Say Yes

by L.K. Shaw

Friends make the best lovers. Or so Casey Santiago thinks.

For ten years, she’s lived with the memories of an abusive childhood. Now, she’s ready to make new ones. Who better to help her than her best friend, Philip Maxwell?

When she approaches him with her shocking proposal, he hesitates. Sex complicates things.

Can Casey convince Philip that their friendship is strong enough to withstand anything, including falling in love?

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romance

156 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2021

About the author

LK Shaw is the bestselling author of sexy, sinful suspense. She resides in South Carolina with her high maintenance beagle mix dog, Miss P. An avid reader since childhood, she became hooked on historical romance novels in high school. She now reads, and loves, all romance sub-genres, with sci-fi romance and dark romance being her favorite. LK enjoys traveling and chocolate. Her books feature hot alpha heroes and the strong women they love.

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Reviews

[❤️Melanie G.📖💛 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story of surviving and moving forward. The story moved quickly and it felt a bit rushed. I wish there was more to it. Good read.

[Annie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Casey suffered what no child should suffer and has finally decided to take her life back. No more will she live lost in the past or let fear control her!! That's her plan anyway, if she can get her best friend Phillip to just Say Yes!!!
Phillip doesn't want his friendship with Casey ruined and he's not about to just let her crazy idea cause problems!!! Have to love him for how he cares for her and lets her do stuff on her own but he's always there, big strong and her rock. Adore him.
I loved this story, different from her other works but the writing still draws on all my emotions and gives me the feels!!
I only have one question.......why can't I find a big sexy man who looks like a Viking??? Want a Phillip.
But really, this was amazing, emotional and the chemistry between these two was perfect!! I'd love to have more of these, I could go for Sully's story, he grabbed my attention too!!!

[Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes a person just needs a feel-good, low angst read and this friends to lovers romance fits that bill perfectly. There is some trauma in Casey's past, but the story takes place afterward and there are only brief references to that dark time in her life. I love that Phillip and Casey are such close friends from the beginning and they have a banter between them that only comes from a close friendship. Once they start to move into romance, Phillip is so patient that you can't help but love him. Everyone should have a Phillip in their life. To sum it up, the book is well-written and a great mix of sweet, sexy, and fun. With some chuckle-worthy situations and dialogue and an HEA, this is one of those that had me smiling all the way through.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

LK Shaw has done an amazing job in this short but sweet story. How does a woman who has been sexually abused for years get comfortable around men and sex? The characters were well written and you couldn't help but feel their emotions. Casey wants a relationship with Phillip who has become her friend in the 2 years she has been saved from her previous situation. Phillip is willing but he doesn't want to damage their friendship. In addition to everything else, Casey had become agoraphobic, never leaving the house.
Phillip is one of the most wonderful men ever. He is gentle, kind, loving and willing to do whatever it takes to help Casey - even if his heart is broken in the process. The interactions as Casey grows is heart-warming and their Happily Ever After is a well deserved one.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Say Yes is a sweet and sexy friends to lovers story that will leave you with happy tears. Casey Santiago has been through hell and come out the other side she is ready to start living again and she thinks her best friend hunky Philip Maxwell is just the guy to help her. Watching Casey crawl then walk away from her past and forge a new future was totally heartwarming. Every girl should have a friend like Philip.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Say Yes is different than what the reader has experienced in previous LK Shaw books. It is a sweet romance but still filled with the heart hitting emotions that Ms.Shaw does so well. I loved Casey! She has a naivety and innocence to her still, despite experiencing a traumatic childhood. She also processes boldness and courage to overcome her past and experience life on her terms.

Philip has been her protector and friend for a couple years and is shocked when Casey wants to take it further. He knows her past and is unsure whether going forward will help or kill their friendship. He really is a sweetheart and does so much to help her overcome her fears. Suddenly, it’s his fears that are problem. Casey will not let this stop her though!

This is a quick read that will have the reader smiling with “awww” moments, laughing, and having a couple cursing moments all mixed in together. It is a sweet, comforting read that pulls at your heartstrings.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book boyfriend alert!

Phillip is the perfect book boyfriend. He is so so patient, understanding, and sweet. Casey has been through hell and back and as her relationship evolves, so does she as a person. This book deals with sensitive subjects but it written so well. I enjoyed it so much.

[Shelly Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

LK Shaw has done it again,,,,!!!

This is the story of Casey Santiago, she has had a pretty hard life, including having Agoraphobia,,,,, she has pissed off important people,,, got them in trouble,,,,and is now living in a house that has a perimeter of the house set up with equipment, plus a bodyguard of sorts,,,, I'm not going to tell you what's happened to her,,,, otherwise, why would you read this book,,,???,,, LOL... She has a no good father named Charles, and an awesome sister, Josie, whose married to her hubby Miles,,,, when she first moved in, there was this big man that brought groceries and came to check the perimeter of the house, she was not to impressed with him,,,, and she was very apprehensive about him and then she found out that he was going to be her bodyguard, of sorts,,,, so, after awhile of this, she really doesn't mind him so much, so they started talking and have become good friends, which is good for Casey, as she has massive panic attacks and he has helped her thru these,,,,but she wants to ask him a huge favor,,,,,

Philip Maxwell is ex military, he was honorably discharged due to an injury, so now he comes over to Casey's house, takes in her groceries, then goes outside to see if anything has been touched and then comes back inside to talk with Casey for awhile,,,, Philip has a married sister named Clarissa, she has a husband named Larry and they have 2 girls, Pippa and Molly,,,, Philip goes over to her house, does the Uncle thing, asks Clarissa about her life, what's going on with her marriage and her husband,,, apparently things aren't real great there,,, but what he's really come over for was that he needed to talk to someone about the huge favor Casey had asked of him,,,,,

Ok,,, so, now, I've given you a real small glimpse that is going on,,, but there is so much going on that I just can't tell you,,, but it would behoove you to grab this book today,,,, spend your Sunday curled up, under a blanket with a good book,,,, hey, I recommend this one,,,,!!!

I got this ARC voluntarily to write an honest review ,,,,,

[Amy M. (Amy Loves Reading Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was not my first read from this author so I was excited to see what she had in store for us with this one. I was even a little excited to see my husbands name as one of the characters!

I was a little in love with the story but I also felt like I was missing some things. Casey's past is completely unknown but in short throughout the book little parts get revealed. For myself it wasn't completely revealed what all happened which left me a little frustrated but the story of two best friends and thinking about what could happen just had my full attention.

Swooning over Philip and the careful way he was with Casey had hearts in my eyes and butterflies in my stomach. Even with having my husband's name I still had high hopes for Casey and Philip but I knew that things wouldn't be as easy as I thought it would. I also loved Philip's sister Clarissa in the short spots we see of her and I am super curious to see her story.

I feel like I didn't get the full story if that makes sense because as much as we find out about Casey and Josie, Casey's sister, I feel like I needed more. I got glimpses into Josie's life through Casey but I also hope to know the full story in depth. DO NOT GET ME WRONG, I loved swooning over this story and enjoyed much of everything Ms. Shaw has to offer but I am eagerly waiting for more from any of all of these characters!!

I have favorite parts of this story and I wish I could tell you exactly about them but you will know when Philip shows you what I am talking about because he is just swoon-worthy hotness that will melt your panties. I did learn a lot from this book also and I can't wait to see what is next from Ms. Shaw!

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I normally don't like to read shorter reads too much, because it's hard to really feel any sort of connection or emotions for the characters that I need in my stories, but in Say Yes, L.K Shaw with her very talented writing style nailed it without it feeling rushed. Casey suffered sexual abuse in her childhood thanks to her father, and now as an adult, she's slowly learning how to take back her life. Philip is a man that is tasked to help her, and she's learned to trust him, even as far as becoming her best friend, so she asks him to help her by teaching her real intimacy with him. That's all the plot that I can come off of without giving it all away. But I will say this, Ms. Shaw didn't make it easy, and there was no pat answer or a time that all of a sudden she was over everything, no, panic attacks came at different times out of the blue. And I could feel Casey's pain, and anxiety, which makes this shorter story special, since I find that very few shorts can do that. Not to mention, Philip's pain & indecision came across through the pages as well. Say Yes was a realistic look at a serious topic that was portrayed well with love, patience, & time, that I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Casey had a horrible and traumatic childhood. It has scared her in ways no woman should have to live with. Philip was the one man she trusted so it just made sense for her to ask him to help her reclaim her life. He hesitates because he doesn't want to ruin their friendship. What happens when sex is involved between friends?

This story is totally different from what LK Shaw normally writes but you can tell it's still her writing. The emotions are real, heartbreaking and loving at the same time. My heart just broke for what Casey had to endure, but she is such a strong woman that you can't help but cheer her on in her plans to reclaim her life from the horrors of her childhood. Philip is just the man she needed to do this and while he loved Casey, I think he was shocked at his true emotions towards her. He was kind, understanding, loving and stood by her while she worked through her emotions, even as he needed to confront feelings of his own. This is a true love story and I completely enjoyed reading it!

[Lindsaye Dombrowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

The unthinkable happened to Casey. She has lived as a hermit, never leaving her house, with the very rare trip to her sisters. When she gets the idea to start living again and wants to have sex again, there's only one person she trusts.

Philip has secretly had feelings for Casey; silently admiring her while taking care of her and watching out for her. So when Casey approaches him with this plan, he knows he shouldn't go through with it, he knows this is just going to hurt their friendship in the end. But he will do anything to make her happy, that means showing her how to live even if that means for another man. But he has some conditions to this agreement.

What happens when two friends cross that line into intimacy? Will they ever be able to go back? Will what happened in her past dictate their present?

L.K. Shaw wrote a wonderful romance that makes your insides fuzzy. Such a sweet and heartwarming read. Now I want Sully and Clarissa's HEA!

[Nikki]

Casey Santiago has not had an easy time in her life. She has suffered sexual abuse in her young life and has literally closed herself off from the world in her adult life. She has become agoraphobic and only has a select few people in her life that she trust. She has been taking college courses online and has a remote job, so that she doesn't have to actually go out into the world. Philip Maxwell has been her protector for the for the past years. And even though his protection is no longer needed, he still comes to see her three times a week to make sure that she is ok. Over these years, he has begun to care for her, even to love her. Casey is ready to take control of her life. And in doing so, she approaches Philip to assist her with becoming sexual free from her past. But will this complicate their current relationship? I loved Casey and Philip. Their relationship together was beautiful. He took care of her so devotedly and he cared for her so deeply.

[NhaughtyV says Damn the Zon Save the Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Never before had I felt such joy. Every heartbreak in my life had led me to this exact moment. I’d had to go through hell to arrive in heaven. I’d been broken, but Philip and his love had helped heal me.”

Sometimes even those that are the most broken still find the courage to reach out and ask to be loved, and in Casey’s mind, her best friend is the perfect solution…if she can only get him to say yes.

Philip can’t even imagine the pain and emotional trauma his beloved Casey had to have endured as a young teen…sold by her father to a man that used and abused her. Philip has loved Casey from afar, and has been content to be her companion and best friend. But when Casey asks him to teach her how to love and be loved, Philip is torn between finally having his heart’s desire or having his heart broken.

L.K. Shaw’s contemporary romance shows that friends do make the very best lovers. Say Yes to this read!

[Andrea Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. LK Shaw wrote a beautiful story of a girl who has an innocents that should not be there after the childhood that she had. This book is totally different than any book she has written but the way LK Shaw writes it brings you into the story from the first chapter until the last. Her best friend Phillip - who has secret feelings for her so who better than to help her get her life on track. He knows he shouldn't but he can't stop himself. A must read to see where the relationship between Casey and Phillip go. Can their friendship remain if they cross this line? Can Casey overcome her past in order to have her HEA? Wonderfully written romance that will touch all the emotions. Bravo LK Shaw

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Say Yes
Author: LK Shaw
FIVE STARS
This book was a very quick read. A great story line, following the main characters and how they learn to love one another.
L.K. Shaw is a great writer and the way that Ms. Shaw is able to describe the feelings that torment Casey and how she details the ways Philip goes to show Casey that she is cared for and not in harm, nothing short of wonderful.
You can feel the depth of concern coming off the pages from Philip when Casey has one of her anxiety attacts, and they way that he helps her come back from them so sweet and caring.
This book has a sexual nature to it, and Casey and Philip explore their desires for each other.

FABULOUS quick read. Can't wait to see what L.K. Shaw has coming next.
Kelli Harper

[Maria Sammut-mascaro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy. I am voluntarily leaving a review. This story is a spinoff from Secrets of Redemption. It is a standalone but if you really want to understand what she went through, then I would suggest reading it. Casey has been recovering for the last two years from an abusive childhood. Phillip is one of the guys hired by Casey's sister, Josie, to protect her when Josie rescued her from their father two years ago. After she no longer needed security, Phillip continued to check on Casey and befriended her because she became agoraphobic. Casey has been in therapy for two years and has decided that she wants to take control of her life and her body and asks Phillip to be her guide. This is a beautiful, non-traditional love story. There may be some triggers.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED! I read this book in one day because I just couldn't put it down. I was sucked into it and there was not a good spot to put it down. My heart went out to Casey as she was trying to take back her life. The crappy childhood she had was more than trumatic and now she has panic attacks because of it. Philip is her best friend. So who better to help live again, right? I loved the journey these two took to get to their HEA. Oh there were triggers and panic attacks but Philip is such a sweetheart and gets her through. These were rough and my heart broke for Casey. Ms. Shaw does such a good job in the details that I felt like I was there with Casey, seeing it happen. Give yourself time to read, do not try to adult while reading because that will not happen.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Racheal Celatka yunk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was for me both an emotional read as well as a inspiring story. Through the authors eyes I was able to feel the strength of Casey's character as well as the struggles that she faced daily from the tragedies she had suffered in her past. Although she had setbacks, the one person that she choose to help her with the obstacles in her way became more than just her protector!

This is a story of one woman who refused to let the darkness not only in the ones that had try to break her but also of herself.

[Pam James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and Tender

Right off the bat, you get that Philip has tender feelings for Casey. He treats her as though she is something he cherishes. Casey is ready to take life seriously. She wants Philips help to be a more normal person. She asked him if he would be her friend with benefits. She wants Philip to Say Yes. This is a tender love story. I would give it a 10 if there was that rating. One of the best contemporary reads this year! Thank You LK Shaw for writing such a wonderful story! From a Forever Fan... Pam James.

[Tara Skaggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a great book. Phillip has been in love with Casey for 2 years. Casey has agoraphobia and has been raped and sexually assaulted by her fathers friends for many years. Now with the help of her sister Josie and Phillip she’s trying her best to overcome all that has happened to her. So one day she asks Phillip if he would have sex with her to replace her bad memories. He says yes but they were going to do things his way. You will fall in love with Phillip and Casey.

[Leah Keys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Say Yes is the story of Casey & Phillip. Casey has experienced a terrible trauma that has left her unable to trust people… until Phillip comes into her life and becomes her friend. Now Casey wants Phillip to help her learn to enjoy being with a man. Can they make the move from friends to lovers? A wonderful story of learning to love!

[Tena Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book. Casey over come a lot and you can read and feel it

Casey has to over come a lot with the help of her friend Philip. You can just feel the panic attacks that Casey has through the writer. Philip is a man you want on your side. I love that this book shows you can over come anything through love . You need to read this book

[Magen Nixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! Casey and Phillip were perfect together. Casey's character was empowering for wanting to look forward instead of being terrified of her past and letting it control her. I really enjoyed this story!

[Casey Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome emotional read by LK Shaw.
Who better to help you heal, from a frightening past experience, than a best friend who makes you feel safe.
Loved the character’s strength and growth Individually and together.

[AnnaMarie Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving tale of love

Truly a moving story, so well written. I love Phillip and Casey and the intense and beautiful connection between them. The way that he helps her heal and they find their love is so moving. I laughed and I yelled and I cried, wow what a roller coaster.

[Darnell MR Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

A loving story of new beginnings.  Philip wants to protect and Casey. The patience he has for her is touching. Casey’s journey to love is beautiful

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet tea on a hot summer's day

What a beautiful read. Refreshing and sweet like Sweet tea on a warm summer day. A beautifully written story about love and the courage it brings when you have someone by your side helping you through it all.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story! I loved it! A must read.

[Kerry Pruett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This love story absolutely stole my heart. I cried, laughed, got angry, and smiled with pride as I read all the words of this story. These two were perfect for each other , and as they worked their way into developing a wonderful friendship into a lifetime of love I couldn't help but fall right there with them. I would recommend this read for a rainy day or any day that you are wanting to lift your heart up or your spirits with love.