This was a 2017 backlist title that was gifted to me as an ARC by NetGalley and Harlequin. I realized it was still on my to be reviewed shelf, so I “reread” it by listening to the audiobook.

I love Susan Mallory for her lighthearted, feel-good romance stories. This one was the first in a series called Happily, Inc., a cute spin-off of her Fools Gold series.

Wedding planner & creator Pallas loves what she does but isn’t sure the wedding business she inherited is a sustainable career, especially since her mother keeps pressuring her to sell it and begin her career at the family owned bank. When famous artist, Nick Mitchell, replies to a job posting that Pallas advertised, both of their worlds are never the same. In the midst of creating magical wedding experiences, they each learn what makes them happy, fulfilled and how to open themselves up to love.

This was a lazy read and I enjoyed it, but I wished the book did not end the way it did. Her mother got off way too easy after the many years of mental warfare she reigned on her daughter. We need to normalize cutting off toxic people in our lives, especially toxic parents.

But either than that, the book was okay, not exciting, but okay and I'm actually excited about the next book in the series.

This destination wedding town is adorable, and the series has stolen my heart! I absolutely loved Nick and Pallas' story - couldn't put it down, and definitely moving on to the next book right away!

3.5

I was looking for a cosy read and this is why I started with "You say it first".

The setting was absolutely wonderful and felt very homey. I also liked the agency which is fulfilling unique wedding dreams. The creativity the characters, but also the author, put into these weddings was really amazing and I enjoyed it a lot.

The story itself was really sweet but I couldn't really feel the chemistry between Pallas and Nick. Their kisses came pretty much out of nothing and felt rather forced to me, as I missed some flirting and bantering beforehand.

Generally I liked the main characters but they remained rather distant to me and I didn't have the feeling I got to know them properly.

The book was really sweet but all in all it lacked a bit in the romance part.

I recently bought a new kindle after my old one broke. For some reason I was unable to download this title from the cloud onto my kindle, therefore I will be unable to review this title. I am sorry for any inconvenience caused.

You Say it First is the first book in a brand new series from Susan Mallery and I couldn’t be happier. She’s created another town in which it has an unusual beginning called Happily Inc, which turns out to be a wedding destination city. Here you will find the Mitchell brothers that were first introduced in Fool’s Gold and they’ve settled here to create their art away from their dysfunctional father and mother. Nick Mitchell is looking for work when he goes to Wedding in a Box and ends up hired to help at a wedding when Pallas Saunders is short one male attendant. She does eventually hire him for his woodworking talent to restore some wood panel scenery, and gradually gets to know him and finds herself attracted to him.

Susan Mallery has a knack for creating flawed characters and giving them opportunities to figure it out for themselves. I can definitely relate to these ordinary complications, especially when it comes to family dynamics. Both Nick and Pallas have a different take on what love is and how they try hard to either earn it or avoid it. Over the course of the story you see them together and with their own families and its entertaining and disappointing on how each behave. I couldn’t be happier that there is a new place to fall in love with just like I did with Fool’s Gold. I have been anticipating this story’s arrival and I’m happy that it is finally here.

This was a decent story and I somewhat enjoyed both the hero and the heroine, Nick and Pallas. However, nothing really stood out making it a great book.

I enjoyed this title. Nick and Pallas are fun, and Nick's story as a somewhat tortured artist is interesting. The family drama aspect appeals and helps to flesh him out as an imperfect but still awesome protagonist. I wish the relationship between them was a little more compelling, but overall it was a fun read.

*I received a review copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*

Bottom Line, Up Top. Not that great. I'm not shy to DNF nowadays, so the fact that I read it all the way through does say something—I wanted to know how things would play out and resolve themselves. While I liked Pallas in the beginning, she quickly became annoying and I disliked how inconstant she was, how she seemed completely unable to resolve anything herself, and how she freaked out at any little issue. Nick was fine, but that's pretty much it—just fine. Finally, I didn't feel the connection between the two of them or why they were The One for the other.

Recommendations. I recommend you go to straight to Book 2 in the series, The Second Chance Girl , which I really enjoyed (and read before reading this one, which wasn't a problem series-wise and didn't cause me any confusion). Rated it 4 stars: read my review. Another great Susan Mallery book I read and really enjoyed was Falling for Gracie . I'm looking forward to reading the other books in the Happily Inc series—really enjoy the world she has created.

Review. Pallas Saunders, the heroine, was one of my biggest issues with this book; the other was her relationship with Nick Mitchell, our hero. Pallas was annoying for a large portion of the book: she can't troubleshoot or problem-solve by herself and she freaks out about everything. Every time something new comes her way, something unexpected happens, or she's presented with a new challenge or opportunity, she loses her shit and then Nick comes in and has to save the day (or offers a super simple fucking solution that doesn't take a genius to come up with, i.e. if she just exercised her brain a little, she could have figured it out herself).

The other thing that really bothered me in this book was the main relationship, and the fact that I didn't get it. I don't really understand how they begin (she thinks he's hot from the beginning, he thinks she's hot once he sees her in a slutty server outfit), how it begins (he randomly kisses her one day, then they randomly kiss again a few days later, then they kiss again another time, then they fall into bed together), or how it continues (they start sleeping together regularly).

There's this knowledge that Nick is waiting on approval for a gig in Dubai, and that if/when that comes through, he'll be gone for two years. There's also an open acknowledgement that he doesn't believe in / want a longterm relationship, because he's suspicious of anything that involves too much passion, given the poor example his parents have set—he doesn't want another person to so consume him, to the oblivion of all else (which I get; you don't see it much in this book, but you see in Book 2 how totally fucked up his parents' relationship is and the fucked up impact it has had on their children).

So we understand from the beginning that they both have an awareness that they're not starting something longterm, but there is still NO discussion whatsoever about anything. It ended up making me feel like passages of the book are missing; it felt weird. So fine, it's nothing serious, but at some point one of them is going to comment on that, right? You don't end up starting a relationship with someone without ever discussing the fact that you're starting a relationship with them, I don't care how formal or informal it is.

I also didn't get the attraction between them nor feel ANY chemistry. They're both nice people, they're both quite interesting people (though again, Pallas and her neuroses really annoyed me), and apparently they're both good-looking ... so okay, a relationship between them makes sense ... I guess. But beyond that, I didn't get it; I never felt on either of their parts that there was something uniquely amazing about the other person that drew them in. Nick is a decent guy and stands up for Pallas to her Mom and encourages her to stand up for herself; he also encourages her to pursue her passion and stick with the business. Those are all great things, but her friends/brother/cousin do the same. There was nothing ultimately compelling about the two of them together.

*This review is of an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Some changes and/or edits may be made to the final published version.

I love me a good Susan Mallery books. The Fools Gold series is actually what got me into reading her books. I was super excite to start her Happily Inc. books. Yay, more feel good stories.
Now You say it First was good. I adored both Pallas and Nick. I loved them together. Nick was supportive and kind and Pallas was driven and the perfect fit for Nick. The story itself is everything I would want from a Susan Mallery feel good.
For me it just didn't measure up to Fools Gold.
Also, I called Pallas Pam the whole book because I didn't like that name but thats a person thing.

I love Susan Mallery's Fool's Gold series and since we met the Mitchell brothers in that series I was excited to start this offshoot series. The first time I tried reading this I surprisingly ended up setting it aside as I just couldn't get into it. However, after reading the third book in the series, Why Not Tonight, I fell in love with the series and immediately went back to give this one another try. I definitely enjoyed it more so this time around and finished it quickly.

While I didn't love it as much as Ronan's story it was still enjoyable and I am glad I went back. Seeing how great Pallas was with her wedding business in book 3, it was surprising to see how she struggled in this book with her choice as to continue the business or not. I'm definitely going to have to go pick up book 2 now. Glad to see this series is picking up steam and will hopefully rank up there for me along with Fool's Gold.

Pallas loves her job, but hates that she is a constant disappointment to her mother. Her job bring happiness to brides and grooms with unique weddings. When she decides to hire someone to restore wood panels she doesn’t expect to meet the very handsome Nick who is a world renowned artist. As they work closer and closer, the passion flares and they can’t help but falling for each other. Can they survive the passion to see the love or will it burn out as quickly as it happens?
This was my first Susan Mallory book. I adored this. It was a very sweet love story with a steaminess that is the core of a good romance. Pallas and Nick are both unique and very deep characters. They are relatable with their family issues and wonderful friends. The scenery is fantastic. It is definitely a uniquely dreamt up place that the reader will want to visit. This was a wonderfully written first book in this series. I can’t wait to see who ends up with each other. It is going to be a fun ride that I can’t wait to continue. If you are like me, and hadn’t read Susan Mallory yet, pick this one up. You won’t regret it!

I really enjoyed this book. We 1st met the Mitchell family in The Fool's Gold Series, I was so very glad to see Mayor Marsha continue into this series. I hope someday the mystery of her knowing it all will be solved. Nick is just biding his time until his commission comes in, He is working with wood rather than glass. He is so sure it is his. Pallas has inherited weddings in a box but with the help of her friends turns it into weddings out of the box. Nick is restoring some wooden panels for her. Do they get together? Well of course but the question is are they able to overcome their obstacles and stay together.

Thank you netgalley and Harlequin for allowing me to read this title for an honest review.

Once again Susan Mallery tackles the age old problem of children at odds with their parents. In the case of YOU SAY IT FIRST it’s apparent that it doesn’t really matter how old you are – your life is still under the influence of your parents. If they are loving, kind and supportive you are very lucky. If they aren’t well not so much. There is an inner conflict when an adult child is still looking for approval from their parent or parents that is really kind of sad. But Susan Mallery is upbeat and optimistic as always. YOU SAY IT FIRST takes place in Happily Inc. which is another small town that has lots of stories to tell. Some of the inhabitants actually had moved there from Fool’s Gold another fan favorite place. So be prepared to be entertained with a really cute and innovative tale centering on – weddings of course – what else would you expect from a place called Happily Inc.

Pallas Saunders has just inherited Weddings in a Box from her mentor. Much to the dismay of her mother Libby – who is quite a piece of work. In one scene it is suggested that Pallas throw water on Libby – do you get the connection – the vision. Yes Libby is that critical and Pallas is the target. When Pallas does something that Libby doesn’t like or approve of the punishment is instant. Even as an adult Pallas is still conflicted with finding her own way and meeting the approval of her mother.

Luckily Pallas has a supportive group of friends and her Grandpa Frank. Friends that encourage Pallas to do what she wants. And not cave in to Libby’s demands of joining the family banking business.

There is nothing creative involved in banking. In contrast running a wedding business like Weddings in a Box certainly demands quite a bit of it. Strangely Pallas doesn’t see herself as being anything close to creative. Sure she can’t draw a straight line but she is a demon when it comes to organizing and planning. And with her creative friends including her newest friend Nick Mitchell perhaps there is a way for Pallas to make her business a financial success.

Nick Mitchell along with his two equally artistic brothers are relative newcomers to Happily Inc. having moved there from Fool’s Gold to get out from under the thumb of their father. The Mitchell family has some interesting lineage and egos. So the three brothers are happily finding a creative landing site in this small town. While waiting for a big commission job to fall into place Nick finds himself becoming more involved in Pallas’ little company. He really likes her little band of friends and more important Nick is finding something he didn’t know was missing in his life. A woman like Pallas. Along with something new to stir his own creative juices.

They are a great couple – Susan Mallery is a master of matchmaking – kind of like Mayor Marsha from Fool’s Gold. Mallery’s description of the art work created by these brothers is eye candy for the imagination. When describing one of the glass or wood sculptures it is just like being in front of them. You can see them through Susan Mallery’s words. For any fans you know exactly what I am talking about. For those of you not yet a fan – I have to ask – why not.
YOU SAY IT FIRST is the first book in this new Happily Inc. series and is quite a fun infused story involving matching weddings to the tastes and idiosyncrasies of brides and grooms.

Yet another brilliant beginning to a new series from Susan Mallery.

Nick is an amazing artist, who works on the side as a carpenter when he is waiting for a project to come to him. Nick finds himself trying to decide what shocks him the most, helping with wedding plans are being attracted to Pallas? Both have their own levels of oddity.

Pallas is a lovely character with a huge heart, she is strong and brilliant. Pallas has a troubled relationship with her mom Lily, who is quite demanding and expecting everyone to fall in line, it is a wonder that Pallas turned out as good as she did. Pallas has a twin brother Cade. Pallas never deserved her mother’s attention unless she did as she was directed by her mother. Pallas in herniated “Wedding in a Box” Pallas, a wedding planner who studied to be an accountant, runs Weddings in a Box a destination wedding chapel.

The real fun begins when Nick is mistakenly taken as one of the extras in a roman themed wedding. Nick and Pallas have passion in spades. It is so sweet how Nick all but pours himself into helping Pallas with whatever she needs even dealing with her demanding mother.

Supporting characters add intensity and fun to Nick and Pallas but never over shine them. I read book two before book one in the Happily Inc. Series which did not hurt me in the least. You will get each brothers’ story and I hope so much more from this series. 😊

Susan Mallery will have you crying, laughing, and falling in love with the characters of You Say It First. Happily Inc. series in my opinion is just as good as her Fool’s Gold Series. You Say It First is a funny, romantic read with just enough drama thrown in to make things interesting.
I can’t wait to get more in this series.

Rated 5 Stilettos by Deb!

I sometimes get distracted by unusual names.

Pallas owns a beautiful wedding venue that she dresses to accommodate a variety of themes. She is also the wedding planner of the group and works with her friends to provide a multitude of services for the happy couple on their special day.

Nick finds himself with some extra time on his hands and decides to take a job restoring some of the props at a Pallas's business. Little does he know how many times he will be drafted into service by the proprietress.

This town inspires happiness. It is more than just a wedding town. It is a place where magical things happen to everyday people. Sometimes all you need is an idea and good friends to help.

I love all of Mallery's books and was interested to see what this new series would be like. It's just as amazing as the Fools Gold books and I like that some of the characters were actually from Fools Gold. I'm excited to read the books to come in this series.

You Say It First is my very first book by Susan Mallery so I was very excited to see what this story had in store and OMG it was fantastic. have been hearing wonderful things about Susan Mallery books for such a long time now , but now I see exactly why I heard these things because this book was amazing. In this book we follow Pallas and Nick and I just loved these two together . Watching the romance between them develop and then blom was just wonderful. Susan Mallery knows how to write sexy , swoon worthy romance that in no way over powers any other plot points in the story, she weaves everything together so beautifully, by the end of this story I wished I could actually jump into the book just to attend one of the weddings that Pallas helps bring to life. I just loved this story so much Iam not sure how Susan Mallery was able to balance so many things in this story but she did and she did such a fantastic job . If you are looking for a sexy , sweet contemporary romance that will make you feel all the the emotions you could possibly think off and will have you eyes glued to the page then you should definately get a copy of this book as soon as you possibly can . Iam so eager to get my hands on the next book in the Happily Inc series .

Susan Mallery is one of my favorites and I can tell this is going to be another one of those series that I will be waiting for that next book to come out. Sweet romance with a twist of humor, great characters and a villian(ish) you can love to hate. What more can you ask for.