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Magnolia Ridge #1

Say the Words

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I’m going to help this grumpy rancher whether he likes it or not

As Maid of Honor, I’ll do anything to make my cousin’s dream wedding a reality, including playing nice with the grumpy Best Man. Ty Hardy is big, rugged, gorgeous—and my cheating ex’s older brother.

When my fumbled attempt to make peace leaves Ty with broken ribs, I volunteer to help him out around his ranch until the wedding. Just ignore the fact that he would never admit he needs my help, and I haven’t been around horses in years.

Especially ignore how he looks at me with enough heat to set his whole ranch on fire.

But Ty’s got his feelings on lock down, and I promised myself I wouldn’t fall for another man who’s not all in. I can spend a few weeks around him without losing my heart.

Probably.

Say the Words is a grumpy-sunshine closed door romance without implied intimacy.

330 pages, Paperback

Published May 31, 2022

140 people are currently reading
817 people want to read

About the author

Genny Carrick

17 books128 followers
Genny Carrick is a sucker for an HEA, especially if there's a whole lot of laughter along the way. She writes romances and rom-coms about stubborn women and the men who fall for them.

When she's not lost in swoony reads, she's probably up to something crafty or trying to get her dog and two cats to love her.

Genny recently moved to Texas from the Pacific Northwest with her brilliant husband and two hilarious kids.

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5 stars
175 (37%)
4 stars
189 (40%)
3 stars
92 (19%)
2 stars
10 (2%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for E.L. Irwin.
Author 6 books163 followers
March 31, 2025
Yes, I finished this book in a day. Yes, it was that good. Yes, I highly recommend it.
Honestly, I have yet to meet a Genny Carrick book I didn’t thoroughly love, and this one was no different. June and Ty were perfect. I loved their chemistry and story. I laughed, I cried, I swooned. So good. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to start book 2.
Profile Image for Kelly Wyatt.
102 reviews3 followers
May 3, 2023
Alright. I’m not proud to say that I liked this book. But I did.

This had everything that makes Hallmark movies good. It was predictable and sweet and had just the right amount of drama. While this book didn’t throw me for any loops, it was a good candy read. Love me some rancher romance. 4/5 stars.
Profile Image for Larissa (That Baker That Reads).
194 reviews16 followers
December 30, 2024
3.75 ⭐ Round-Up

Synopsis:
June is back in her hometown for her best friend’s wedding, but need to make amends with her past. When she reunites with Ty, an accident happens and everything changes.

Includes:
✨Ex’s Brother
✨Small Town
✨Forced Proximity
✨Grumpy / Sunshine
✨Caretaking

🌶️Heat Level:
Just Kisses
Innuendo/Language
Attraction/Tension:🔥🔥🔥

My Opinion:
This is a hallmark romance, with cowboys and small town shenanigans. It’s my first book from the author, and I liked her writing. I’m not used to the Ex’s Brother trope, and I’m not sure how I feel about it. Ty and June are very cute together, and the book tries to show us that being together is the best for them, so it wasn’t so weird. The book has a lot of chemistry, and I liked the grumpy/sunshine part of it, but I wasn’t expecting the innuendo present in it (it is a closed door book). I’m eager to see what the rest of the series will bring.

TW:
Profile Image for Millie Shepherd.
Author 9 books63 followers
June 17, 2023
I loved this book!! It was a grumpy x sunshine masterpiece and I think stubborn characters might be some of my favorites now. June and Ty's chemistry was amazing and I loved both of them! I didn't want this book to end!!
Profile Image for Eliza Solares of Read That Romance.
52 reviews6 followers
June 16, 2022
These two broke my soul and put it back together. I ached with them and yearned with them and feared with them and I sobbed with them. 

This might have been the most emotionally charged closed door book I've read in a long time. The couple was phenomenal, the setting was beautiful, the problem of broken ribs kept them together and also apart if you catch my drift. I loved every second of this. 

I have nothing but praise for this book and it is definitely going on my list to read again. Even if you don't usually read closed door, I'd recommend giving this one a try. It is laced with longing and desire and the story is captivating. 

I received an advance copy of this book. I’ve left this review voluntarily. 
Profile Image for Jenny Fawn.
9 reviews3 followers
June 16, 2022
Great book! I loved Ty and June… grumpy and sunshine stories are my favorite! Can’t wait for the next story in the series!
Profile Image for Bonnie Blackledge.
434 reviews28 followers
June 22, 2022
This is the first book by Genny Carrick that I have read. I totally fell in love with it from the very start and am now planning to read all the books she has written. I love it when I discover a new author to love.

What stood out in this book is the character development. Ty and June each have personalities that are consistently true to form. I want to be friends with them both. I can't say enough about these two without giving away "spoilers," so I will trust that you will enjoy them as much as I do. I hope they show up in future Carrick novels.

As a horse owner, it's difficult for me to read books about ranches and horse care when they use wrong terminology or describe scenes that just don't portray true horse behavior. This book was true to form and accurately describes life on a ranch. I have never read about cleaning out stalls quite as vividly as I have in this book.
1,200 reviews
October 29, 2025
I haven’t felt like reading a contemporary romance in a while, so kudos to this book for keeping my attention! This was my first read by this author, and I really enjoyed her writing—it was witty and genuinely made me smile. Plus, there were no cringey, over-the-top scenes that often turn me off from romcoms. The characters’ inner thoughts didn’t drag on either, which I appreciated.
I found all the characters and their different personalities fun and engaging. It was unique to read a romance where the main male character was injured for most of the story, yet still managed to be protective and strong in his own way. I loved that the main female character’s love language was acts of service—she was tenacious and had such a positive attitude, even when facing tough, dirty ranch work. I also liked seeing that realistic side of cowboy life.
The male lead struggled to express his thoughts and feelings, but honestly, that felt true to life for a lot of men. Did everything tie up in a neat little bow at the end? Yes—and that’s exactly what I was here for.
My only complaint? The cover. I hate to say it, but I’m getting tired of the cartoon-style covers.

SPOILERS and book notes:
Ty was training a horse when June unexpectedly shows up distracting him and he gets kicked in the chest by the horse! Breaks ribs! He is known as unbreakable Ty bc he never gets kicked. Hahah but June changed that in more ways than one. Ok I love this authors writing. Witty and funny without being fake. I love Jed junes older brother! He was in the military for 10 years but is done now! “Darlin’,” he drawled, “I don’t know what kind of fanciness they’ve been teaching you down in Austin, but around here, we say y’all.” They made a bet that she couldn’t handle doing farm week for two weeks for him. Prove she ain’t a city girl. She shoveled horse poop while he told her what to do. He took care of her blisters. And then the next day bought her work gloves that fit her. All that farm work. It’s fun! I love a good old truck with a bench seat!!! That she slides across and kisses him on the cheek! Ty is a horse trainer. He did ranch management in college. ““There are two kinds of people, June. Those who just like to ride horses, and those who love them with everything they have. My dad is the first.” “There’s probably a third category of people who don’t like horses at all.” “We don’t talk about them.” I love how much she stubbornly serves him! She brought him a lasagna! Then noticed how dirty his house was! And cleaned and did laundry for him! “June, if you even think about doing that laundry, I will take you over my shoulder and drop you outside on your behind, so help me.” I like her older protective brother Jed. She had to help get the spirited horses inside before the storm! One knocked her over and he rushed out to protect her! Rain pouring down!! He got to her and she just said she fell down nbd. “My past injuries weren’t the point. I’d never had to watch someone I cared about risk her neck over a wild animal for me before—that was the point.” His hat on her head!! “Rain streaked down her face and into her eyes. I pulled off my Stetson and sat it low on her head.” This is their signature lines: ““Ty,” I said softly. “Don’t be an (a word).” His mouth twisted into a crooked smile, and he nodded as though I’d offered him sage words of advice instead of a fond insult. “I’m working on it.” I love that she helps him with no other motivation but just to be with him and help. ““Are you sure you’re feeling okay? You’re doing that thing again.” “What thing?” “Smiling.” She smirked and disappeared in the stall. I ran a hand over my face. Well, look at that. I was smiling.” So much service!! That is her love language! Heck yes Ty punches his cheating brother!! Even though it kills his broken ribs to do it! Things work out perfectly. The epilogue and proposal is adorable. And the bonus epilogue is perfect too.
Profile Image for Kaci Bonar.
399 reviews11 followers
October 19, 2024
Having been around the ranching lifestyle for part of my life, this book resonated with me some!  One thing is for sure though, I married me a city slicker and I’m completely okay with that!

June’s 29 and has come back home for the next few weeks to prepare her cousin’s wedding, where she’s set to be the maid of honor.  While home, she plans to smooth out any weird wrinkles she has with the best man, spend time with her dad, try to do what little work she has and get in/out of town with as few scrapes as possible!  It’s been 2 years since her mom died and the emotions run high!  First order of business was to go talk to Ty and make sure they could get through their roles as peacefully as possible (considering their odd history) and to make sure he has done the tasks that were put forth to him!  That’s where this bumpy road of a story really begins!

Ty’s a 35, horse trainer/rancher, who is the best of the best for that stretch of Texas!  He’s seen as “unbreakable,” and that all comes crashing down when June turns up at Victory Ranch!  Focus is broken for one moment between Ty and Bullet, when the unthinkable happens- he gets kicked!  Realizing he needs help, as much as he doesn’t want to admit it, June springs into action!  How was he going to live down that the one time he got his butt handed to him by a horse, it was because his brother’s ex turned up!  Suppressing feelings and emotions was nothing new for Ty, but June insisting making it up to him for startling the horse might just be his undoing- yes, that’s right the man was attracted to her, not that he’d ever let her know!

As the story unfolds, there are countless shovels full of manure, buckets of water to be refilled, and other mundane ranch chores that Jane helps with!  Not ideal for the city slicker she has become but she keeps going, all while babying Ty with his rib situation!  The chemistry between these two is dynamite just ready to go off!  They hide it from each other until they can’t, but then Ty brings up his brother, Bret!  Bret was the lynchpin that could break the friendship that forged, the feelings they began to feel.  This book had me waiting to the very end and I’m all the better for it!
Profile Image for Kirsten Anderson.
360 reviews1 follower
November 19, 2024
say the words
3.5 ✨

overview: a cute lil cowboy romance 🤭

characters: comforting and sweet.

romance: Ty and June are so sweet! He is utterly down bad for her while she is so compassionate and eager to help him.

✨ ex-boyfriends older brother
✨ comfort/care after an injury
✨ “it’s always been you”

…but I liked the idea of coming home to June.

“This house is exactly how I want it. The only thing that's missing is you in it." He ran one hand down my arm again until he played with my hand, lightly rubbing my bare ring finger with his thumb.
"I thought you'd already figured it out. I did all this for you. I didn't know if you would ever even see it, but all the time I was working, deep down in-side, I was doing it to make a home for you."


writing: quick and easy to read.

atmosphere: small town rancher romance.

The sun sank low, casting red and purple streaks through the deepening sky. It led to a peaceful kind of quiet, with crickets chirping in hidden corners, and the occasional neigh rolling in to us from the grounds.

season: spring/summer?

———

content: language (H*ll, p*ssed, a*s, d*mmit, d*ck used occasionally). sexual (a couple innuendos; touches and kisses, no spice). other (mentions of an off page character dying from cancer; some mentions of drinking/bars/a man “could be with different women every night and be lonely”).

———

💌PS (I LOVE YOU)
— Kirsten <3
Profile Image for Nicole.
Author 25 books180 followers
June 20, 2022
Genny Carrick has a new fan... it's me. I'm the fan.

Ty Hardy - Rugged gentleman. "Ty Hardy Good Looks." Cowboy!!!! "Unbreakable" until June gets within fifty feet of him ahahahaha. No, I'm not kidding. That's literally the plot of the entire book. Also, he is stubborn as heck. But literally, one of the best, most swoon-worthy heroes I have read in a while.

June Evans - I love her! I love her job (interior design) and how she was just as stubborn as Ty. (I would not muck out stalls even if I did what she does at the beginning of the book. Dang. This girl is committed.) She was so relatable!

This was such a cute, enjoyable sweet romance! There are some mild sexual innuendoes but I'd still say it's pretty clean. Also, I'm a sucker for the best man/maid of honour pairing. The ending was dramatic yet sweet, and I loved the horse elements/subplot interwoven throughout the story as well as the small town setting. The wedding speeches made me "aww" and want to cry... in a good way!

There's something about Genny Carrick's writing style that is so humorous, romantic, fun, and binge-worthy at the same time. I'm going to have to go back and quickly finish reading the prequel novella on my nightstand so I can have the same feeling about Eden and Booker!
Profile Image for Abby Wall.
107 reviews
January 6, 2026
Say the Words

If you’re looking for a handsome, stubborn, cowboy hero and a sassy, hard-working, feminine heroine, then this is the book for you.

Ty and June have a bit of a complicated history (his brother cheated on her), but when she unexpectedly shows up at his ranch, causing him to get injured, that past turns into a chaotic present and a loving future. The dual POV is such a treat as you truly get to delve into the hearts of both characters as they work through their issues and fall hopelessly in love.

This is a closed-door, small-town romance with mild cursing, moderately detailed kiss scenes, some innuendo, references to the death of a parent, plenty of good natured family banter, an unfortunate amount of manure, and lots of horses.
1,442 reviews8 followers
November 4, 2023
Horses, Hurts, and Hearts

So we're in the small Texas town of Magnolia Ridge with Ty's horse ranch (I love horses), Ty's broken ribs, June's recovering heart from her mom's passing, and both hurting and loving hearts. I love the family and friend dynamics! I love June's stubborn ranch work and caring heart. I especially love the romance between June and quiet Ty. The whole story was so heartwarming. I look forward to reading the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Fini.
12 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2025
I love a good clean cowboy romance 😋

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the ranch setting with all the horses. I loved Ty and June together. They were both so stubborn but it wasn’t annoying to me. I love how sweet June was. I like her family and I’m excited to read more about them.

I don’t have much to say about it though. It’s a good easy read. I flew through it and I’m eager to continue the series 🥰
Profile Image for Cheryl.
38 reviews
June 27, 2022
Perfect summer read--put it in your beach bag, read it by the pool, pack it in your carry-on for the trip--whatever you have planned. Genny's story about Ty and June is just the thing to have when you relax or travel or wait for an appointment. A fun love story to warm your heart and keep you turning the pages.
Profile Image for Raye Verdin.
314 reviews
May 4, 2024
This was such a sweet grumpy sunshine story! I was a little wary because it was a “wrong brother” story, but it didn’t bother me as much since the story starts many months after June and Ty’s brother had broken up. Ty tried so hard to fight his feelings after an accident led to June helping around his ranch for a couple weeks, but he her determination to help just broke down his defenses. The ending felt a little rushed after the conflict, but overall, the story was adorable and I am excited to continue the series.
Profile Image for Maddy Horne.
1 review
January 17, 2025
If I could give a book 10 stars, it'd be this one. It was so good, and Ty is definitely going on my book boyfriend list under top tier. The give and take of it all was SO. DARN. GOOD. I'm so excited for the rest of this series now and I am definitely going to need a re-read sooner rather than later.
Profile Image for H.
1,509 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2025
This was cute. I liked Ty and June’s relationship, how she was determined to help him and take care of him and he grouchily endured it (while secretly not hating it at all). They had a fun dynamic. I also liked all the side characters—June’s family, the other bridesmaids, Booker, etc. I’m excited to see what their stories look like.
Profile Image for Bex.
Author 8 books26 followers
July 1, 2022
Such a fun, sweet story. This is the first book by Genny Carrick that I’ve read, but now I’m super excited to read more. Ty and June make a great couple, and the chemistry between them is amazing. Highly recommend this book for grumpy/sunshine lovers, and those who prefer sweet romance!
1,293 reviews1 follower
June 22, 2023
Sweet

I enjoyed this sweet romance. The characters are believable, interesting, and likable. I came to care about the resolution of their misunderstandings and hoped for a happy solution.
Profile Image for PollyAnna Joy.
Author 4 books27 followers
June 28, 2023
L.O.V.E.

Ty and June's story tickled me pink! The analogies Genny used to tell their story thrilled me to no end! My favorite phrase is "unquestionable joy." Isn't that a wonderful phrase?! It speaks volumes to someone like me who is all about joy!!
Profile Image for Kimberly Travis.
23 reviews
September 13, 2023
grumpy and sassy

The grumpiness of Ty and how sassy June was kept me entertained for the entire book. Loved all the characters for the most part (except Bret of course) and was drawn right in from the very beginning!
Profile Image for S.C..
Author 3 books17 followers
July 20, 2024
This book was fantastic - a delightfully swoony, closed door romance with a grumpy cowboy and a sunshine interior decorator.

I adored these characters and their search for something real, while dealing with their own pasts. I finished this book in one day.
Profile Image for Marianne.
7,297 reviews87 followers
June 7, 2022
Super sweet small town/western romance.. I loved it! Endearing characters. Heartwarming, lovely story..
Profile Image for Melissa.
237 reviews7 followers
June 16, 2022
Great book. Loved the characters. Felt like I was part of the story.
4,589 reviews32 followers
June 21, 2022
Thank you, Genny Carrick, for this new series. Ty and June do have an unusual past, This story has romance, humor, and a cute story line. I look forward to the next book.
Profile Image for D..
1,862 reviews
August 4, 2022
I loved June and Ty. This is such a great story with great characters and some good laughs in it. I enjoyed this story and looking to reading more from Genny.
405 reviews2 followers
January 11, 2023
Great clean romance

I enjoyed the trial of breaking down the protective walls resulting in clear truthful communication. I recommend this story for the young adult reader.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews

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