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He Said, he said Volume 1
- GenresM M RomanceRomance
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2026
182 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Mary Calmes
131 books5,037 followersMary Calmes believes in romance, happily ever afters, and the faith it takes for her characters to get there. She bleeds coffee, thinks chocolate should be its own food group, and currently lives in Kentucky with a six-pound furry ninja that protects her from baby birds, spiders and the neighbor’s dogs. To stay up to date on her ponderings and pandemonium (as well as the adventures of the ninja) follow her on Twitter @MaryCalmes, connect with her on Facebook, and subscribe to her Mary’s Mob newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 4, 2026
3.5
Over the year He said, He said became one of my newsletter highlights but I always regretted that I didn't start to read it right from the start. So of course I had to take the chance when I saw that Mary Calmes did a collection of her early newsletter additions.
Although the start was not what it later became, it was still nice to read. I suppose I skipped the first parts because “Dear xy” columns are not really my favorite and that's how it started. Maybe I should have trusted Mary more because firstly she didn't follow the rules of that genre strictly and soon embedded those question-answer snippets in events running at the Harcourt-Kage household where several of the well-known characters discussed the proper answer or deviated in typical Mary style, and secondly pretty soon she added slice-of-live ficlets without the original column framework. They were still shorter than what we get later but nevertheless. It was like a promise, like showing her tool kit only to use it a bit later.
So this volume as amusing as it is, is more a treat for fans but if you like to follow Jory and his family over a long timeline and check how their kids grow up while trouble-magnet Jory and Sam grow older you have to start here.
Over the year He said, He said became one of my newsletter highlights but I always regretted that I didn't start to read it right from the start. So of course I had to take the chance when I saw that Mary Calmes did a collection of her early newsletter additions.
Although the start was not what it later became, it was still nice to read. I suppose I skipped the first parts because “Dear xy” columns are not really my favorite and that's how it started. Maybe I should have trusted Mary more because firstly she didn't follow the rules of that genre strictly and soon embedded those question-answer snippets in events running at the Harcourt-Kage household where several of the well-known characters discussed the proper answer or deviated in typical Mary style, and secondly pretty soon she added slice-of-live ficlets without the original column framework. They were still shorter than what we get later but nevertheless. It was like a promise, like showing her tool kit only to use it a bit later.
So this volume as amusing as it is, is more a treat for fans but if you like to follow Jory and his family over a long timeline and check how their kids grow up while trouble-magnet Jory and Sam grow older you have to start here.
February 4, 2026
GOAT!!
Sam and Jory are my GOAT!! I cannot count the number of times I have read every novel/novella/story about them and their circle of family and friends. I love having these all together, and it was such a joy to go back and read these older ones. I keep my fingers crossed that at some point we will get a series about Kola and Harper finding their way to each other (although I love their boyfriends, I feel as if they are meant to be together).
Thank you so much Mary Calmes for bringing Sam and Jory to life all those years ago and letting us see past the happily ever after!!
Sam and Jory are my GOAT!! I cannot count the number of times I have read every novel/novella/story about them and their circle of family and friends. I love having these all together, and it was such a joy to go back and read these older ones. I keep my fingers crossed that at some point we will get a series about Kola and Harper finding their way to each other (although I love their boyfriends, I feel as if they are meant to be together).
Thank you so much Mary Calmes for bringing Sam and Jory to life all those years ago and letting us see past the happily ever after!!
February 4, 2026
Great to visit main characters & catch up. Read after series
The ticlets were good and provided an opportunity to catch up with the main characters from Time series. Before stumbling onto Calmed and falling in love with Joey and Sam. I had not read novels featuring gay main characters. It became apparent early on that the author's skill would have worked regardless of the sexual preferences of the characters. It is a shame her work is not more well known.
So if you every wonder what happened in the future for the main characters and have read the series you will enjoy these enormously. I don't think they will stand alone. The snappy dialogue remains intact here. The kids are in high school but have the same personalities. Sam and Joey continue in their careers from the last book in the series and remain crazy for the other.
These were like a diary entry every month. There were brand new issues which would work in the short story genre. I recommend these. There are more to come and I wonder whether Calmed will adopt the same format for other book series. I would highly recommend this one. It was a lot of fun.
The ticlets were good and provided an opportunity to catch up with the main characters from Time series. Before stumbling onto Calmed and falling in love with Joey and Sam. I had not read novels featuring gay main characters. It became apparent early on that the author's skill would have worked regardless of the sexual preferences of the characters. It is a shame her work is not more well known.
So if you every wonder what happened in the future for the main characters and have read the series you will enjoy these enormously. I don't think they will stand alone. The snappy dialogue remains intact here. The kids are in high school but have the same personalities. Sam and Joey continue in their careers from the last book in the series and remain crazy for the other.
These were like a diary entry every month. There were brand new issues which would work in the short story genre. I recommend these. There are more to come and I wonder whether Calmed will adopt the same format for other book series. I would highly recommend this one. It was a lot of fun.
February 7, 2026
I’ve been reading the newsletter since it started and am excited that some of the charming ficlets will be condensed into volumes. That said, I'm not sure why I don’t love Vol I as much as I should. Clearly, it's a me problem, but it feels like something is missing.
Although some of it could be that I forgot what a sanctimonious asshole Sam can be. He never peppers his high horse commentary with some 'this is what I learned from being a 32 year old cop treating a 20 year old "club kid" like dirt' reflection. *shrugs*
Although some of it could be that I forgot what a sanctimonious asshole Sam can be. He never peppers his high horse commentary with some 'this is what I learned from being a 32 year old cop treating a 20 year old "club kid" like dirt' reflection. *shrugs*
February 1, 2026
Must read for Sam and Jory fans!
If you love Sam and Jory, I highly recommend this glimpse into their happily ever. It has everything: Jory getting into trouble, Sam getting growly, growing kids, their friends, the teasing, the love, and proof of their everlasting HEA. I absolutely love when authors do this and give a huge thanks to Mary Calmes!! Onto the next one! (And perhaps rereading the series from the beginning.)
If you love Sam and Jory, I highly recommend this glimpse into their happily ever. It has everything: Jory getting into trouble, Sam getting growly, growing kids, their friends, the teasing, the love, and proof of their everlasting HEA. I absolutely love when authors do this and give a huge thanks to Mary Calmes!! Onto the next one! (And perhaps rereading the series from the beginning.)
February 6, 2026
Life doesn’t get any better than this. Since Mary started the He said, he said ficlets in her monthly newsletter the fifteenth of the month has been my favorite day since 2017. I’m beyond grateful that she decided to put them into a collection as this way I can highlight and make notes on parts that are the best… for me, anyway.
Jory and Sam have long been favorites of mine, so getting a monthly glimpse into their lives, their family and friends, just makes me beyond happy.
Jory and Sam have long been favorites of mine, so getting a monthly glimpse into their lives, their family and friends, just makes me beyond happy.
January 29, 2026
I love these stories!
Since I first came across Mary Calmes’ books, I’ve enjoyed both the stories and how they link together in large and small ways. The newsletter stories are a great view behind the scenes with Jory and Sam, and I’ve been sorry to have missed the older ones. Now I get to read them!
Since I first came across Mary Calmes’ books, I’ve enjoyed both the stories and how they link together in large and small ways. The newsletter stories are a great view behind the scenes with Jory and Sam, and I’ve been sorry to have missed the older ones. Now I get to read them!
February 2, 2026
Loved this book! It made me smile and feel happy with every page I read.
I liked the every day problems and issues faced by a two dads raising children. I couldn't wait to read about their thoughts and values and how the Dads blended their beliefs and traditions to show their love for each other and their children. Marvelous book! Highly recommend it!
I liked the every day problems and issues faced by a two dads raising children. I couldn't wait to read about their thoughts and values and how the Dads blended their beliefs and traditions to show their love for each other and their children. Marvelous book! Highly recommend it!
February 6, 2026
What a Delightful Treat!
I always enjoy the 15th of every month to catch up on Jory, Sam, and their adventures. I stumbled upon “He Said, He Said!!” halfway through the monthly snippets. I’ve always wished I could read them from the start. Thanks, Mary, for the whole recap! I’m really looking forward to the second book.
I always enjoy the 15th of every month to catch up on Jory, Sam, and their adventures. I stumbled upon “He Said, He Said!!” halfway through the monthly snippets. I’ve always wished I could read them from the start. Thanks, Mary, for the whole recap! I’m really looking forward to the second book.
February 18, 2026
I look forward to the 15th of every month when Mary’s newsletter arrives. It started as a question and answer but it’s developed into a segment of life in the Kage/Harcourt house. I didn’t subscribe from the beginning and wasn’t sure how much I’d missed. So I was excited to get the chance to catch up. It turns out I hadn’t actually missed much. But I enjoyed the re-read.
January 29, 2026
Jory and Sam are here!!
So wonderful to read all these at once. Sam and Jory were one of my first MM reads and remain one of my top re-reads (and re-listens!!). This author is the same- all time favorite.
So wonderful to read all these at once. Sam and Jory were one of my first MM reads and remain one of my top re-reads (and re-listens!!). This author is the same- all time favorite.
February 1, 2026
SO happy to have these in book form now!
I’ve adored the snippets from Jory’s family every month in Mary’s newsletter for years now, so to finally get them in book form (and to get to add to my paperback collection) is a dream come true!
I’ve adored the snippets from Jory’s family every month in Mary’s newsletter for years now, so to finally get them in book form (and to get to add to my paperback collection) is a dream come true!
February 5, 2026
He Said Vol 1
These little stories have been the best thing to hit my inbox monthly for forever! Jory, Sam and their family are my absolute favourite fictional family and I always wanted more from their lives together after the main books
These little stories have been the best thing to hit my inbox monthly for forever! Jory, Sam and their family are my absolute favourite fictional family and I always wanted more from their lives together after the main books
February 20, 2026
This is the Best!
I’ve read all the newsletters and I wait patiently each month for the release. So glad to be able to read them back to back without having to go through my emails!
So happy you did this!
I’ve read all the newsletters and I wait patiently each month for the release. So glad to be able to read them back to back without having to go through my emails!
So happy you did this!
January 31, 2026
Love this!!!!
Love this! I read them every month from the newsletter & always wanted to read the ones that came before. Now I get too. Can't wait to read volume 2!!!
Love this! I read them every month from the newsletter & always wanted to read the ones that came before. Now I get too. Can't wait to read volume 2!!!
February 1, 2026
Loved This
These personalities just reach out and grab you even if it’s been years since you have read the books. Loved this.
These personalities just reach out and grab you even if it’s been years since you have read the books. Loved this.
February 1, 2026
Long awaited…
Awesome, five stars, great stuff! If you haven’t read the original series you’re in for a treat, but this can be read without that and still be awesome..!
Awesome, five stars, great stuff! If you haven’t read the original series you’re in for a treat, but this can be read without that and still be awesome..!
February 2, 2026
a return to the harcourt gage family
Loved the two years monthly update through Jory’s advice column. Thank you Mary it’s so nice revisiting favorites. This group are so much fun.
Loved the two years monthly update through Jory’s advice column. Thank you Mary it’s so nice revisiting favorites. This group are so much fun.
February 2, 2026
Yes, we are all suckers for MORE Sam and Jory time... just sayin'!!! 🥰
February 6, 2026
Great collection of ficlets about the life of the Harcourt - Kage family
February 8, 2026
Jory&Sam so loved
I love the universe and the characters. Everyone needs the love and devotion of this family and group of friends in their life.
I love the universe and the characters. Everyone needs the love and devotion of this family and group of friends in their life.
February 9, 2026
OMG, so much fun.
February 12, 2026
I love reading Mary Calme's He said, he said newsletter each month and am delighted that she published the earlier newsletters and that there are two coming out later this month.
February 13, 2026
Beautiful Mix
A nice assortment of tiny tales, advice, and anecdotes. Well worth reading... even before reading the series about the US Marshalls. 🥰
A nice assortment of tiny tales, advice, and anecdotes. Well worth reading... even before reading the series about the US Marshalls. 🥰
March 15, 2026
4.5 stars
February 4, 2026
I have loved these monthly newsletters since Mary Calmes started writing them, I can’t think of any other author that has given us such a long glimpse of life after the HEA. Finding out they were finally going to be in book form has made me so happy - I can’t remember the last time I one-clicked so fast and devoured them on release day. Now on to volume 2!
March 10, 2026
Brilliant. It was lovely reading this. I love this family and Mary writes it so well that I feel lijj I’m e part of the family and I love every member. I have read all of Mary calmes books. She is an excellent author.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews