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Say Yes
Darby Malone has trouble saying no. Hosting a children’s Valentine party at her recently renovated gallery is the last straw, and the last time she intends to say yes to anything. That is, until she meets Ben, a well-known Cape Cod artist with eyes as deep and blue as the ocean. He stirs feelings in her that have been dormant for too long. Can she afford to say yes to him?
Ben Phillips needs this gallery show. His life has been empty since his wife died four years ago, his paintings the only thing giving him solace. But his style has changed, his art completely different than the breezy shore paintings he staked his reputation on. Can he convince Darby to give him a chance – and to consider him for more than just a place on her gallery walls? Will she give him a place in her heart as well?
Ben Phillips needs this gallery show. His life has been empty since his wife died four years ago, his paintings the only thing giving him solace. But his style has changed, his art completely different than the breezy shore paintings he staked his reputation on. Can he convince Darby to give him a chance – and to consider him for more than just a place on her gallery walls? Will she give him a place in her heart as well?
- GenresRomance
64 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2016
14 people want to read
About the author
Katie O'Sullivan
36 books166 followersKatie O’Sullivan is an award winning author with more than a dozen books contemporary romance and young adult books to her name, available online and in stores.
A voracious reader, she loves to read and write second chance stories with strong female characters and hot alpha males. A recovering English major, she earned her degree at Colgate University and now lives on Cape Cod with her family and big dogs, drinking way too much coffee and finding new uses for all the sea glass she obsessively collects from the beach. She writes YA and romantic suspense novels, as well as working full time for a high tech company. Which explains all the coffee.
Find Katie online:
Follow her Blog – http://katieosullivan.blogspot.com
Friend her on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/kt.osullivan
Find her on Twitter - https://twitter.com/OkatieO
Check out her website at http://www.katie-osullivan.com
A voracious reader, she loves to read and write second chance stories with strong female characters and hot alpha males. A recovering English major, she earned her degree at Colgate University and now lives on Cape Cod with her family and big dogs, drinking way too much coffee and finding new uses for all the sea glass she obsessively collects from the beach. She writes YA and romantic suspense novels, as well as working full time for a high tech company. Which explains all the coffee.
Find Katie online:
Follow her Blog – http://katieosullivan.blogspot.com
Friend her on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/kt.osullivan
Find her on Twitter - https://twitter.com/OkatieO
Check out her website at http://www.katie-osullivan.com
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 25, 2016
Review Courtesy of April Hollingworth
This is a beautiful story. Darby has been hurt by one two many artists, and also by her inability to say no to anyone. She's decided she's had enough and will say no to the next person who asks her for any favor, and will never date an artist again.
Ben needs to close the chapter that ended four years ago with the death of his wife, only thing is, every other gallery wants his old style happy pieces, and Darby is his last chance, he needs her to say yes to his new style art. After meeting her in person, Ben quickly realizes he would like Darcy to say yes to not only his art, but him as well. This is a sweet and fun book. You can't help understanding Darcy's reluctance, even though you're find yourself urging her to go on a date with Ben. As for Ben, well, you can't help fall just a little bit for him too. I loved it.
The Review:
Darby Malone has always said Yes. She can't help herself, but after hosting a children's Valentine party at her recently renovated gallery is the last straw, and the last time she intends to say yes to anything, until she meets Ben, a well-known Cape Cod artist with eyes as deep and blue as the ocean. He stirs feelings in her that have been dormant for too long. Can she afford to say yes to him?
Ben Phillips needs this gallery show. Ever since His life his wife died four years ago, his life has been empty, and his paintings are the only thing giving him solace. But his style has changed, his art completely different than the breezy shore paintings he staked his reputation on. Can he convince Darby to give him a chance – and to consider him for more than just a place on her gallery walls? Will she give him a place in her heart as well?
This is a beautiful story. Darby has been hurt by one two many artists, and also by her inability to say no to anyone. She's decided she's had enough and will say no to the next person who asks her for any favor, and will never date an artist again.
Ben needs to close the chapter that ended four years ago with the death of his wife, only thing is, every other gallery wants his old style happy pieces, and Darby is his last chance, he needs her to say yes to his new style art. After meeting her in person, Ben quickly realizes he would like Darcy to say yes to not only his art, but him as well. This is a sweet and fun book. You can't help understanding Darcy's reluctance, even though you're find yourself urging her to go on a date with Ben. As for Ben, well, you can't help fall just a little bit for him too. I loved it.
The Review:
Darby Malone has always said Yes. She can't help herself, but after hosting a children's Valentine party at her recently renovated gallery is the last straw, and the last time she intends to say yes to anything, until she meets Ben, a well-known Cape Cod artist with eyes as deep and blue as the ocean. He stirs feelings in her that have been dormant for too long. Can she afford to say yes to him?
Ben Phillips needs this gallery show. Ever since His life his wife died four years ago, his life has been empty, and his paintings are the only thing giving him solace. But his style has changed, his art completely different than the breezy shore paintings he staked his reputation on. Can he convince Darby to give him a chance – and to consider him for more than just a place on her gallery walls? Will she give him a place in her heart as well?
January 5, 2016
I was given an ARC of this book for an honest review. 5 stars
Darby Malone left the big city behind to open up an art gallery in her small home town. She has renovations planned after Valentine’s day. Because she has trouble saying no, she ends up hosting a children’s Valentine party in her gallery. As she is cleaning up the last remnants of the blue goo from the party, Ben a well-known Cape Cod artist walks into her gallery. He wants Darby to host a showing of his new paintings that are not even close to the breezy shore paintings he’s known for. The death of his wife four years ago has changed him, thusly his paintings.
Darby has sworn off artists, nothing good can come of dating an artist, in her opinion. Yet, there is something about Ben. He stirs feelings in her that have been dormant for too long. Against her better judgement, she agrees to take a look at his recent paintings. They are not what she expects.
This was a great read. I enjoyed the characters interactions. Both were strong individuals but learned the art of compromise.
Ms. O’Sullivan’s Valentine’s Day romance wraps up nicely and the main issues come to a satisfying resolution. If you’re looking for an entertaining, feel-good read, you need to check out this book.
Darby Malone left the big city behind to open up an art gallery in her small home town. She has renovations planned after Valentine’s day. Because she has trouble saying no, she ends up hosting a children’s Valentine party in her gallery. As she is cleaning up the last remnants of the blue goo from the party, Ben a well-known Cape Cod artist walks into her gallery. He wants Darby to host a showing of his new paintings that are not even close to the breezy shore paintings he’s known for. The death of his wife four years ago has changed him, thusly his paintings.
Darby has sworn off artists, nothing good can come of dating an artist, in her opinion. Yet, there is something about Ben. He stirs feelings in her that have been dormant for too long. Against her better judgement, she agrees to take a look at his recent paintings. They are not what she expects.
This was a great read. I enjoyed the characters interactions. Both were strong individuals but learned the art of compromise.
Ms. O’Sullivan’s Valentine’s Day romance wraps up nicely and the main issues come to a satisfying resolution. If you’re looking for an entertaining, feel-good read, you need to check out this book.
January 5, 2016
If you're looking for a sweet, fluffy Valentine's romance, Say Yes is not for you.
Showing a powerful range of emotions, Say Yes features two lead characters who are giving their all to start over and survive. I was hooked from the beginning.
After relocating from New York City to her hometown on Cape Cod, gallery owner Darby Malone is searching for balance between her personal and professional sides. Then reclusive artist Ben Phillips comes into her gallery and changes her perspective. Been there and done that, Darby is reluctant to mix it up with another temperamental, brooding artist.
Ben removed himself from the art world after his wife's tragic death. As he recovered, his att took on a new focus, evincing soul-deep pain, devastation and loss. But no one is interested in his new style. Until Darby, who gets him and what he's trying to show the world.
Ben captured my heart from his first words. Readers will root for him and Darby from the get-go in this compelling story.
Well done, Ms O'Sullivan
Veronica Lynch
Showing a powerful range of emotions, Say Yes features two lead characters who are giving their all to start over and survive. I was hooked from the beginning.
After relocating from New York City to her hometown on Cape Cod, gallery owner Darby Malone is searching for balance between her personal and professional sides. Then reclusive artist Ben Phillips comes into her gallery and changes her perspective. Been there and done that, Darby is reluctant to mix it up with another temperamental, brooding artist.
Ben removed himself from the art world after his wife's tragic death. As he recovered, his att took on a new focus, evincing soul-deep pain, devastation and loss. But no one is interested in his new style. Until Darby, who gets him and what he's trying to show the world.
Ben captured my heart from his first words. Readers will root for him and Darby from the get-go in this compelling story.
Well done, Ms O'Sullivan
Veronica Lynch
January 19, 2016
Darby Malone is an owner of a small art gallery and is approached by a well-known Cape Cod artist to do a show reflecting his latest paintings that deviate from his well-known, lucrative works.
Artist Ben Phillips is trying to find himself again, after the death of his wife four years ago, by using a more emotional bold approach to his technique. When he meets Darby to try to convince her to do a one-day, one-man show, she’s at first skeptical. Later, she decides to give him a chance; and through various outings, she gets to know the true artist and man.
But will the paintings be the catharsis Ben needs to have feelings for another? And will Darby, ever cautious from stalled past relationships, give him a peek into her heart?
I loved the premise of this story. Katie O’Sullivan’s descriptions are vivid and well-written. Her story flows in an easy style that keeps you reading into the night.
I was given an ARC of this novella for an honest review.
Artist Ben Phillips is trying to find himself again, after the death of his wife four years ago, by using a more emotional bold approach to his technique. When he meets Darby to try to convince her to do a one-day, one-man show, she’s at first skeptical. Later, she decides to give him a chance; and through various outings, she gets to know the true artist and man.
But will the paintings be the catharsis Ben needs to have feelings for another? And will Darby, ever cautious from stalled past relationships, give him a peek into her heart?
I loved the premise of this story. Katie O’Sullivan’s descriptions are vivid and well-written. Her story flows in an easy style that keeps you reading into the night.
I was given an ARC of this novella for an honest review.
January 18, 2016
This is a beautiful story that stirs the emotions. Two lonely people (at the start, they don’t even realize how lonely they are) find one another—one of my favorite themes!—by pure chance. But is there any such thing as chance when it comes to love?
Artist Ben Phillips has just passed through a personal crisis that’s changed the face of his work and he’s looking for a studio willing to launch a show in time for Valentine’s Day. Darby Malone has a few demons of her own and she’s not sure coming home to Cape Cod was the way to chase them. Can two hurting hearts heal one another? Only if one of them is willing to “say yes”.
The setting in this one is gorgeous and so are the love scenes. The author paints with a pallet as varied and vivid as that of her hero. Do yourself a favor and don’t miss this one!
Artist Ben Phillips has just passed through a personal crisis that’s changed the face of his work and he’s looking for a studio willing to launch a show in time for Valentine’s Day. Darby Malone has a few demons of her own and she’s not sure coming home to Cape Cod was the way to chase them. Can two hurting hearts heal one another? Only if one of them is willing to “say yes”.
The setting in this one is gorgeous and so are the love scenes. The author paints with a pallet as varied and vivid as that of her hero. Do yourself a favor and don’t miss this one!
January 18, 2016
Darby Malone has come home to Cape Cod to open her own art gallery, make peace with her family, and escape her past mistakes while working in NYC.
Mega-successful artist Ben Phillips needs to exorcise some emotions that have taken him from his former carefree artistic style to a much darker place. And, for reasons known only to him, he needs to show his work on Valentine’s Day.
From the moment Darby meets Ben, she’s attracted. Too bad he’s an artist. She has no intention of becoming involved with an artist ever again.
Author Katie O’Sullivan does a wonderful job getting two deserving people together for what promises to be a very happily ever after.
Mega-successful artist Ben Phillips needs to exorcise some emotions that have taken him from his former carefree artistic style to a much darker place. And, for reasons known only to him, he needs to show his work on Valentine’s Day.
From the moment Darby meets Ben, she’s attracted. Too bad he’s an artist. She has no intention of becoming involved with an artist ever again.
Author Katie O’Sullivan does a wonderful job getting two deserving people together for what promises to be a very happily ever after.
January 31, 2016
Say Yes is a satisfying quick read that only takes a couple of hours (or less) to finish. The novella is an engaging and entertaining contemporary romance with enjoyable, complex characters.
Darby, a fun flirty colorful art gallery owner meets Ben, a sexy successful painter. Each has a personal history which makes them hesitant to begin a new relationship, but their attraction to one another overrides all uncertainties.
Reading Katie O’Sullivan’s novella is a great way to get a taste of her vivid and lively writing style. Or if you’re already a fan of the author, Say Yes doesn’t disappoint. I really enjoyed it and recommend this heart-warming romance.
Darby, a fun flirty colorful art gallery owner meets Ben, a sexy successful painter. Each has a personal history which makes them hesitant to begin a new relationship, but their attraction to one another overrides all uncertainties.
Reading Katie O’Sullivan’s novella is a great way to get a taste of her vivid and lively writing style. Or if you’re already a fan of the author, Say Yes doesn’t disappoint. I really enjoyed it and recommend this heart-warming romance.
January 22, 2016
Darby owns an art gallery, Ben’s an artist, they should be perfect for each other. But, both are hesitant due to painful pasts. Darby can give Ben’s career the kickstart he needs, but she’s afraid he may want to jumpstart her heart as well.
I loved the progression of Darby and Ben’s attraction and felt her hesitation was realistic. I liked Darby appreciating and understanding his art in order to get to know him better and Ben’s attraction to her colorful nature. The winter Cape scenes set a perfect backdrop for their story.
I loved the progression of Darby and Ben’s attraction and felt her hesitation was realistic. I liked Darby appreciating and understanding his art in order to get to know him better and Ben’s attraction to her colorful nature. The winter Cape scenes set a perfect backdrop for their story.
May 23, 2016
This was a fun story. I love how the artist’s paintings have changed after his wife’s death, and while most people just want him to churn out more of the same art that made him famous, the heroine sees beyond that and takes a chance on him. The hero/heroine are perfect for each other.
January 22, 2016
A second chance at the art world and love makes this Candy Heart a heart-warming story. Ben is a man I could fall in love with. Darby is a strong woman who is the perfect mate for him. Great Romance. I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
February 8, 2016
Great Work of Art!
Darby Malone has moved home from New York to open up an art gallery. She had had it with the big city and the artists she had been involved with. It never turned out good. She had just given in to her sister to have a little girls Valentine party at her gallery and said no more favors as she is cleaning up blue juice off of her gallery floor.
Ben Phillips walks in and watches her clean up the floor. He is an artist that is known in town. He has moved back to his parent’s house. He needs a favor and Darby is hypnotized by his ocean blue eyes. He has been shut off from the world and wants to display his art in her gallery. It signifies the dark times he has had since his wife died. He warns Darby that it isn’t his famous beach scenes. He wants to have the showing on Valentine’s Day.
Through the whole story I could tell Darby really wants to help Ben but is holding herself back. She doesn’t want to make the same mistakes with her heart. She is falling for him and she doesn’t see it. They had a great chemistry and the whole story is about the show. I felt that it wasn’t complete at the end. I think if the gallery show would have taken place that would have made a better ending for me.
They did get together in the end but again I felt their story wasn’t finished.
I recommend this story.
Darby Malone has moved home from New York to open up an art gallery. She had had it with the big city and the artists she had been involved with. It never turned out good. She had just given in to her sister to have a little girls Valentine party at her gallery and said no more favors as she is cleaning up blue juice off of her gallery floor.
Ben Phillips walks in and watches her clean up the floor. He is an artist that is known in town. He has moved back to his parent’s house. He needs a favor and Darby is hypnotized by his ocean blue eyes. He has been shut off from the world and wants to display his art in her gallery. It signifies the dark times he has had since his wife died. He warns Darby that it isn’t his famous beach scenes. He wants to have the showing on Valentine’s Day.
Through the whole story I could tell Darby really wants to help Ben but is holding herself back. She doesn’t want to make the same mistakes with her heart. She is falling for him and she doesn’t see it. They had a great chemistry and the whole story is about the show. I felt that it wasn’t complete at the end. I think if the gallery show would have taken place that would have made a better ending for me.
They did get together in the end but again I felt their story wasn’t finished.
I recommend this story.
February 5, 2022
Enjoyed this delightful Valentine inspired story. Conversational hearts, an art gallery owner, an artist, and Valentine’s Day makes for a delightful read. A well crafted story. Definitely liked the premise candy hearts! Intriguing. As a High School Creative Writing Teacher, around Valentine's Day I gave each student a box of conversational hearts. They sorted each box by hearts by color and sayings. Then the students created a story using the information. Always fun to read their creations.
April 13, 2016
This story is cute and sweet, but it's the underlying message of renewed hope and love that will grab you. The characters will make you cheer for them as they discover saying yes mends all hurts.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews