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Say When
Our meet cute was simple enough.
The rest? Not so much.
When we met we were just Emilia and Hayden, two people crossing paths by chance.
Neither of us thought we’d ever see each other again, until it turned out he lived across the hall.
Our connection was innocent at first, but impossible to resist.
We thought our age difference was the only thing standing in our way, until I walk into film class on my first day of university and he’s my new professor.
The rest? Not so much.
When we met we were just Emilia and Hayden, two people crossing paths by chance.
Neither of us thought we’d ever see each other again, until it turned out he lived across the hall.
Our connection was innocent at first, but impossible to resist.
We thought our age difference was the only thing standing in our way, until I walk into film class on my first day of university and he’s my new professor.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 17, 2021
474 people are currently reading
3202 people want to read
About the author
Micalea Smeltzer
82 books6,693 followersMicalea Smeltzer is an author from Northern Virginia. Her two dogs, Ollie and Remy, are her constant companions. As a kidney transplant recipient she's dedicated to raising awareness around the effects of kidney disease, dialysis, and transplant as well as educating people on living donation. When she's not writing you can catch her with her nose buried in a book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
December 17, 2021
god what a shitty start to my day. dnf @ 18%.
i went into this knowing it was gonna be a low-angst, kinda fluffy read. and that’s exactly what i wanted right now. so i assumed I’d love this.
and it was unbearable.
i adored Emilia’s best friend Molly (she’s literally me), and i started out not liking Emilia, but then quickly just couldn’t stand her. at all. she’s not very understanding of her best friend’s mental health issues. she acts like she is, but her internal monologue and the way she speaks to Molly isn’t. i’d rather read about Molly and her coping with her OCD and anxiety while navigating college away from home and possibly falling in love. now THAT’S a story i want.
i didn’t like Emilia saying Molly was ‘running back to mommy and daddy’ bcos she found moving away from them for the first time in her life to be overwhelming. Molly has OCD (stated in the book) and anxiety by the looks of things too. you’d think her childhood best friend would be a bit more understanding and sympathetic. but she was kinda mean. and as someone who’s had OCD and anxiety from a very young age, i rly sympathise with Molly and hate people like Emilia who think it’s something you can just turn off. Emilia was like ‘you’re not even giving it a chance’ and that Molly was letting her fears get in the way.
*spoiler alert* that’s literally what having anxiety and OCD do to a person lmao. your thought process is anything but rational. and while, in my case anyway, i can acknowledge when my thought process spins out of control and becomes irrational, but that sense of sheer panic, like your drowning, still doesn’t go away. ngl, i even got a bit teary-eyed when Molly was trying to apologise to Emilia (which i rly don’t think she had to do) and said ‘i wish i wasn’t like this.’🥺 oohhh boy, did that shit hurt bcos i know exactly how that feels. i’ve said it so many times when i was mentally defeated and at my lowest. so, it fuelled my annoyance and dislike of Emilia even more. (maybe it’s just a me thing and bcos how much of myself i see in Molly, but i just didn’t like Emilia).
even the little things Molly did that literally were harmless and were just things that made her feel safe, secure and comfortable annoyed Emilia and i didn’t like that. like Molly double checking the locks on their apartment, or wanting to tour the campus early to familiarise herself with the layout. when i first started my uni, i toured the campus about five times? i drove around the city with my dad. then on my own. i walked around the campus and the city (as the campus is located within the city itself). i would walk through the buildings and right up to the doors of my lecture halls and seminar room so by my first day i would know where to go. all of it was harmless and made me feel safe. and it did for Molly too. so Emilia’s hostile and annoyed behaviour was uncalled for and highlighted what kind of person she was to me immediately. Molly wasn’t hurting anyone. she just wanted to feel safe and Emilia seemed to find it all inconvenient, when none of it was about her at all.
but i do understand that Emilia felt blindsided by Molly’s sudden anxiety attack. but she didn’t need to be so rude about it. considering they’re best friends, you’d expect Emilia to be a bit more understanding. my three best friends are really understanding with my mental health— although, yeah sometimes i think they forget that certain situations we end up in can overwhelm me. but they never shame me for it. or make me feel less, like i imagined Molly felt when Emilia wasn’t understanding of Molly’s mental health issues.
and bcos of this, i rly didn’t care about Emilia at all. she had that ‘i’m not like other girls’ and ‘no one will EVER understand me’ vibes. gurl you’re moving away for university and feel overwhelmed and out of place. everyone feels like that lmao. you ain’t special.
she was just constantly throwing a pity party for herself about how no one could ever possibly understand her while refusing to try and understand anyone else, particularly her best friend. she just LOVED to make it all about her— she even said that Molly living with her wasn’t enough to get Molly comfortable to stay in their apartment for the first few weeks before term started and that it annoyed her ://// that’s bcos it has NOTHING to do with you, Emilia. Molly’s mental health won’t automatically get better bcos of you being there, and honestly with the way she was acting i’d do exactly what Molly did (and most anxiety sufferers would do) and retreat. when we feel unwelcome, like we’ve done something wrong and that we don’t belong, we hide and retreat. so, i didn’t blame Molly for wanting to stay away bcos Emilia was hostile the whole time while Molly was trying to reach out.
and this was before the main plot had even began where Emilia meets her love interest, Hayden. and i think i would have liked the romance more if Emilia hadn’t given me such ‘not like other girl vibes’:
(things she says to Hayden)
and then i had to stop at her thinking liking Big Macs was quirky and weird. bcos i care about myself. this was just not it. even softer, low-angst books can be enjoyable without being boring. but the author clearly didn’t get the memo with this book.
i went into this knowing it was gonna be a low-angst, kinda fluffy read. and that’s exactly what i wanted right now. so i assumed I’d love this.
and it was unbearable.
i adored Emilia’s best friend Molly (she’s literally me), and i started out not liking Emilia, but then quickly just couldn’t stand her. at all. she’s not very understanding of her best friend’s mental health issues. she acts like she is, but her internal monologue and the way she speaks to Molly isn’t. i’d rather read about Molly and her coping with her OCD and anxiety while navigating college away from home and possibly falling in love. now THAT’S a story i want.
i didn’t like Emilia saying Molly was ‘running back to mommy and daddy’ bcos she found moving away from them for the first time in her life to be overwhelming. Molly has OCD (stated in the book) and anxiety by the looks of things too. you’d think her childhood best friend would be a bit more understanding and sympathetic. but she was kinda mean. and as someone who’s had OCD and anxiety from a very young age, i rly sympathise with Molly and hate people like Emilia who think it’s something you can just turn off. Emilia was like ‘you’re not even giving it a chance’ and that Molly was letting her fears get in the way.
*spoiler alert* that’s literally what having anxiety and OCD do to a person lmao. your thought process is anything but rational. and while, in my case anyway, i can acknowledge when my thought process spins out of control and becomes irrational, but that sense of sheer panic, like your drowning, still doesn’t go away. ngl, i even got a bit teary-eyed when Molly was trying to apologise to Emilia (which i rly don’t think she had to do) and said ‘i wish i wasn’t like this.’🥺 oohhh boy, did that shit hurt bcos i know exactly how that feels. i’ve said it so many times when i was mentally defeated and at my lowest. so, it fuelled my annoyance and dislike of Emilia even more. (maybe it’s just a me thing and bcos how much of myself i see in Molly, but i just didn’t like Emilia).
even the little things Molly did that literally were harmless and were just things that made her feel safe, secure and comfortable annoyed Emilia and i didn’t like that. like Molly double checking the locks on their apartment, or wanting to tour the campus early to familiarise herself with the layout. when i first started my uni, i toured the campus about five times? i drove around the city with my dad. then on my own. i walked around the campus and the city (as the campus is located within the city itself). i would walk through the buildings and right up to the doors of my lecture halls and seminar room so by my first day i would know where to go. all of it was harmless and made me feel safe. and it did for Molly too. so Emilia’s hostile and annoyed behaviour was uncalled for and highlighted what kind of person she was to me immediately. Molly wasn’t hurting anyone. she just wanted to feel safe and Emilia seemed to find it all inconvenient, when none of it was about her at all.
but i do understand that Emilia felt blindsided by Molly’s sudden anxiety attack. but she didn’t need to be so rude about it. considering they’re best friends, you’d expect Emilia to be a bit more understanding. my three best friends are really understanding with my mental health— although, yeah sometimes i think they forget that certain situations we end up in can overwhelm me. but they never shame me for it. or make me feel less, like i imagined Molly felt when Emilia wasn’t understanding of Molly’s mental health issues.
and bcos of this, i rly didn’t care about Emilia at all. she had that ‘i’m not like other girls’ and ‘no one will EVER understand me’ vibes. gurl you’re moving away for university and feel overwhelmed and out of place. everyone feels like that lmao. you ain’t special.
she was just constantly throwing a pity party for herself about how no one could ever possibly understand her while refusing to try and understand anyone else, particularly her best friend. she just LOVED to make it all about her— she even said that Molly living with her wasn’t enough to get Molly comfortable to stay in their apartment for the first few weeks before term started and that it annoyed her ://// that’s bcos it has NOTHING to do with you, Emilia. Molly’s mental health won’t automatically get better bcos of you being there, and honestly with the way she was acting i’d do exactly what Molly did (and most anxiety sufferers would do) and retreat. when we feel unwelcome, like we’ve done something wrong and that we don’t belong, we hide and retreat. so, i didn’t blame Molly for wanting to stay away bcos Emilia was hostile the whole time while Molly was trying to reach out.
and this was before the main plot had even began where Emilia meets her love interest, Hayden. and i think i would have liked the romance more if Emilia hadn’t given me such ‘not like other girl vibes’:
(things she says to Hayden)
🤡 ‘I’m a very old soul’ (like this explains why an 18 year old girl should shag a 33 year old man— same old shit, just shag and say it’s cos you want to be together. enough of the whole ‘being an old soul’ as a justification)
🤡 ‘I’m so clumsy’ (she literally bumps her shoulder into Hayden’s while they’re stood preparing food in the kitchen)
🤡 the amount of times we’re reminded she has messy hair and she doesn’t put effort into her appearance
🤡 Hayden finding her endearing bcos she’s not afraid to eat ‘real food’ in front of him and likes a girl with a proper appetite (for fuck sake this one ALWAYS gets me, like why do u care what i eat?)
🤡 her thinking liking McDonald’s is weird or quirky. bro wtf. like her telling Hayden not to make fun of her for liking a Big Mac with extra sauce and a chocolate milkshake??? it’s McDonald’s. EVERYONE likes McDonald’s.
🤡 her having zero personality or interests of any kind.
and then i had to stop at her thinking liking Big Macs was quirky and weird. bcos i care about myself. this was just not it. even softer, low-angst books can be enjoyable without being boring. but the author clearly didn’t get the memo with this book.
March 20, 2024
main characters that criticize and deprecate their so-called best friend’s mental health, general anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, aren’t my kink.
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February 16, 2021
This book was everything i needed right now, light hearted and easy to read but such a captivating story
Student/Teacher trope is certainly not my favourite, however i find that micalea smeltzer is the exception to the rule & can do it perfectly.
This book was very unproblematic which i absolutely love. definitely a good one to get you into student/teacher books, it wasn’t as scandalous as “student/teacher” sounds but that’s exactly what i loved about it.
I loved how they met before knowing he taught her class, that gave it a different feel to most books with this trope. Hayden was such a gem for saving her & wow was he smooth about it. When it turned out that they lived across from each other it was clear that they were 100% made for each other, fate just kept pushing them together. I really believed in their love and was rooting for them the whole time.
It was really steamy, angsty, lots of sexual tension and build up. when they finally got there, the steamy scenes were HOT and written so well. Hayden was sexy as sin while also being such a sweetheart and a gentleman throughout.
The side characters in this were interesting, Molly had me intrigued but also confused, i would love to see her book.
Atlas was my favourite side character, i found their sibling relationship to be really cute and funny, he was so supportive to her & they could tell each other everything. would also definitely read a book about him!
(hear me out, atlas moves to paris and falls in love with ansel from sweet dandelion. just a thought!)
The parents involved were all extremely dramatic which is to be expected i guess. molly’s mom was so overbearing i wanted to bitch slap her numerous times. Emilia was also slightly immature at times, her age shown a lot during the conflict, but again that’s to be expected.
Overall, can’t recommend this book enough. you will fall in love with Hayden & their relationship. it really sucked me in and i never found myself getting bored with the story or not being invested in their relationship. my attention span recently has been slim to none so i feel like i just made a big statement.
ARC was provided by the author for an honest review :)
Student/Teacher trope is certainly not my favourite, however i find that micalea smeltzer is the exception to the rule & can do it perfectly.
This book was very unproblematic which i absolutely love. definitely a good one to get you into student/teacher books, it wasn’t as scandalous as “student/teacher” sounds but that’s exactly what i loved about it.
I loved how they met before knowing he taught her class, that gave it a different feel to most books with this trope. Hayden was such a gem for saving her & wow was he smooth about it. When it turned out that they lived across from each other it was clear that they were 100% made for each other, fate just kept pushing them together. I really believed in their love and was rooting for them the whole time.
It was really steamy, angsty, lots of sexual tension and build up. when they finally got there, the steamy scenes were HOT and written so well. Hayden was sexy as sin while also being such a sweetheart and a gentleman throughout.
The side characters in this were interesting, Molly had me intrigued but also confused, i would love to see her book.
Atlas was my favourite side character, i found their sibling relationship to be really cute and funny, he was so supportive to her & they could tell each other everything. would also definitely read a book about him!
(hear me out, atlas moves to paris and falls in love with ansel from sweet dandelion. just a thought!)
The parents involved were all extremely dramatic which is to be expected i guess. molly’s mom was so overbearing i wanted to bitch slap her numerous times. Emilia was also slightly immature at times, her age shown a lot during the conflict, but again that’s to be expected.
Overall, can’t recommend this book enough. you will fall in love with Hayden & their relationship. it really sucked me in and i never found myself getting bored with the story or not being invested in their relationship. my attention span recently has been slim to none so i feel like i just made a big statement.
ARC was provided by the author for an honest review :)
February 17, 2021
I love all things forbidden, so when I heart that Micalea was doing another student teacher romance, i could not wait to get my hands on this baby!! And overall, it was a cute and sweet story. I just didn't feel much beyond that.
Let me go back for a second: last year Micalea released her BEST book, Sweet Dandelion, and to this day, I still recommend it to everyone. I don't care if it's what they usually read, I still recommend it. And beyond the forbidden aspect, it was such an *important* read. That being said, I would have liked this book more if it had been released before SD. I just couldn't help comparing the two books, which I know isn't fair, but I couldn't stop myself. This is still a good book, I just didn't love it as much as I hoped.
Another reason why I struggled a bit was because of our heroine was verrrryyyy much an 18 year old. She was just too immature for my liking, and just.. naive, but also not, if that makes sense? I just couldn't connect with her.
But you know what is with the three stars alone? C O N S E N T. Yeah, that does it for me. Whenever there was an intimate scene, Hayden always made sure that Emilia was on board with everything, and GODDAAAMMMNN, that set me on fire. There's been a lot of debates lately in the romance world if consent truly is needed in romances (which yes it is) and if you can be an alpha and still make sure your lady is consenting every step of the way (which you can.) All the stars to Micalea for that!!
Also, Atlas. Need I say more?
Like i said, this was a very sweet, easy going romance with definite feels. I would totally recommend this book to someone who is slowly dipping their feet into the forbidden pool.😊
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions.**
Let me go back for a second: last year Micalea released her BEST book, Sweet Dandelion, and to this day, I still recommend it to everyone. I don't care if it's what they usually read, I still recommend it. And beyond the forbidden aspect, it was such an *important* read. That being said, I would have liked this book more if it had been released before SD. I just couldn't help comparing the two books, which I know isn't fair, but I couldn't stop myself. This is still a good book, I just didn't love it as much as I hoped.
Another reason why I struggled a bit was because of our heroine was verrrryyyy much an 18 year old. She was just too immature for my liking, and just.. naive, but also not, if that makes sense? I just couldn't connect with her.
But you know what is with the three stars alone? C O N S E N T. Yeah, that does it for me. Whenever there was an intimate scene, Hayden always made sure that Emilia was on board with everything, and GODDAAAMMMNN, that set me on fire. There's been a lot of debates lately in the romance world if consent truly is needed in romances (which yes it is) and if you can be an alpha and still make sure your lady is consenting every step of the way (which you can.) All the stars to Micalea for that!!
Also, Atlas. Need I say more?
Like i said, this was a very sweet, easy going romance with definite feels. I would totally recommend this book to someone who is slowly dipping their feet into the forbidden pool.😊
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions.**
February 3, 2021
Sexy, swoony, at times funny - Micalea Smeltzer is bringing back all the light-hearted feels to the forbidden professor/student trope with Say When.
February 17, 2021
I feel like I haven’t been able to enjoy a book in weeks. Thank God I picked this up when I did. Even though this is a student/professor romance, it didn’t feel forbidden. It actually was pretty low angst and light hearted, albeit a little unbelievable. I also really loved the side characters and am hoping they each get their own books down the road.
I really connected with Emmie, she was exactly like I was at 18, having no idea what she wanted out of life. Hayden was a swoony hero, always making sure Emmie was in complete control of their relationship - hello consent. Ugh they were just precious together. I just wish this was dual POV!!
If you’re looking for something light, definitely pick this up!
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
I really connected with Emmie, she was exactly like I was at 18, having no idea what she wanted out of life. Hayden was a swoony hero, always making sure Emmie was in complete control of their relationship - hello consent. Ugh they were just precious together. I just wish this was dual POV!!
If you’re looking for something light, definitely pick this up!
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
November 7, 2021
A pretty average age gap romance
January 20, 2025
This was not it. I’m sorry. Emilia was a complete bitch to her best friend/roommate. The amount of typos in the books was so distracting (and typically I am not one that this bothers but there were SO MANY). And it just basically skipped over Hayden meeting her parents after the shit show of her telling them about him and them not talking.
November 27, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and escaping for a bit into the world of Hayden and Emilia. I know this story and trope isn’t for everyone; but I have so far loved both books I have read by this Author. I like her ease of prose and the character and story development.
February 9, 2021
Say When you want me, when it's too much or ... say when it's over"
I received an arc for an honest review.
Consent? We fucking love her. And the consenual nature the hero always out forward first and foremost? UGK I literally died and had to resurrect because WOW. that was so hot.
I will be honest, I did not like the heroine in the beginning, nor did I like her at one point of the conflict in this book. She felt veryyyyy 18 to me throughout this and there's nothing wrong with that, but personally I very much winced and was very annoyed because I couldn't just side with her reasonings.
I'm not going to lie, there was one conflict in this book, where I felt like someone SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE. That's how much I couldn't imagine the... Just the fact that someone actually thought and did that. That did royally pissed me off but the ending redeemed itself so we're good.
There were a lot of scenes in this book, particularly conversations between certain people in where I was just... I'm not going to question but I'm not going to marvel at the courage someone would ever have to actually talk about a blow job they experienced in front of their parents. Or wet dreams with their brother.
Again, there's nothing wrong with, I just... I couldn't read that without cringing. Just saying.
But aside from these LOVELY LITTLE Bits,
Emilia and Hayden's friendship was so adorable. And their romance, it was so cute and sweet and Again the consent in this book makes me want to drown in a bottle of giddiness.
The friendship between Emilia and Molly was interesting at first but then by the middle of it, I was really bored and I stopped caring.
God bless Hayden Moore honestly. Why did he have to be the most SENSICAL CHARACTER?
I received an arc for an honest review.
Consent? We fucking love her. And the consenual nature the hero always out forward first and foremost? UGK I literally died and had to resurrect because WOW. that was so hot.
I will be honest, I did not like the heroine in the beginning, nor did I like her at one point of the conflict in this book. She felt veryyyyy 18 to me throughout this and there's nothing wrong with that, but personally I very much winced and was very annoyed because I couldn't just side with her reasonings.
I'm not going to lie, there was one conflict in this book, where I felt like someone SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE. That's how much I couldn't imagine the... Just the fact that someone actually thought and did that. That did royally pissed me off but the ending redeemed itself so we're good.
There were a lot of scenes in this book, particularly conversations between certain people in where I was just... I'm not going to question but I'm not going to marvel at the courage someone would ever have to actually talk about a blow job they experienced in front of their parents. Or wet dreams with their brother.
Again, there's nothing wrong with, I just... I couldn't read that without cringing. Just saying.
But aside from these LOVELY LITTLE Bits,
Emilia and Hayden's friendship was so adorable. And their romance, it was so cute and sweet and Again the consent in this book makes me want to drown in a bottle of giddiness.
The friendship between Emilia and Molly was interesting at first but then by the middle of it, I was really bored and I stopped caring.
God bless Hayden Moore honestly. Why did he have to be the most SENSICAL CHARACTER?
February 11, 2021
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars!
A perfect summer, easy read. I really liked this book. The relation between Hayden and Emmie was very pleasing. The plot was simple and real. Say When was exactly how it was intended to be, a light-hearted, simple book that was just oh-so refreshing.
Yes, I did have much higher expectations for Say When and probably that is why I was left a little bit disappointed, but nothing that sweet ending couldn't fix. I believe my issue was that I kept comparing this to Sweet Dandelion. Won't lie, I did find a few similarities between the two, which I don't know if most would even notice, but because I am in love with that story and those characters and JUST THAT BOOK so much, that they just kept getting to me.
But as even Micalea said, Say When was supposed to be a temporary, light-hearted escape from everything, which it sure was.
Also, I'd love to know more about Molly's and Atlas' story.
I really really adored the relation between Atlas and Emmie. (Again, kept comparing those two with Dani and Sage. Couldn't help it.)
At the end, I'd recommend this to someone wanting to try the so-called forbidden trope of professor-student or simply someone who's looking for a quick, easy flowing read.
3.5 stars!
A perfect summer, easy read. I really liked this book. The relation between Hayden and Emmie was very pleasing. The plot was simple and real. Say When was exactly how it was intended to be, a light-hearted, simple book that was just oh-so refreshing.
Yes, I did have much higher expectations for Say When and probably that is why I was left a little bit disappointed, but nothing that sweet ending couldn't fix. I believe my issue was that I kept comparing this to Sweet Dandelion. Won't lie, I did find a few similarities between the two, which I don't know if most would even notice, but because I am in love with that story and those characters and JUST THAT BOOK so much, that they just kept getting to me.
But as even Micalea said, Say When was supposed to be a temporary, light-hearted escape from everything, which it sure was.
Also, I'd love to know more about Molly's and Atlas' story.
I really really adored the relation between Atlas and Emmie. (Again, kept comparing those two with Dani and Sage. Couldn't help it.)
At the end, I'd recommend this to someone wanting to try the so-called forbidden trope of professor-student or simply someone who's looking for a quick, easy flowing read.
February 27, 2021
“From the moment you walked into my life, there was no chance of me losing anything. Because I gained the world. I got you.”
4/5⭐️
2/3🔥
This was a fun and lighthearted student/professor, age gap, college romance. It was definitely a nice break from some of the really dark, emotional and heavy books I’ve been reading recently. If you’re looking for a forbidden romance that’s not overly taboo, I would recommend this one!
4/5⭐️
2/3🔥
This was a fun and lighthearted student/professor, age gap, college romance. It was definitely a nice break from some of the really dark, emotional and heavy books I’ve been reading recently. If you’re looking for a forbidden romance that’s not overly taboo, I would recommend this one!
May 18, 2021
Say When was SUCH a refreshing read! Micalea wrote this book during the height of Covid, needing something light, fun, and low angst. She succeeded in ALL of those things, giving readers a unique take on a student/teacher romance.
Emmie and Hayden have the meet cutes of all meet cutes, and of course, they end up being neighbors… As if that’s not enough, unknowingly to the both of them, Hayden is also Emmie’s professor! Unlike many student/teacher romances, Say When wasn’t super taboo or forbidden. You barely even realize there’s a 15 year age gap between the two. With a lot of high school student/teacher romances, there’s a lot of secrecy, sneaking around, and worry about the teacher getting fired/going to jail. There’s not really any of that in this story. Sure, their relationship is a secret on school grounds, but there’s not really much fallout regarding them and the school. It was honestly really nice to read about that for a change. Hayden and Emmie had SCORCHING chemistry, and I loved how careful and aware Hayden was with her. He was always asking for consent, and that was really nice to read about.
I also really like Molly’s character. I thought the rep for OCD and anxiety was really well done, and I’d love to read more about Molly one day!
Emmie and Hayden have the meet cutes of all meet cutes, and of course, they end up being neighbors… As if that’s not enough, unknowingly to the both of them, Hayden is also Emmie’s professor! Unlike many student/teacher romances, Say When wasn’t super taboo or forbidden. You barely even realize there’s a 15 year age gap between the two. With a lot of high school student/teacher romances, there’s a lot of secrecy, sneaking around, and worry about the teacher getting fired/going to jail. There’s not really any of that in this story. Sure, their relationship is a secret on school grounds, but there’s not really much fallout regarding them and the school. It was honestly really nice to read about that for a change. Hayden and Emmie had SCORCHING chemistry, and I loved how careful and aware Hayden was with her. He was always asking for consent, and that was really nice to read about.
I also really like Molly’s character. I thought the rep for OCD and anxiety was really well done, and I’d love to read more about Molly one day!
February 17, 2021
Y’all this book was so soft, I can’t even. I had so many emotions throughout the story, but I love how simple their love was. They were content in each other’s presence. It’s an overwhelmingly beautiful experience to read characters really connect that way.
Emilia was such a ray of sunshine. I adore how knowing how much she kept to herself from experiences in high school made her want to be more out there and try new things in college.
Hayden was such a beautiful character. From the very first time we meet him she literally makes you swoon. He’s the good guy with an amazing heart.
When we find out that Hayden is Emilia’s professor eeek I’m not going to lie I was so excited hahah. I love the forbidden aspect in this story, the age gap and the professor/student element made it more intriguing.
The secondary characters are the freakin best. Atlas and Molly were so interesting in their own way. And now I want them together and a book about them. They would just understand each other so much.
I loved the ending. I feel like sometimes love is worth you making drastic decisions to be with that other people. I’m so happy Emilia made that decision.
September 15, 2022
4 stars
February 17, 2021
What a wonderful story from a wonderful author! I knew I wanted to read this one when I learned it was a teach/student romance! What I didn’t realize was this author was going to put her own unique twist on the taboo sub-genre ( YET AGAIN). Say When featured great characters, witty dialogue, some cringe worthy moments, a great plot twist, and some steamy romantic scenes! I would hands down read more from this author!
February 27, 2024
“After the past few crappy years of my life, I have no idea what good I did to deserve you, but I’m so grateful for it.”
This was a quick and easy read. I just adored it. I loved Emilia and Hayden.
It’s like when all the weight of the world is stacked against you, but you choose to overcome and prevail. Choosing love!
Another wonderful book by Micalea!
This was a quick and easy read. I just adored it. I loved Emilia and Hayden.
It’s like when all the weight of the world is stacked against you, but you choose to overcome and prevail. Choosing love!
Another wonderful book by Micalea!
April 28, 2021
please....just one comma
February 17, 2021
Micalea Schmeltzer has written some of my all time favorite books! She has a way of writing you typical Taboo trope and making it feel so normal and beautiful. This is a story about a Student at collage and her film professor.
Emilia is our heroine, who is wanting to branch out and get out of her comfort zone. She was extremely relatable to me... she’s fun, loving and a bit awkward... just how I felt through out my years in school.
Her and Hayden meet in an organic way, and build a friendship before anything else. Hayden and Emilia are kindred spirits... they understand each other in way no one else does.
You never once question how much they care for each other. I was completely captivated by them, I couldn’t put the book down. Just being able to see their journey of being together was all I needed.
The story is told in Emilia’s POV. You get to see her grow as a person, be their for her friend, and fall in love.
I definitely recommend this, you will find yourself absorbed in the story!
Emilia is our heroine, who is wanting to branch out and get out of her comfort zone. She was extremely relatable to me... she’s fun, loving and a bit awkward... just how I felt through out my years in school.
Her and Hayden meet in an organic way, and build a friendship before anything else. Hayden and Emilia are kindred spirits... they understand each other in way no one else does.
You never once question how much they care for each other. I was completely captivated by them, I couldn’t put the book down. Just being able to see their journey of being together was all I needed.
The story is told in Emilia’s POV. You get to see her grow as a person, be their for her friend, and fall in love.
I definitely recommend this, you will find yourself absorbed in the story!
January 11, 2022
I loved this! This was such a quick and light read and it made me forget everything for a while. After reading Sweet Dandelion I was so curious to read more books by Micalea and after reading this one I want to read even more😍. Emilia’s doubts and fears felt really relatable in the beginning. I like that side of her. Sometimes I felt like she could be more understanding towards her friend Molly, but in the end, she definitely is a great and supportive friend.
I loved Hayden. He was just a great guy and I love nice guys in a book. When scenes get spicier I like how they let go and another side of them comes out. The chemistry between Hayden and Emilia was amazing. The beginning stages of their relationship where they slowly got to learn more about each other were so endearing.
This story is about Emilia who just starts college. With that come insecurities, doubts, and fears. And maybe even a forbidden love☺️. I definitely recommend this book!
I loved Hayden. He was just a great guy and I love nice guys in a book. When scenes get spicier I like how they let go and another side of them comes out. The chemistry between Hayden and Emilia was amazing. The beginning stages of their relationship where they slowly got to learn more about each other were so endearing.
This story is about Emilia who just starts college. With that come insecurities, doubts, and fears. And maybe even a forbidden love☺️. I definitely recommend this book!
February 21, 2021
Occasionally when I’m reading a book I become more interested In the side characters than the main ones! This is what happened in this read, I loved that the room mate friend was trying to step out of her comfort zone and away from her controlling mother (I was upset but not massively shocked when Jack backed away from her either)
I would love for her to get her own book (with or without the jack-ass)
Not really fussed about the main drama from the two main characters (although I did absolutely love that there was no EX/OW or blackmail drama from this trope....which lets face it is rare) the constant update on how messy the h’s hair was kinda got on my nerves a little (plus she wasn’t really a great friend to her roommate/bestfriend until the mid/end of this read)
This book would be great for anyone who loves an slightly older man or hot teacher trope!
Personally I’ve got my fingers crossed for a second book staring the make-up loving roommate who needs a HEA herself!!
I would love for her to get her own book (with or without the jack-ass)
Not really fussed about the main drama from the two main characters (although I did absolutely love that there was no EX/OW or blackmail drama from this trope....which lets face it is rare) the constant update on how messy the h’s hair was kinda got on my nerves a little (plus she wasn’t really a great friend to her roommate/bestfriend until the mid/end of this read)
This book would be great for anyone who loves an slightly older man or hot teacher trope!
Personally I’ve got my fingers crossed for a second book staring the make-up loving roommate who needs a HEA herself!!
September 18, 2024
Micalea Smeltzer has done it again! She is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors, between Say When and Sweet Dandelion! I loved the story between Hayden and Emilia, their meet cute was so perfect! Hayden was very swoon worthy and I also LOVED that there wasn’t a third act break up, just a straight forward story that could have realistically happened. I love Micalea’s ability to write about feelings and ability to write a realistic story. Thanks Micalea for bringing Emilia and Hayden into my life!
January 6, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Say When is seriously theee cutest love story I've ever read.
✨Age Gap
✨College
✨Forbidden love (professor and student)
Hayden is such a perfect book boyfriend, like hes up there with my favorite bat boys🦇
Emmie is super relatable. College student who is socially awkward. Seriously such a likeable character.
“From the moment you walked into my life there was no chance of me losing anything, because I gained the world. I got you.”
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Say When is seriously theee cutest love story I've ever read.
✨Age Gap
✨College
✨Forbidden love (professor and student)
Hayden is such a perfect book boyfriend, like hes up there with my favorite bat boys🦇
Emmie is super relatable. College student who is socially awkward. Seriously such a likeable character.
“From the moment you walked into my life there was no chance of me losing anything, because I gained the world. I got you.”
February 21, 2021
Honestly, this book felt like Sweet Dandelion's cousin, but I'm not complaining cuz ITS MY FAVORITE BOOK EVER
-spark between characters was missing
-heroine was too immature for my liking
And some other things also bothered me but Micalea is one of my favorite authors so goodbye
-spark between characters was missing
-heroine was too immature for my liking
And some other things also bothered me but Micalea is one of my favorite authors so goodbye
Read
July 19, 2024Emilia was a shitty friend who didn’t support her supposed best friend’s anxiety about going to college. And Hayden was meh
September 18, 2021
4 stars! 🌟
Aaahhh this was adorable. Definitely want to buy this in paperback ✨
I am in the minority i suppose but i like the student/ teacher trope.
Definitely give this one a go if you loved sweet dandelion. In my opinion they are similar but sweet dandelion has more depth I guess. But this one is definitely worth the read !
Aaahhh this was adorable. Definitely want to buy this in paperback ✨
I am in the minority i suppose but i like the student/ teacher trope.
Definitely give this one a go if you loved sweet dandelion. In my opinion they are similar but sweet dandelion has more depth I guess. But this one is definitely worth the read !
October 19, 2021
Rating: 4.5 stars
I loved this book so much! Okay so this is a forbidden romance btw a student and her professor BUT let me just say that this book doesn’t feel like it. The way the romance btw the characters develop is so organic and real that all the way through is AMAZING.
Hayden ughh he was perfect in every single way and Emi was so mature so that also made me love more the book.
But OMG I need a book about Atlas he was just
I loved this book so much! Okay so this is a forbidden romance btw a student and her professor BUT let me just say that this book doesn’t feel like it. The way the romance btw the characters develop is so organic and real that all the way through is AMAZING.
Hayden ughh he was perfect in every single way and Emi was so mature so that also made me love more the book.
But OMG I need a book about Atlas he was just
March 15, 2022
I needed a quick read and this was it. I finished it in maybe 3 1/2 hours.
Micalea has quickly become one of my favorite writers but I've been slowly withering away because I can't wait for the release of The Confidence of Wildflowers.
The book was good, fast-paced and it made me cry.
When Emmie and Hayden met, sparks flew. It was like their worlds collided.
I was so happy when Hayden started writing again with Emmie as his muse nonetheless. It was definitely a moment I'll remember.
Micalea has quickly become one of my favorite writers but I've been slowly withering away because I can't wait for the release of The Confidence of Wildflowers.
The book was good, fast-paced and it made me cry.
When Emmie and Hayden met, sparks flew. It was like their worlds collided.
I was so happy when Hayden started writing again with Emmie as his muse nonetheless. It was definitely a moment I'll remember.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2023
(2.5) my first flop from micalea 😔
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