXO,
Max & Monroe
April 24, 2024
2.5 ⭐️ DNF at 85%. I don’t usually rate DNFs but I read enough of this book that I know I didn’t enjoy this from 35% to 85%, basically once Summer was revealed. I didn’t DNF sooner because I was curious what would happen to her.
There was a whole lot of unnecessary drama with the exes and their families, and I just couldn’t warm up to Norah after she slapped the MMC twice while being a victim of abuse herself.
There was a whole lot of unnecessary drama with the exes and their families, and I just couldn’t warm up to Norah after she slapped the MMC twice while being a victim of abuse herself.
June 3, 2024
i need to be compensated
June 6, 2024
New Top 5 worst FMC
Choosing to trust in the Max Monroe power team instead of DNFing within the first 30 pages proved to be a mistake. This review is going to be one long rant…
The FMC is simply awful and distracts from any other potentially redeeming parts of the story. She’s an absolute ditz (and not in any cute way) who blames everyone else for her being and having nothing at 26, despite having access to everything she could have ever needed. She’s helpless, clueless, meritless, shallow, and whiny…and yet somehow totally entitled. She’s spoiled and self-absorbed and can’t finish a coherent thought or sentence, much less complete the most basic task that doesn’t serve herself. I found zero redeeming or even likable qualities about her. She wasn’t funny or witty; none of her rejoinders are charming…only cringey.
And we have yet another FMC whose only assets are physical. I mean…this woman literally has nothing to offer…what exactly was she doing with her 26 years of life before she decided to act like a child and run away from it (instead of addressing it like an adult) while expecting everyone else to bow to her needs? No job, no degree, no skills, no personality, no accomplishments…nada. Oh, that’s right…she’s got a nice body and big, brown doe eyes. She’s so awful that I can’t even appreciate the “rich girl who loses everything makes something of herself” trope.
And then she keeps hitting the MMC in the face because she can’t engage like a grown up. Her assaults have no remotely justifiable reason and just prove she’s a spoiled, emotionally and intellectually stunted child.
Can you imagine how readers would react if the gender roles were reversed and the MMC said to the FMC, “why do you make me so mad that I have to hit you?” as this FMC says??? DV/assault goes both ways and this FMC is far too OK with using her hand to communicate instead of her mouth. The icing on the cake…the things the MMC does to “piss her off”…? He expects her to act like an adult, doesn’t pander to her, and doesn’t fall for her pretty, ditzy rich girl routine. And then he ends up blaming himself for it all. Perfect.
How MM could have thought this was a good way to build up her “sassy” character, I can’t imagine because that’s assault. Women striking men who pose no threat and whose only “defense” is being in a huff do not get a pass on assault or DV. But somehow, that’s a lead-in to romance with the MMC. And let’s ignore that the FMC decides to make her sex kitten move after they’ve just put his imminently dying daughter to bed. Classy. She gets worse with every page.
It was so bad that I couldn’t even appreciate the otherwise beautifully written and far more intriguing storyline involving the daughter.
Last and most petty issue: NO ONE shakes their hips to Another Day In Paradise. It’s not that kind of song.
OK…one more: don’t call it a standalone while clearly building and alluding to a related, next book.
Not what I was hoping for from Max Monroe…so disappointing and, frankly, infuriating.
Choosing to trust in the Max Monroe power team instead of DNFing within the first 30 pages proved to be a mistake. This review is going to be one long rant…
The FMC is simply awful and distracts from any other potentially redeeming parts of the story. She’s an absolute ditz (and not in any cute way) who blames everyone else for her being and having nothing at 26, despite having access to everything she could have ever needed. She’s helpless, clueless, meritless, shallow, and whiny…and yet somehow totally entitled. She’s spoiled and self-absorbed and can’t finish a coherent thought or sentence, much less complete the most basic task that doesn’t serve herself. I found zero redeeming or even likable qualities about her. She wasn’t funny or witty; none of her rejoinders are charming…only cringey.
And we have yet another FMC whose only assets are physical. I mean…this woman literally has nothing to offer…what exactly was she doing with her 26 years of life before she decided to act like a child and run away from it (instead of addressing it like an adult) while expecting everyone else to bow to her needs? No job, no degree, no skills, no personality, no accomplishments…nada. Oh, that’s right…she’s got a nice body and big, brown doe eyes. She’s so awful that I can’t even appreciate the “rich girl who loses everything makes something of herself” trope.
And then she keeps hitting the MMC in the face because she can’t engage like a grown up. Her assaults have no remotely justifiable reason and just prove she’s a spoiled, emotionally and intellectually stunted child.
Can you imagine how readers would react if the gender roles were reversed and the MMC said to the FMC, “why do you make me so mad that I have to hit you?” as this FMC says??? DV/assault goes both ways and this FMC is far too OK with using her hand to communicate instead of her mouth. The icing on the cake…the things the MMC does to “piss her off”…? He expects her to act like an adult, doesn’t pander to her, and doesn’t fall for her pretty, ditzy rich girl routine. And then he ends up blaming himself for it all. Perfect.
How MM could have thought this was a good way to build up her “sassy” character, I can’t imagine because that’s assault. Women striking men who pose no threat and whose only “defense” is being in a huff do not get a pass on assault or DV. But somehow, that’s a lead-in to romance with the MMC. And let’s ignore that the FMC decides to make her sex kitten move after they’ve just put his imminently dying daughter to bed. Classy. She gets worse with every page.
It was so bad that I couldn’t even appreciate the otherwise beautifully written and far more intriguing storyline involving the daughter.
Last and most petty issue: NO ONE shakes their hips to Another Day In Paradise. It’s not that kind of song.
OK…one more: don’t call it a standalone while clearly building and alluding to a related, next book.
Not what I was hoping for from Max Monroe…so disappointing and, frankly, infuriating.
May 2, 2024
OH MY GOSH. I don’t know what I was expecting from this book, but wow. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 do not let this happy pink cover fool you because this book will rip your heart wide open. I had to flip my pillow over because it was too wet from crying on it 🤣 small town, friends to lovers, single dad romance with loss, heartbreak, trauma, drama, + everything that makes a book SO GOOD. This is right up there with ‘The Last Letter’ 😅
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May 5, 2024How far did I get? Sort of a weird situation, I'll get into that. As other reviewers have mentioned, this REALLY needed a content warning. Despite the bubbly cover and fun blurb, it's got some seriously heavy content. I actually had an ARC, and I feel disrespected that there was no heads up about some of the things involved in this story. The authors should've done better for their readers.
Why did I stop? As I write this, it's one of the bestsellers in romantic comedy, the cover and blurb imply a lighthearted read that might hit you in the feels, and the authors are rom com writers... and yet there is SO much potentially triggering content here. I dove in wanting and expecting a rom com with a little bit of bite, but many of the topics lurking within these pages are heavier than the dark romances I read. Abuse, terminal illness, death of a child (who is very involved in the story!), just to name a few. I absolutely would not expect that from the marketing, and these authors should know better. It felt deceptive. Beyond that, I simply didn't enjoy it as much as I have some of their other books, so it was an easy decision to set it aside.
Was I enjoying it initially? Yeah, sure. I solidly read the first third and enjoyed the small town/runaway bride vibes. These two are instant enemies, and it was feeling promising. I didn't love it, but I liked it. However, the heroine has an emotionally (at least) abusive ex, and yet she slaps the hero more than once. That was the first red flag for me. Once the hero's backstory is revealed, it was clear this was going to be a LOT heavier than anticipated. After that, I started skimming and sought out spoilers regarding the concerns I had about where it was heading. Since I didn't read thoroughly after that, I'm not the best person to describe the content warning required - I just know that it was dishonest not to better prepare readers for what they were getting themselves into.
Would I finish this? No. I sat in my thoughts for several days, and any warm feelings I had about the story are gone now. I'll be more cautious next time I read one of Max Monroe's books, which is disappointing since I've been a longtime reader.
Who would I recommend this to? If you know you've got a heavy read ahead of you, perhaps this will go better for you. Just don't expect the typical Max Monroe vibes.
Why did I stop? As I write this, it's one of the bestsellers in romantic comedy, the cover and blurb imply a lighthearted read that might hit you in the feels, and the authors are rom com writers... and yet there is SO much potentially triggering content here. I dove in wanting and expecting a rom com with a little bit of bite, but many of the topics lurking within these pages are heavier than the dark romances I read. Abuse, terminal illness, death of a child (who is very involved in the story!), just to name a few. I absolutely would not expect that from the marketing, and these authors should know better. It felt deceptive. Beyond that, I simply didn't enjoy it as much as I have some of their other books, so it was an easy decision to set it aside.
Was I enjoying it initially? Yeah, sure. I solidly read the first third and enjoyed the small town/runaway bride vibes. These two are instant enemies, and it was feeling promising. I didn't love it, but I liked it. However, the heroine has an emotionally (at least) abusive ex, and yet she slaps the hero more than once. That was the first red flag for me. Once the hero's backstory is revealed, it was clear this was going to be a LOT heavier than anticipated. After that, I started skimming and sought out spoilers regarding the concerns I had about where it was heading. Since I didn't read thoroughly after that, I'm not the best person to describe the content warning required - I just know that it was dishonest not to better prepare readers for what they were getting themselves into.
Would I finish this? No. I sat in my thoughts for several days, and any warm feelings I had about the story are gone now. I'll be more cautious next time I read one of Max Monroe's books, which is disappointing since I've been a longtime reader.
Who would I recommend this to? If you know you've got a heavy read ahead of you, perhaps this will go better for you. Just don't expect the typical Max Monroe vibes.
April 30, 2024
i don’t normally abide by the “go into this blind” people but outside of checking for triggers which i would because this deals with some sensitive topics, i 100% recommend going into this blind.
this gave me laughing, giggling, swinging my feet and then gave me some emotional torment but i couldn’t put it down.
this gave me laughing, giggling, swinging my feet and then gave me some emotional torment but i couldn’t put it down.
July 14, 2025
4.75 stars
April 10, 2024
What I Should've Said is a story you won't be expecting. Keep the tissues handy.
Norah is a runaway bride. She escapes to her hometown, to a sister she's not seen or spoken to in years. Before she even arrives, she has a run in with who must be the town grump, because he is not exactly kind or welcoming. But that man, he's going to change her life in ways she never seen coming.
Norah and Bennett's relationship goes from enemies to lovers to love very quickly. And while I enjoyed both of these characters and their banter from the start- I did feel it lacked a bit of depth and development. I mean the miscommunication in the end- I wanted to scream. Also- what was with the slapping? I didn't like it. I don't like it in general just to say. Despite all that, I couldn't help but be captivated, turning the pages for more. They had this palpable tension and chemistry I enjoyed. I very much rooted for them. Like Summer did.
I had no idea going into this book, it would turn into the story it did. I think there is a great deal of foreshadowing, so your eventually prepared, can figure it out, and can stop if need be. The blurb certainly doesn't adequately prepare you. This is not the sunshining romcom you might expect from this author duo. Yes, there is humour, that made me laugh. But there is also emotion and such agonizing heartbreak- it could be very difficult or even triggering for some. So proceed with caution. But do check it out if you enjoy your romance with side of absolute heartbreak, before the emotional HEA. Can't wait for the next book-Josie and Clay 100% need their story told!
*I received an ARC via Hambright PR in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own and given freely.
Norah is a runaway bride. She escapes to her hometown, to a sister she's not seen or spoken to in years. Before she even arrives, she has a run in with who must be the town grump, because he is not exactly kind or welcoming. But that man, he's going to change her life in ways she never seen coming.
Norah and Bennett's relationship goes from enemies to lovers to love very quickly. And while I enjoyed both of these characters and their banter from the start- I did feel it lacked a bit of depth and development. I mean the miscommunication in the end- I wanted to scream. Also- what was with the slapping? I didn't like it. I don't like it in general just to say. Despite all that, I couldn't help but be captivated, turning the pages for more. They had this palpable tension and chemistry I enjoyed. I very much rooted for them. Like Summer did.
I had no idea going into this book, it would turn into the story it did. I think there is a great deal of foreshadowing, so your eventually prepared, can figure it out, and can stop if need be. The blurb certainly doesn't adequately prepare you. This is not the sunshining romcom you might expect from this author duo. Yes, there is humour, that made me laugh. But there is also emotion and such agonizing heartbreak- it could be very difficult or even triggering for some. So proceed with caution. But do check it out if you enjoy your romance with side of absolute heartbreak, before the emotional HEA. Can't wait for the next book-Josie and Clay 100% need their story told!
*I received an ARC via Hambright PR in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own and given freely.
May 14, 2024
I cannot believe this book is so highly rated.
The story is so predictable (in the worst of ways) it is not even entertaining, the worst clichés are included, some things that seem important are just mentioned but never explained... I really wanted to DNF but if I had already wasted so much time, at least I was going to add the book to my reading goal.
Do not recommend this book at all. If you are looking for romance, go look somewhere else.
The story is so predictable (in the worst of ways) it is not even entertaining, the worst clichés are included, some things that seem important are just mentioned but never explained... I really wanted to DNF but if I had already wasted so much time, at least I was going to add the book to my reading goal.
Do not recommend this book at all. If you are looking for romance, go look somewhere else.
April 30, 2024
I laughed as much as I cried. So funny & sweet. New authors to me but I’ll definitely read more from them.
April 11, 2024
Umm, ok. Where to begin.. 🤔 I feel like a major bait & switch just happened. The sun shiny cover and the rom-com book summary had me thinking I was getting into a very different book than this actually was.
Is there a small town with fun characters? Yep. Is there a grumpy sunshine romance? Yep. But there’s also extremely deep and triggering storylines. I just finished a book that made me cry before this. I needed laughs and a pick-me-up. What I got? Heartbreaking storylines that had I known were in this book - I wouldn’t have picked it up.
The romance elements of this book took a backseat to the all-consuming emotional devastation. While I understand that listing trigger warnings can be a spoiler, this is not a book to go in blind to if you have triggers. Avoid looking below (list of triggers) if you want to avoid any potential spoilers…… ⬇️
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TW: child neglect and abuse resulting in death, domestic violence/physical abuse, terminal illness, sexual abuse
Thank you to NetGalley & Max Monroe for the opportunity to read this digital ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
Is there a small town with fun characters? Yep. Is there a grumpy sunshine romance? Yep. But there’s also extremely deep and triggering storylines. I just finished a book that made me cry before this. I needed laughs and a pick-me-up. What I got? Heartbreaking storylines that had I known were in this book - I wouldn’t have picked it up.
The romance elements of this book took a backseat to the all-consuming emotional devastation. While I understand that listing trigger warnings can be a spoiler, this is not a book to go in blind to if you have triggers. Avoid looking below (list of triggers) if you want to avoid any potential spoilers…… ⬇️
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TW: child neglect and abuse resulting in death, domestic violence/physical abuse, terminal illness, sexual abuse
Thank you to NetGalley & Max Monroe for the opportunity to read this digital ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
May 10, 2025
Norah + Bennett
26 year old Norah just ran out of her own wedding.
Well. It wasn't really her anything. Her horrible mom organized everything. She even basically picked out the perfect super rich guy to marry.
But then she got an envelope while putting on her dress and she just couldn't anymore..
Off she goes to stay at her big sister's place in Vermont for a bit.
The sister she hasn't talked to for five years.
Plus there's this super grumpy guy who gave her a ride into town. Ugh.
LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN!
══════════════════
BEAUTIFUL!
This was another amazing Max Monroe rom-com. But this time it was a rom-com that makes us cry! A lot!
We get our typical adorable meet cute and we get all the Max Monroe fun and hilariousness. We get small-town, drama, friends, family - all the great things. But we also have some extremely heartbreaking and emotional things in here too!
I just loved reading this. Would make an amazing movie!
I don't want to say too much. Just read it. It's beautiful!
If I had to complain a tiny bit.... I wanted more of things!! Of Norah, Bennett and Summer things. Of funny and sad things. Of falling in love things. It felt a bit slow at the beginning and suddenly they're kissing?! I just wanted the book to be a bit longer with more of everything! But it was amazing just as it was!
Another tiny thing. The cover. It's pretty. But when I would come across this cover in a book store, I would think: Ooh a Max Monroe Miami Beach Summer Romance. This cover does not exactly scream Vermont to me. But who cares?!
WHAT I SHOULD'VE SAID was such a sweet + funny + adorable + so very heartbreaking small-town romance! Run to your nearest book dealer for your own Bennett - this one is so mine!
💜
💜
September 14, 2024
Really sweet book with a surprising amount of depth! Enjoyed!
May 1, 2024
Assaulters to lovers trope apparently. FMC slaps MMC several times because the chemistry is apparently too undeniable to not slap him. And MMC punches FMC’s ex because chemistry to person he has barely had a conversation with is too undeniable to not punch the ex and almost go to jail. FMC also physically assaults her love interest whilst filing for a restraining order on an ex due to domestic violence risk - very much lost on the logic here. This book also has 0 warnings, which blows my mind as they have tried to put in so many triggering story lines in one book in the name of plot twists.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2024
I’ll be honest, I was such a mess after finishing this book. It is very emotional, and a good reminder not to take anything for granted. There is a lot going on throughout the book, but the love story between Norah and Bennett is truly beautiful. This is the kind that will simultaneously rip your heart out and put it back together. I was literally smiling and crying at the same time.
If you love:
💞Small Town
✨Single Dad
💞Protective MMC
✨VERY Emotional Reads
💞Enemies to Lovers
✨Boss x Employee
💞Dark Secrets
✨Runaway Bride
💞Grumpy x Sunshine
✨Dual POV
💞Spice
Then I highly highly HIGHLY recommend this one!
If you love:
💞Small Town
✨Single Dad
💞Protective MMC
✨VERY Emotional Reads
💞Enemies to Lovers
✨Boss x Employee
💞Dark Secrets
✨Runaway Bride
💞Grumpy x Sunshine
✨Dual POV
💞Spice
Then I highly highly HIGHLY recommend this one!
April 8, 2024
I’m not going to overthink this five star rating because I literally read this book all in one sitting. And my heart is lying in pieces on the floor next to my pile of tissues.
We start off with a dedication that said this book changed the authors’ lives, and I completely see why. Because what we get inside the book was completely unexpected, and I am emotionally wrecked.. in the best way.
Love Norah. Love Bennett. Love Summer forever.
💕small town romance
💗single dad
💖runaway bride
💓 grumpy/sunshine
💞 tear jerker
We start off with a dedication that said this book changed the authors’ lives, and I completely see why. Because what we get inside the book was completely unexpected, and I am emotionally wrecked.. in the best way.
Love Norah. Love Bennett. Love Summer forever.
💕small town romance
💗single dad
💖runaway bride
💓 grumpy/sunshine
💞 tear jerker
dnf
March 30, 2025The TWs are missing SO MUCH!!!!!!! I dnfd once the mmc’s daughter is literally on her deathbed asking about heaven.
The anti-abortion rhetoric and religious elements were the biggest nope for me.
The anti-abortion rhetoric and religious elements were the biggest nope for me.
August 12, 2025
the best thing to get me out of a reading slump, but some of these plot points were outrageous!!
August 14, 2025
Honestly, What I Should’ve Said just wasn’t it for me. The emotional moments felt more forced than heartfelt, and the cutesy wordplay never really landed — it leaned cheesy instead of charming. I never got invested in the characters, so the big “feel something” scenes didn’t hit. And some of the heavier themes were handled in a way that left me more uncomfortable than moved. I know some readers will click with it, but I spent most of the book wishing I was reading something else.
April 5, 2024
Thank you to Max Monroe and NetGalley for providing this free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I have a few thoughts about this.
1. There definitely should’ve been more of a disclaimer beyond “This book deals with sensitive subjects.” Not every book requires a laundry list of trigger warnings, but I do think when the content is so heavy, a better warning is necessary.
2. The pacing was a little off. The beginning started off at a fairly normal pace for a romance novel, but then many of the kisses felt like they came out of nowhere and were rushed?
3. The cover is a super misleading? It’s giving beach vacation, not small-town Vermont.
I cried like a baby reading this, but can we as a society stop pretending that very young children get incredibly wise beyond their years upon their death? Thanks.
I have a few thoughts about this.
1. There definitely should’ve been more of a disclaimer beyond “This book deals with sensitive subjects.” Not every book requires a laundry list of trigger warnings, but I do think when the content is so heavy, a better warning is necessary.
2. The pacing was a little off. The beginning started off at a fairly normal pace for a romance novel, but then many of the kisses felt like they came out of nowhere and were rushed?
3. The cover is a super misleading? It’s giving beach vacation, not small-town Vermont.
I cried like a baby reading this, but can we as a society stop pretending that very young children get incredibly wise beyond their years upon their death? Thanks.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2024
This book was fantastic! I loved everything about it. I laughed, I cried and cried some more then laughed some more.
The writing is amazing and the storyline kept me wanting to read more and more. It was hard to put this book down. Yes it had sex scenes but not that much and not that bad. They actually flowed nicely through the scene that was playing out at that time.
I can’t wait for book #2 to find out about Josie and Clay. All the characters were well developed and the back stories, omg were soooo good.
This was by far one of the best books I’ve read this year and this was my first book by this author duo.
The writing is amazing and the storyline kept me wanting to read more and more. It was hard to put this book down. Yes it had sex scenes but not that much and not that bad. They actually flowed nicely through the scene that was playing out at that time.
I can’t wait for book #2 to find out about Josie and Clay. All the characters were well developed and the back stories, omg were soooo good.
This was by far one of the best books I’ve read this year and this was my first book by this author duo.
April 24, 2024
DNF
I started skipping around at about 30%. I agree with what others have said, this book needed so many warning labels!
I definitely didn't expect it to turn into a complete tear jerker. Or an episode of SVU. <--- that seemed way out there and maybe a hail Mary for the authors to bring the ex and mommy dearest to an end.
The mains, not buying a connection. The tear jerker, aka the kid, was supposed to be a sheltered 7 year old. She more like 30.
It might be time for authors to step back and rethink some of the plot points they've all become obsessed with.
I started skipping around at about 30%. I agree with what others have said, this book needed so many warning labels!
I definitely didn't expect it to turn into a complete tear jerker. Or an episode of SVU. <--- that seemed way out there and maybe a hail Mary for the authors to bring the ex and mommy dearest to an end.
The mains, not buying a connection. The tear jerker, aka the kid, was supposed to be a sheltered 7 year old. She more like 30.
It might be time for authors to step back and rethink some of the plot points they've all become obsessed with.
March 6, 2025
so many elements of this story were completely unnecessary or over the top and the writing is just downright awful. every few years i pick up a random booktok book to see what these people are smoking and every time i'm appalled by the actual wattpad dogshit that gets above 4 stars on this website.
May 12, 2025
Norah + Bennett
26 year old Norah just ran out of her own wedding.
Well. It wasn't really her anything. Her horrible mom organized everything. She even basically picked out the perfect super rich guy to marry.
But then she got an envelope while putting on her dress and she just couldn't anymore..
Off she goes to stay at her big sister's place in Vermont for a bit.
The sister she hasn't talked to for five years.
Plus there's this super grumpy guy who gave her a ride into town. Ugh.
LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN!
══════════════════
BEAUTIFUL!
This was another amazing Max Monroe rom-com. But this time it was a rom-com that makes us cry! A lot!
We get our typical adorable meet cute and we get all the Max Monroe fun and hilariousness. We get small-town, drama, friends, family - all the great things. But we also have some extremely heartbreaking and emotional things in here too!
I just loved reading this. Would make an amazing movie!
I don't want to say too much. Just read it. It's beautiful!
If I had to complain a tiny bit.... I wanted more of things!! Of Norah, Bennett and Summer things. Of funny and sad things. Of falling in love things. It felt a bit slow at the beginning and suddenly they're kissing?! I just wanted the book to be a bit longer with more of everything! But it was amazing just as it was!
Another tiny thing. The cover. It's pretty. But when I would come across this cover in a book store, I would think: Ooh a Max Monroe Miami Beach Summer Romance. This cover does not exactly scream Vermont to me. But who cares?!
WHAT I SHOULD'VE SAID was such a sweet + funny + adorable + so very heartbreaking small-town romance! Run to your nearest book dealer for your own Bennett - this one is so mine!
If you can't click the buy-links
from your phone - click ► HERE!
💜
💜
July 24, 2025
I gave it 5 stars without hesitation. It was so heartbreakingly beautiful, raw, real, and full of depth.
There are a lot of triggers in this one, so please be mindful and check them before reading. But if you’re in a space to handle the heavy, this book is so worth it.
Norah is literally running from the altar and a life of control when she crosses paths with Bennett, a grumpy, guarded man who ends up becoming everything she didn’t know she needed. Their connection was tender and complicated in the best way, layered with healing, emotional vulnerability, and slow burning trust.
This story explores what it means to rebuild your life after heartbreak. The grief in these pages is quiet but powerful, and the love that follows is deeply earned.
There are a lot of triggers in this one, so please be mindful and check them before reading. But if you’re in a space to handle the heavy, this book is so worth it.
Norah is literally running from the altar and a life of control when she crosses paths with Bennett, a grumpy, guarded man who ends up becoming everything she didn’t know she needed. Their connection was tender and complicated in the best way, layered with healing, emotional vulnerability, and slow burning trust.
This story explores what it means to rebuild your life after heartbreak. The grief in these pages is quiet but powerful, and the love that follows is deeply earned.
June 2, 2024
I don’t really know how I feel about this book. On one hand I cried a few times, on the other it was anticlimactic.
Let’s dissect the reasons why I didn’t really enjoy it shall we?
1. No trigger warning about something that’s so so triggering. Obviously there was the main thing, Summer, but also so many other things that I feel like I’ve been misguided in a way. This book was portrayed as a grumpy/sunshine romance between a fashionista runaway bride with a big secret and a grumpy artist, a bad boy at that (he really really isn’t, he’s more of a dickhead but not really, she was kinda annoying in the beginning imo). The cover is a cute little thing. So how is someone supposed to know that this book has so many triggers that they should have their own chapter? I didn’t appreciate it, because it was triggering to me and I didn’t experience any of the triggering things, I can’t even imagine how bad it could be to someone actually experienced any of those things (losing a child, cheating, emotional and physical abuse, mentioning of forced abortion, mentioning of a murdering of a child, illegal prostitution, amongst other things).
2. Didn’t really feel the connection between the main couple. It was all of a sudden, both of them were mean to each other then BAAAAM, love. Plus it was kinda upsetting how those two had intimacy only after bad things/news. Like literally a few moments after. Didn’t really enjoyed the fact that they had sex when he was so drunk he didn’t remember if it was true or just his imagination (not even gonna bother to say how this would look if the role were reversed because it doesn’t matter who was drunk, feels wrong the same).
3. I would’ve enjoyed if the sisters actually talked about their estrangement. They had SO MANY unresolved things that we didn’t see, I feel like since her sister didn’t even wanted her to come in her house at first and wasn’t nice until she was physically hurt we needed more back story/interactions. Just seems like we they resolved things behind closed doors or they just pretended they did, since we see at the fake wedding how Summer didn’t bother to check who the groom might be and even after that didn’t really care.
Honestly throughout the whole book I was more interested in Summer’s story, and I feel like that says it all regarding my opinion on the book. It wasn’t THAT bad (aside for the absence of trigger warnings), it just wasn’t for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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