Book Review : You Say It First by Susan Mallery*

We at Yeah Lifestyle love reading and writing book reviews tops our list anytime and this is something we each look forward to. This time, we have been sent a feel-good heartwarming Mills and Boon romance book titled ‘You Say It First‘ by New York Times No 1 Bestselling Author, Susan Mallery.  This the first book from Susan’s new series Happily Inc. which shares about Pallas Saunders who runs a quirky wedding venue, Weddings in a Box and sexy sculptor Nick Mitchell who is struggling to fill his time between commissions, hence takes up a day job as a carpenter at Weddings in a Box.  The book shares about Pallas who has been gifted the Weddings in a Box business and how she has to make it a success of it, else she’ll have no choice but to trade taffeta for a stable career in the Bank (as what her mother expects of her).  Nick, on the other hand, inspires Pallas to think outside the box by suggesting her to offer more ‘out of the box’ ideas to brides who want a different wedding. Well, will their romance unfold? Read on as I share some insight into what the book is about.

What did I think of the book?

I remember reading the Mills and Boon romance books when I was a teenager as my mum had about 20 of these books at home, but since then I have not read any and this book clearly reminded me of those yesteryears.  As I read the book, it is quickly clear to see why Susan Mallery is New York Times No 1 Best Selling Author.  She clearly has a gift for writing and her ability to convert thoughts, desires and real-life relatable situations so beautifully into words and captivate her the reader is amazing.  I love how she slowly builds the personality of each character and as the pages unfold,  I got to know more about each of them and their past.  As I read the book, I also fell in love with Happily Inc, the small California desert town where the story is set in and got to know more about Pallas, her close-knit friends, her controlling mother and her family as well as Nick and his relationship with his family and his artistic background. The author very cleverly adds in humour and lots of family dramas into the book.  Her choice of supporting characters such as Pallas’ friends and Nick’s brothers add so much more details to the book, making the whole story come alive.  To be honest I was surprised at how much the Mills and Boon books have grown since I last read it.  The storyline is now sassier and caters to the modern young women and even the book cover has since changed from photos of masculine looking men and ladylike maidens in distress to more trendy sketches and images which are colourful.

You Say it First is a lighthearted romance book and perfect to read on the weekend, on holiday or even while waiting for the kids at the playgroups. You will feel satisfied after reading the book (oh and do ignore the strange stares you will get while you smile to yourself as you fantasize the scenes in the book; especially if you are reading this on the tube, bus or at a play centre).

How much is the book and where can you buy it?

The paperback copy of the book retails for £5.59. You can purchase a copy from Harper Collins here.

Synopsis – About You Say it First

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fool’s Gold romances invites you to visit Happily Inc, a wedding destination founded on a fairy tale!

Sculptor Nick Mitchell grew up in a family of artists—unconventional is his norm. To bide his time waiting for a new commission to come through, he takes a day job as a humble carpenter at a Happily Inc theme wedding venue. Still, the job has its perks. Mainly the venue’s captivating owner, Pallas Saunders, who can’t hide her inner nonconformist from him. Although he won’t let love consume him, for ecstasy with an expiration date, he’s all in.

Pallas adores Weddings in a Box, but when the time comes, she’ll have to give it up to work at her mom’s bank. She’ll miss the weddings—every weekend, something different, and all the more thrilling with her handsome new hire enticing her to let loose.

When a desperate bride begs Pallas for something that’s never been done before, Nick urges her to embrace the challenge. She doesn’t belong behind a desk. Pallas knows in her heart that he’s right—but he’s wrong, too. . . because where she really belongs is in his arms.

Delightfully flirtatious and deceptively easy dialogue . . . Mallery (the Fool’s Gold series) excels at creating protagonists who grow individually as well as together on the way to their destined happy ending.”

About the book
Publisher : Harper Collins
ISBN:9781848457546
Pages: 416

About Susan Mallery

Susan Mallery is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels about the relationships that define women’s lives—family, friendship, romance. Library Journal says, “Mallery is the master of blending emotionally believable characters in realistic situations,” and readers seem to agree—40 million copies of her books have sold worldwide. Her warm, humorous stories make the world a happier place to live.  Susan grew up in California and now lives in Seattle with her husband. She’s passionate about animal welfare, especially that of the two ragdoll cats and an adorable poodle who think of her as mom.

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* We were given a copy of the book in return for a feature. All opinions are our own.