You Say It First: A Small-Town Wedding Romance

Susan Mallery

Aug 2017 · Happily Inc Book 1 · Sold by HQN Books

About this ebook

“Romance novels don’t get much better than Mallery’s expert blend of emotional nuance, humor and superb storytelling.” —Booklist

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 and learned from his volatile father that passion only leads to pain. As he waits on a new commission, he takes a day job as a humble carpenter at a theme wedding venue. The job has its perks—mainly the venue’s captivating owner, Pallas Saunders.

Pallas adores Weddings in a Box. But if she can’t turn the floundering business around, she’ll have no choice but to cave to her domineering mother and work at the family’s bank. Then when a desperate bride begs Pallas for something completely out of the box, her irresistible new hire inspires her. Nick knows she doesn’t belong behind a desk, and she knows in her heart that he’s right—where she really belongs is in his arms.

Don’t miss the next book in the Happily Inc series, Second Chance Girl!

Ratings and reviews

With her Fool's Gold series, Mallery is known for bringing readers quirky, humorous stories that somehow manage to be lighthearted with depth.  And with Happily Inc she does it again!  SQUEEEE!  As we've come to expect, her characters are great with the zingers but can bring you to tears ... and not just with laughter.  They have issues - real ones that you can totally get behind - and they have to deal with them before they can find their happy. Pallas's has to do with her mother.  For some reason her mom is really hard on her and nothing Pallas does is good enough, although she's spent her whole life trying.  She's at a crossroads in her life, though, having just inherited a wedding planning business while her mom wants her to work for the family bank.  Pallas has to decide what is right for her.  Nick's issues have to do with his father and returning readers from Fool's Gold will be familiar with the backstory (but new readers should have no trouble catching up - Mallery's a pro at giving you the info you need).  His stay in Happily Inc is just a stop on his way to whatever he's doing next, giving him a chance to connect with his brothers.  He definitely didn't plan on Pallas and the kinds of feelings he's developing for her.  He's seen what that does to a person and he has no intention of getting that involved.   If you are familiar with Mallery's work you know how that turns out ... when does anything go as you expect it to?  :)   For me the fluidity of Mallery's stories really keeps me coming back for more.  I mean, the snappy dialogue and fun people are definitely at the top of that list, but she knows how to wrap everything together so that it works seamless towards that HEA.  Both Nick and Pallas work on their family issues (although Nick's can't be 100% resolved because he has brothers who need their own stories) and their concerns over the future, including whatever hangups are involved with committing to their relationship.  It's pretty common in Mallery's stories but she makes it seem fresh when she does it.  Every.  Single.  Time.  I don't know how but she's gotta have some kinda of magic going on.  And I am so ready to see what she has in store for us next! *** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***

4.5 Stars This the first book in Susan Mallery's new series Happily INC. I'm already sold on it. I'm a huge fab of her Fool's Gold Series and I already have a feeling I will love this one as much. I liked the the Mitchell brothers have ties to Fool's Gold so it's kind of nice to have that tie in between the two series. I love the group of friends Pallas has. They have different personalities, but so much fun. Another thing that I like about the series it's a wedding town and the businesses work together to achieve it. Pallas' business Wedding in a Box is so intriguing and so much fun though she doesn't know that's her future. With the support of her friends and Nick she may find the courage o go after what she wants. Pallas' Grandpa Frank is a hoot. I can't wait for more from this series!

The first book in the series called Happily Inc. Pallas has a wedding venue that she is trying to make better and hires Nick and wood sculptor to fix the wooden panels that she uses for different theme weddings. Nick encourages her to think outside the box and to help people who want different weddings to be able to have them. There are so many friends and family that help her work on the weddings that you know there are going to be more books in the series to write other friends love story. I really enjoyed the banter back and forth between the two main characters plus meeting the other people who live in Happily Inc.

About the author

#1 NYT bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming, humorous novels about the relationships that define our lives—family, friendship, romance. She's known for putting nuanced characters in emotional situations that surprise readers to laughter. Beloved by millions, her books have been translated into 28 languages. Susan lives in Washington with her husband, two cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Visit her at SusanMallery.com.