Say You Love Me

by Jami Rogers

One offer from Dutton Richford is all it takes to land me in a deal with the enemy.

For a man who I've spent most of my life despising (and I assumed it went both ways), he knew exactly what to say to convince me to help him.

You see, he wants his father to choose him as the next owner of Lovers Lodge, the destination venue our small town is most known for, and I want to finally own my own business and expand it.

We both have obstacles that are keeping us from getting what we want, and somehow, teaming up makes the most sense.

It doesn’t take long for me to learn that I never really knew the man who has managed to steal my attention in just a few short weeks. The man who is much more observant and kinder than I expected him to be. Don’t even get me started on his bright green eyes, his sculpted body, and the dimple in his left cheek when he smiles. Which is rare, by the way, but he’s starting to do it more and more often with me.

The way my heart pounds and my body heats when he’s near me, looks at me, touches me, or speaks to me is something I’m beginning to crave.

It makes hating him that much harder.

And that’s a problem, because what’s a girl supposed to do when a harmless deal turns into something more with a man who has always been forbidden?

Tropes for Say You Love Me include small town, banter, heat, enemies who become friends who become more, forbidden love, and so much more!

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, He Falls First

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication June 9, 2026

About the author

I write fun, fast, and flirty romance novels with heat (and lots of slow burn).

Visit me on Instagram (where I post the most): Author Jami Rogers

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Reviews

[Deanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this!

The progression of Dutton and Brooke’s relationship was ridiculously sweet. They started as enemies but soon became very close. Dutton was incredibly protective over Brooke, and he totally made me want to squee and kick my feet at times.

I also loved watching the townsfolk change their opinions on Dutton! Once we learned what caused him to act out as a teen, and my heart broke for him, but the community embracing him was sweet and mildly amusing.

I do love a third act breakup but I’m also a sucker for no third act breakup too, and we got that with this book! Their relationship was so precious, and their friends were all great, so I’m glad we didn’t have to suffer through any pain. The third act conflict was interesting though! I actually wasn’t expecting the ending so I was shocked as the characters as to how it turned out haha.

I can’t wait to read the next books in the series!

[Hazel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ I’m definitely in my small town romance era.
I really enjoyed this enemies to lovers romance. Brooke promised her dad years ago that she wouldn’t be friends or get involved with bad boy Dutton but times change and people do as well.

Years later Dutton asks Brooke for a favour which she eventually agrees to with conditions but chemistry and lots of time spent together leave the town as well as Brooke and Dutton wondering if there’s more going on.

There were lots of moments in this book that I enjoyed, the changing of attitudes, revenge or karma, the reading of romance books and the friendships.

I’ll definitely be looking to read more in this series and by Jami Rogers!

Thanks to Grey’s Promotions and Jami Rogers for the advanced copy.

[Holly Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Say You Love Me

By: Jami Rogers

I enjoy reading a book by an author that’s new to me! I always write random notes and thoughts and then my review is afterwards. Let’s go!!

1. The prologue is interesting and I’m already curious how Brooke and Dutton get involved with one another!

2. I’m only 70 pages in and I’ve noticed the Gd word is used frequently. 🤔😕 it’s not something that makes me stop reading, unless it’s a lot on every page. However, some folks may not like that.

3. I love a protective mc! “Friends or not, if someone lays a hand on Brooke and she doesn't consent to it, I’ll kill ’em.” (pg. 75)

4. We live in a small country town, so this is definitely true!! “…in a small town, everyone knows just about everything about everyone else.”” (pg. 87)

5. Ooh I need to know the name of that book! 🤭 “Dutton: What is knife play?” (pg. 120)

6. Dutton’s texts about the book are too funny!

7. I knew it was coming to this! Has me on the edge of my seat!! 🥺 “Bad things are about to happen.” (pg. 185) *This scene feels unfinished *

8. I’m in love with how protective Dutton is when it comes to Brooke! (Ik I mentioned this above but yessss!!)

9. Yes! We love it! 🥵 “The dirty talk. That’s what she loves from the books.” (pg. 242)

10. Pleaseeeeee tell me there’s a book where Preston and Grace get together!!?! 🥹😭

11. 😱 I KNEWWWW IT!! I won’t give away what happens, but I knew it!! I gasped and said that out loud🤭

12. Ahhh that’s why the sheriff hates Dutton so much! I totally get it now! 🥺😭

13. I am in love with not only this couple, but the side characters, and this little town!

14. The “about the author” page feels so real and relatable lol.

🩷🖤🩷🖤🩷🖤🩷🖤🩷🖤

Let me begin by saying I absolutely loved this book!! The characters are amazing! We live in a small southern town, so I love the small town setting to begin with. It’s great when the scenery is easy to see.

Jami Rogers sets the bar for a sexy, protective, loving male main character! Dutton is so dreamy, protective, and I love his character growth. Brooke is the sweet southern girl who loves her friends and community, a Southern Belle kind.

I like how it gave a bit of a backstory to both main characters. It helps with their personality and growth. I liked the few mild steamy scenes. They may not be mild for others, but I like really intense and detailed steamy scenes. But the romance in this one was better than that. There’s not an overload of scenes in this book but each time was hot and I love that Dutton read the books lol.

The storyline is creative and entertaining. I knew a couple things would happen, so when they did I yelled out loud lol. I cried, got excited, felt happiness for the characters, yelled, and it left me wanting more!!

The scenery and atmosphere was descriptive and was easy to envision. I played this book like a movie in my mind. There was one thing that felt like it was left out. Tony. Without giving too much away I’ll say that ending felt left open. 🤔 Hmm maybe a book two?!

Ahhh, I want more! I need more of Dutton and Brooke. I want Preston and Grace together. Hell, I even want the sheriff and Dutton’s mama to get together! ((Please do this!!🥹😭))

This is the first book I’ve read anything by Jami Rogers and safe to say…I’m now a big fan! I haven’t looked yet, but I’m hoping this book is just the beginning!

If you’re looking for an interesting, creative, sweet romance book, this is one to read! Jami Rogers is a great author who creates loving characters who you root for from the beginning! The emotions are well written, details are shown instead of being told, and she leaves you craving more!! This was a great read! I hope this is the beginning of a series! 🫶🏻🩷🖤

[Fernanda Dzib · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Oh lord, I’m hopelessly, madly, irrevocably in love with Dutton Ritchford 😮‍💨❤️ that man, was willing to do ANYTHING, just to make sure his loved ones were happy and safe, happy as in his siblings and safe as in Brooke, aka Books 😩❤️

I literally ate this book from the very first chapter because, this was a true enemies to friends to lovers; Brooke didn’t like Dutton that much because when they both were teenagers, he used to get in trouble a lot, meaning Brooke’s dad, the sheriff was always arresting him and missing out on her competitions or presentations, so when Dutton asks her to fake friend him, she says no at first, but then, she agrees only because she’s having a hard time buying the bakery she’s been working at and she thinks this is the best way to achieve her dream, joke is on both of them, because they never saw true friendship coming, and the more Brooke gets to know Dutton, the more she realizes he’s not as bad as she thought, and most importantly, he’s been carrying with a secret that made him a troublemaker years ago, and now is keeping him from being truly happy because he’s been protecting his siblings and the legacy of his lodge’s family

I love both of them, Brooke is so fierce and she cares deeply, she knew from the start that she was going to be friends with Dutton for real, but little she knew she just found the love of her life too, and when she was at danger at some point, OH MY GOD!!! 😩❤️🛐 I was swooning so hard because of Dutton defending her ahhhh 😮‍💨 and the plot twist? Oh my god I was so worried because I didn’t want them to end, and thankfully that didn’t happened 🙂‍↔️✨

Now I’m soooooo intrigued about Grace and Preston, and I NEED, a Gavin’s book too pretty please 🛐🛐🛐

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I absolutely devoured Say You Love Me by Jami Rogers! Dutton and Brooke completely stole my heart and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.

What started as a deal between two people who couldn’t stand each other turned into one of the most addictive enemies-to-lovers romances I’ve read in a long time. The banter was perfection, the chemistry was off the charts, and watching these two slowly realize everything they thought they knew about each other was wrong had me completely hooked.

Dutton Richford was EVERYTHING. Beneath that grumpy, guarded exterior was a man who was thoughtful, caring, observant, and impossible not to fall for. Every little thing he did for Brooke made me swoon harder. And Brooke was such a fantastic heroine. Strong, ambitious, and determined to build the future she wanted, she matched Dutton perfectly.

The small-town setting felt so cozy and charming, and the Lovers Lodge storyline added so much heart to the book. The forbidden element, the tension, the friendship that blossomed into something deeper, and all those sweet and steamy moments kept me glued to the pages.

I laughed, I swooned, I smiled like an idiot, and I was rooting for Dutton and Brooke from beginning to end. Their journey felt genuine, emotional, and incredibly satisfying. Every chapter left me wanting just one more until suddenly I was at the end wishing I could read it all over again for the first time.

If you love small-town romance, enemies-to-friends-to-lovers, amazing banter, and a hero who will completely melt your heart, this book is a must-read. Dutton and Brooke are officially one of my favorite couples, and I honestly couldn’t read their story fast enough!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Say You Love Me completely pulled me in from the very first chapter, and honestly? I never wanted this book to end.

I was so immersed in Brooke and Dutton’s story that I genuinely didn’t realize how close I was to the ending until I was suddenly there wanting hundreds more pages with these characters. Their dynamic was addictive from the start. The enemies-to-lovers tension mixed with the small town setting and the best friend’s brother element made this impossible for me to put down.

Dutton absolutely won me over. I loved how much he cared for Brooke and how protective they both were of each other throughout the story. There’s such a strong emotional connection between them underneath all the tension and banter, and watching that relationship evolve was one of my favorite parts of the book.

And the nicknames these two had for each other? Obsessed.

This book had me making so many reader noises. Between the chemistry, the tension, the emotional moments, and the banter, I was fully invested the entire time. I especially loved the way Dutton fell first because it made so many of their interactions feel even sweeter once you could see how deeply he cared.

The ending was also incredibly cute and left me finishing the book with the biggest smile.

Overall, Say You Love Me is such an immersive small town romance filled with tension, heart, protective energy, and a couple that was so easy to root for. Brooke and Dutton completely had me hooked.

Spice: Ch. 16, 18, 22, 24

[Carys Elaine Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to grey promotions and jami rogers for the opportunity to be a arc reader.

I loved this book im new to jami rogers iv only read 2 of her books and let me tell you she did not disappoint with this book.

Enimines to lovers I am here for it because it was perfect.

Brooke is baker in lovers town and everyone loves her she is kind and caring to everyone shes had a rough time growing up with a mum who let her when she was 12 and her dad raised her and her sister. She also has trusted issues because she feels like everyone she gets close to leaves her.

Dutton Richford also grew up in lovers his family is quiet wealthy but he also got himself into alot of trouble growing up because of somethings that happened at home. He also doesn't like his dad because hes not a very nice person.

Dutton tries to protect his siblings from the truth so when hos dad wants to retire from the company he asks which one of him and his siblings want it and it goes between dutton and grace which is how him and Brooke kinda become friends.

Dutton wanted Brooks help and he caught her in a difficult time when she was struggling because someone stole her identity which ment she couldn't buy her bakery either.

The more Dutton and Brooke start hanging out the more the sparks fly between each other and when a horrible situation happens to Brooke dutton is there to help her and protect her as well.

Dont ever get me started on the cute nicknames books and big D 🤣🤣

Id rate the spice scenes 🌶🌶🌶 out of 5 with some office scenes which was so good read.

I cant wait for the next book

[Pauline (booksofviolette) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Say you love me by Jami Rogers
Lovers Lodge n°1

| Brooke and Dutton |

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕:
💜 Small town romance
💜 Enemies to lovers
💜 He falls first
💜 Opposite attract
💜 Best friend's brother
💜 Slow burn romance
💜 Frenemies to lovers
💜 Forbidden love

My first Jami Rogers story and definitely not my last!

I had the best time with Brooke and Dutton. Small town romance will always be a fave of mine and these two had a lot to say ! There is kind of a feud between the town's bad boy and the baker, daughter of the town's sheriff. But then he asks for her help to improve his reputation and they end up forming the best friendship.

Dutton is such a sweetheart, he doesn't deserve the reputation he has and Brooke is one of the only people who sees that. They are always here for each other, they have great banter, their chemistry is amazing nd I was just waiting for the snap moment to happen. And oh the tension between them is sooooo good!! Add in his protective side and I'm a goner.

Honestly the progression of their relationship was so good to read. Like enemies to confidents to friends to lovers. The best!

I love getting to know the town, Dutton's siblings and future relationships that might (hopefully) happen in the next books. I'm so excited to visit the lodge again!!

[Aria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Say You Love Me is a sweet, small-town romance with the perfect mix of banter, tension, and heart. I loved how effortlessly it pulled me into the world of Lovers Lodge, where two people who have spent years thinking the worst of each other are suddenly forced to see each other in a whole new light.
What starts as a practical arrangement quickly turns into something much more complicated, and that slow shift is what makes the story so irresistible. The chemistry is charming and believable, the emotional beats land beautifully, and the romance has that addictive enemies-to-friends-to-more arc that always gets me. I especially loved the way Dutton surprised me by being kinder, more observant, and far more appealing than expected.
The small-town setting adds so much to the story, giving it warmth, charm, and that cozy sense of community that makes romances like this such a joy to read. Add in the forbidden angle, the playful banter, and the growing heat between them, and this became an easy 5-star read for me.
If you love a romance that is adorable, heartfelt, and impossible not to root for, Say You Love Me is such a lovely pick.

[Margery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two teens with complicated lives is where their story begins. Dutton has become a rebellious teen who the sheriff seems to always be bringing him in to the station. That causes him to miss most of his daughter's games and more. She hates Dutton for taking her dad's time and Dutton, well, is fighting his own parental dysfunction. Brooke's mom vanished, her sister moved away and all she has is an absentee dad. Jump to now, when they are adults. She has become a successful baker seeking to purchase the bakery. Dutton has graduated college and working for the family business running Lovers Lodge in Lovers, Michigan with his dad and siblings. His dad has said who ever presents the best projection of the company will be top seat. Add in a dating site stalker that reveals her dad's contempt toward Dutton and the truth surfacing. There is so much more than a rich story line as with skill Jamie Rogers adds in the growth of an impossible romance. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and I loved the rich story line.

[Casey King · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a small-town romance, that is connected to The Asher Family Series. I loved seeing all the characters from The Asher Family series showing up in The Lover’s Lodge series. Dutton was a troubled teen that in adulthood is trying to show hes grown, hes changed and hes ready to make things better for himself and others around him. Brooke disliked Dutton because of the trouble he caused when he was a teen taking her father's (the sheriff) time away from her.

I have to talk about this one chapter. Chapter 12. This chapter had me giggling and kicking my feet; I'm pretty sure I highlighted the WHOLE chapter. I will not spoil anything, but this chapter will make you SWOON for Dutton. There are other parts that will also, but that was the moment I knew this was another 5-star read for me from Jami Rogers.

This story is about making admends no mater how long ago they happened and earning that second chance that people deserve.

I am so excited for the next book in Lovers Lodge Series!

Thank you Grey’s promotion for sending an eARC in exchange for an honest review

[Barbara Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5...delivers exactly the kind of romance that keeps readers smiling from beginning to end. The enemies-to-friends-to-lovers progression is beautifully paced, allowing the relationship to evolve in a way that feels authentic and deeply satisfying. The banter is sharp, the chemistry is undeniable, and the emotional connection that develops between the characters makes every interaction meaningful. Dutton proves to be far more layered and lovable than expected, and watching long-held assumptions unravel adds an extra layer of depth to the romance. The small-town setting provides plenty of charm, while the forbidden-love elements create just enough tension to keep the pages turning. Filled with sweet moments, sizzling attraction, and genuine heart, this is a captivating romance that’s difficult to put down.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[MK S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Jami Rogers and Grey’s Promotions for this eARC!

Brooke is the sheriff’s daughter and Dutton is the guy who always seemed to find trouble growing up. After unexpected circumstances bring them together, the two form an unlikely friendship.

As Brooke gets to know the real Dutton, she realizes maybe she judged him too quickly all those years ago. But what happens when friendship starts turning into something more?

This was such a cute read! I absolutely loved Brooke and Dutton together. Their chemistry, banter, and emotional moments made this story hard to put down.

I thought the storyline flowed really well, the side characters added so much to the story, and the character development was done beautifully.

I definitely recommend this book!

Tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Banter
Small town romance
He falls harder
Best friend’s brother

[Imogen Dior · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
I really enjoyed Say You Love Me. Brooke and Dutton were both great characters who had fire chemistry. The progression of these two was done really well, seeing them go from enemies-to friends- to more and seeing them genuinely fall and have that connection made me fall even more for the characters. I loved how protective Dutton was of Brooke even when they were still in the early stages of them, he was so protective and it was dreamy. Brooke was so nice and supportive- she was just so genuine and had Dutton’s back. Once they became friends they went all out for one another and I really liked that. I enjoyed some of the secondary characters. Personally, there was one I found a bit annoying but it didn’t stop me from liking the other characters and the overall book. Really good read here.

[Heather McHugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say other than Jami Rogers did it again! I could not put this book down! Literally fell asleep last night mid chapter to wake up and start reading before I even got out of bed.

I love the chemistry between Brooke and Dutton. The banter combined with their attraction is addicting. But the break out star for me is Dutton. To see the progress he has made and how much he loves and protects his family? Swoon worthy. He is exactly what everyone deserves in a significant other.

I also like how this story connects with previous series. It's like running into a friend you haven't seen in ages. Plus the bonus epilogue? So good


Thank you for choosing me to read this ARC. I love everything I have read by Jami Rogers and was not disappointed with this read. 💗

[Shannon Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Lovers Lodge series and it captured my attention from the first page. It’s a small town romance with a bit of suspense.

Brooke is the daughter of the town sheriff and is known as the town sweetheart. She is running the local bakery. She is trying to buy it and during the process she learns something devastating.

Dutton is know as the town troublemaker and he is trying to prove to his dad that he is ready to take over the lodge when he retires. The only problem is that in order to do that he needs the town people to support the decision and with his past that’s going to be a problem.

Can they overcome all the obstacles in the way or will they lose everything?

Do yourself a favor and read this it is absolutely amazing!

Thank you for the ARC!

[Hannah Soileau · Rating 4 out of 5]

He was a troubled teen who just needs to prove himself to not only his father but the town as well and what better way to do that than become friends with the sheriff’s daughter, who everyone loves?

I am loving this new series! Brooke and Dutton bring plenty of chemistry and tons of tension in this forbidden romance. These characters were so easy to connect with and pull you right in with their backstories. The amount of romance mixed in with some suspense was really great and I loved how protective Dutton quickly becomes over Brooke. The undeniable chemistry and connection they form is swoon worthy and such a great start for the series. I really enjoyed reading their story!

Thank you Jami for this arc in exchange for my honest review, I love being on this team!

[Morgan Crump · Rating 5 out of 5]

Say You Love Me x Jami Rogers

Tropes:
Small town
He falls first
Best friends brother
Enemies to lovers

I absolutely flew through Dutton and Brooke’s story!

Dutton is seeking redemption within the community that he wreaked havoc in as a teen, will Brooke be able to help him gain the forgiveness of those he wronged?

We love a protective MMC that will go above and beyond for the FMC.

Everyone needs to get a man who will not only read the same book as you, but will ensure you live out your true fantasies!

I cannot wait to continue this series!

This is an honest review of the advanced reader copy that I received.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from beginning to end. Read it in a day, didn't want to put it down.

Dutton was the town bad boy when he was in high school. Brooke is the Sheriff's daughter. Dutton needs a favor from Brooke but she has conditions.

Loved that they were buddy reading dark romance books together. The texts about the books had me giggling and kicking my feet. Her nickname for him had me laughing so hard! The banter and tension was so good.

There was enemies to lovers, bestfriend's brother, and small town elements. So good! No third act breakup. Love!

Thank you Grey's Promotions for the eARC.

[Reading In the Red Room · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book one and it definitely brought the drama…and I was here for it!! Dutton was the bad boy of this small quaint town. Always in trouble…the town sheriff knew him way too well. Brooke was the sheriff’s daughter and had her reasons for not liking Dutton…even though his sister is her best friend. As these two form an unlikely alliance…more than friendship starts to grow. Dutton learns that the truth can sometimes set you free and Brooke learns not to always read a book by its cover. This book was a great introduction to this series. The characters had incredible depth and told one heck of a story. I cant wait for book two.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love a good small town romance with some family drama read this one! Brooke had never liked Dutton since they were young because he was the troublemaker of the town. Years later when they are adults he comes to ask her for help to make his image better since she’s the town’s sweetheart. She also needs his help for her bakery as well. The friendship they developed before the romance was my favorite part! I love it when they don’t rush into anything. We have spice, friendships, family, some suspense and won’t moments!! 4 stars!!

[Serena Buss · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐ 3 🌶️
Yup! I'm already obsessed with this new series! I love all of Jami's books! I'm excited to continue reading this Lovers Lodge series!
Say You Love Me deserves all the stars! This story is a fun, captivating, suspenseful, and heartwarming frenemies to lovers romance!
I love Brooke and Dutton's story! I love the tension, banter, close friendships, and of course the spice! This story is beautifully written and keeps you entertained throughout the whole story! I can't wait to read more in this series!
Thank you Jami and Grey's Promotion for including me as an ARC reader!

[Emily Croker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg this book was everything. It was definitely the sweetest book I've read in a while.

Dutton redemption in this book was so great to read about. Dutton and Brooke's connection and chemistry was so addicting from the start.

This book also had tropes everyone loves from enemies to lovers, he falls harder and best friends brother there's something for everyone and don't even get me started on the banter!!

Thank you greys promo and the author for this arc!!

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dutton needs to redeem his image in town in Orde to take ownership of his family’s Lodge. Brooke needs money to buy the bakey she is currently working in after some financial problems. They can help each other even if they can’t stand each other. Can their friendship really solve their problems or the real solution is for both of them to fall in love and have a future together? Spicy, full of emotions, banter, and great friends. Thanks to Greg’s promotion for the ARC. This is my honest review.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this ARC. From enemies to friends to more. The characters were fun and must try to work together to get what they each want. This is not always easy in a small town. One the town darling and the other the troubled teen whose past still shapes peoples perceptions. I really hope the next book is about Grace.

[Aliciti Cain · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love banter, spice, best friends brother. This book book is for you. My favorite line in this book is from the FMC Brooke and shes running internally.
"He's afraid of me falling and hurting myself. Silly man. I think its already fell."
Like you are kidding me. I want and need more of these 2 main characters. I was so giddy and squealing like a crazy a person. Definitely a must read!!!

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just can't get enough. Rogers speaks from the heart. Say You Love Me is the kind of heartache worth fighting for. Dutton and Brooke turn bitterness into sweet seduction. From star-crossed drama to soulful romance, love exposes itself from every angle.

[Malinda Cochran · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Reader here, Books and Big D's story was a page Turner. I literally couldn't put it down! I'm hoping we are going to see more books that will cover the Richford siblings! 1000000% recommend!

[Melissa Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute read that reminded me so much of my on personal experience. I really enjoyed reading Say You Love Me and I look forward to reading more by Jami.

[Stephanie Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rtc