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NOLA Heart #1
Say You'll Be Mine
Falling in love with your ex should never feel this good...
Twelve years, three cities, and too many pairs of stilettos later, Shaelyn Lawrence is back in the one place she vowed never to return: New Orleans.
Thankfully, her hometown stint is temporary. Better yet, she has a plan guaranteed to get her out ASAP:
Return her aging-but-still-crazy grandmother back to health;
Help her cousin with her boutique;
Evade Brady Taylor, her high school sweetheart, a.k.a the reason she fled Louisiana in the first place.
Brady isn't even a footnote... until one unexpected run-in with him changes everything. She shouldn't be tempted by his drawl, she shouldn't be tempted by the promise of his kiss, she shouldn't want him.
But she does.
Oh, boy, this was so not the plan.
----------
Twelve years, one city, and too many issued traffic tickets later, Homicide Detective Brady Taylor is all geared up for being promoted to sergeant within the New Orleans Police Department. Or, he would be — if he wasn't sitting in third place.
Thankfully, he's cut out every possible distraction:
Hanging out with his buddies;
Women;
And, God help him, football.
His life should be distraction-free... but then Shaelyn Lawrence waltzes back into it, with her sexy red lips, curvy body, and her f***-me heels. Brady should run in the opposite direction. He definitely shouldn't spend time pursuing her, kissing her, or landing her in his bed.
But he does.
Shaelyn may have left once, but Brady is determined to prove that Shaelyn belongs in New Orleans. She belongs with him.
For fans of Jill Shalvis and Lauren Layne, Maria Luis’ new sexy contemporary romance will leave you laughing and desperate for more! SAY YOU'LL BE MINE is the first full-length novel in the NOLA Heart series, but can be read as a standalone.
Twelve years, three cities, and too many pairs of stilettos later, Shaelyn Lawrence is back in the one place she vowed never to return: New Orleans.
Thankfully, her hometown stint is temporary. Better yet, she has a plan guaranteed to get her out ASAP:
Return her aging-but-still-crazy grandmother back to health;
Help her cousin with her boutique;
Evade Brady Taylor, her high school sweetheart, a.k.a the reason she fled Louisiana in the first place.
Brady isn't even a footnote... until one unexpected run-in with him changes everything. She shouldn't be tempted by his drawl, she shouldn't be tempted by the promise of his kiss, she shouldn't want him.
But she does.
Oh, boy, this was so not the plan.
----------
Twelve years, one city, and too many issued traffic tickets later, Homicide Detective Brady Taylor is all geared up for being promoted to sergeant within the New Orleans Police Department. Or, he would be — if he wasn't sitting in third place.
Thankfully, he's cut out every possible distraction:
Hanging out with his buddies;
Women;
And, God help him, football.
His life should be distraction-free... but then Shaelyn Lawrence waltzes back into it, with her sexy red lips, curvy body, and her f***-me heels. Brady should run in the opposite direction. He definitely shouldn't spend time pursuing her, kissing her, or landing her in his bed.
But he does.
Shaelyn may have left once, but Brady is determined to prove that Shaelyn belongs in New Orleans. She belongs with him.
For fans of Jill Shalvis and Lauren Layne, Maria Luis’ new sexy contemporary romance will leave you laughing and desperate for more! SAY YOU'LL BE MINE is the first full-length novel in the NOLA Heart series, but can be read as a standalone.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2017
About the author
Maria Luis
33 books2,967 followersMaria Luis is an Amazon Top 25 Bestselling Author.
Historian by day and romance novelist by night, Maria lives in New Orleans, and loves bringing the city's cultural flair into her books. When Maria isn't frantically typing with hot chocolate in hand, she can be found binging on reality TV, going on adventures with her other half and two pups, or plotting her next flirty romance.
★ Looking for something quick, fun and sexy to read? Check out these freebies on Maria's website! (Available: Breathless, Undeniable, and The First Fix): https://www.marialuis.org/free-books
Stalk Maria in the wild at:
★ Facebook: facebook.com/marialuisauthor
★ Book Boyfriends Anonymous: http://bit.ly/MariaLuisBBA
★ Instagram: http://bit.ly/MariaLuisIG
★ TikTok: tiktok.com/@marialuisauthor
★ Website: www.marialuis.org
★ Bookbub: http://bit.ly/MariaLuisBB
Maria loves to hear from readers!
Historian by day and romance novelist by night, Maria lives in New Orleans, and loves bringing the city's cultural flair into her books. When Maria isn't frantically typing with hot chocolate in hand, she can be found binging on reality TV, going on adventures with her other half and two pups, or plotting her next flirty romance.
★ Looking for something quick, fun and sexy to read? Check out these freebies on Maria's website! (Available: Breathless, Undeniable, and The First Fix): https://www.marialuis.org/free-books
Stalk Maria in the wild at:
★ Facebook: facebook.com/marialuisauthor
★ Book Boyfriends Anonymous: http://bit.ly/MariaLuisBBA
★ Instagram: http://bit.ly/MariaLuisIG
★ TikTok: tiktok.com/@marialuisauthor
★ Website: www.marialuis.org
★ Bookbub: http://bit.ly/MariaLuisBB
Maria loves to hear from readers!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 259 reviews
January 29, 2022
It is cute. But lack of worthy reason for the reason they break up 12 years ago. I was waiting for somthing dramatic, but.... I got " That's it??!!"kind of moment.
The characters are well developed. They have chemistry. But not sizzle enough o make it very interesting. Miss Luis is relatively new to me. I read the second bokk first before Say You'll Be Mine.
Anyway.... moving on... so many books, so little time.
3 stars
The characters are well developed. They have chemistry. But not sizzle enough o make it very interesting. Miss Luis is relatively new to me. I read the second bokk first before Say You'll Be Mine.
Anyway.... moving on... so many books, so little time.
3 stars
April 15, 2020
new to me author
a sweet second chance romance
I would like to read more by this author
3,5 stars
a sweet second chance romance
I would like to read more by this author
3,5 stars
December 20, 2018
Kinda cute, but not really
I liked the story well enough, but I thought the reasons for their twelve year separation was pretty lame. It was so mysterious and OTT drama and when we find out all the reasons for the separation, I kept thinking, "Really? That's why?"
I liked the story well enough, but I thought the reasons for their twelve year separation was pretty lame. It was so mysterious and OTT drama and when we find out all the reasons for the separation, I kept thinking, "Really? That's why?"
October 5, 2018
Say You’ll Be Mine is the first book in the NOLA Heart series by Maria Luis, and I’ve been intrigued about this one for quite some time. In fact, the NOLA Heart series grabbed my attention more than the Blades Hockey series, yet my introduction to the author’s work came through Blades Hockey rather than NOLA Heart. Enjoying the Blades Hockey series, however, simply made me even more desperate to read NOLA Heart.
As I had hoped, Say You’ll Be Fine was an addictive read, one that had me hooked throughout. Things were a little bit slow in places, but the story contained all I’ve come to expect from Maria Luis and this ensured I was hooked throughout. There was great chemistry between the main characters, there was plenty of drama to be had, and numerous giggles and snorts to experience as scenes played out. There really was plenty to enjoy about this one, and I’ll certainly be grabbing the future books in the series.
In fact, I’m more than a little bit eager to dive into the future books in the series. There are plenty of things I wish to see play out, plenty of characters I want to see more of. While I fell in love with the main characters of Say You’ll Be Mine, I also found myself falling in love with the side characters, too – and I cannot wait to see how their stories play out. In fact, I already have book two on my Kindle.
Without a doubt, Say You’ll Be Mine is a wonderful start to the NOLA Heart series.
As I had hoped, Say You’ll Be Fine was an addictive read, one that had me hooked throughout. Things were a little bit slow in places, but the story contained all I’ve come to expect from Maria Luis and this ensured I was hooked throughout. There was great chemistry between the main characters, there was plenty of drama to be had, and numerous giggles and snorts to experience as scenes played out. There really was plenty to enjoy about this one, and I’ll certainly be grabbing the future books in the series.
In fact, I’m more than a little bit eager to dive into the future books in the series. There are plenty of things I wish to see play out, plenty of characters I want to see more of. While I fell in love with the main characters of Say You’ll Be Mine, I also found myself falling in love with the side characters, too – and I cannot wait to see how their stories play out. In fact, I already have book two on my Kindle.
Without a doubt, Say You’ll Be Mine is a wonderful start to the NOLA Heart series.
December 9, 2018
This is my first Maria Luis book and what drew me to this story was the blurb, unfortunately, it didn't live up to the kind of second chance romance I was hoping for it to be.
The story could have used more development but what put me out the most was the characters. Even though well into their adulthood were immature and more as their teenage selves had been.
What also bugged me was when, in the end, Brady actually starts to take responsibility for his actions for a minute but in the next, he is turning it around on Shae. I mean, I get it she runs away from her problems but you aren't exactly any better. One minute you claim to hate her and in then you are undressing her? I know hate and love is a fine line but I am preeeeeeeeettty sure it's not THAT fine.
There is way too much back and forth between the two main leads and honestly, a lot of them were for stupid reasons. I also felt that there were quite a few loose ends and a story that could have been well executed, unfortunately, missed its mark.
1 Star!
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* ARC gifted by author in exchange for an honest review *
The story could have used more development but what put me out the most was the characters. Even though well into their adulthood were immature and more as their teenage selves had been.
What also bugged me was when, in the end, Brady actually starts to take responsibility for his actions for a minute but in the next, he is turning it around on Shae. I mean, I get it she runs away from her problems but you aren't exactly any better. One minute you claim to hate her and in then you are undressing her? I know hate and love is a fine line but I am preeeeeeeeettty sure it's not THAT fine.
There is way too much back and forth between the two main leads and honestly, a lot of them were for stupid reasons. I also felt that there were quite a few loose ends and a story that could have been well executed, unfortunately, missed its mark.
1 Star!
_________________________
For more reviews and recommendations:
✦ Facebook Page
✦ Main Blog
* ARC gifted by author in exchange for an honest review *
October 2, 2019
I found this first book of the NOLA Heart series quite entertaining and enjoyable. It has almost all of the elements you could ever want out of a southern romance. Reuniting high school sweethearts? Check. Hot temps and even hotter romance? Check. All kinds of Southern Charm? Check. Eccentric, meddling Grandmothers? Definitely a big old fat check.
Brady and Shaelyn were high school sweethearts gone awry. Shaelyn's heart was so broken she moved away and didn't come back. Until now. 12 years later she finds herself back in Louisiana to care for her supposedly ailing grandmother. Shaelyn is still holding hurt from the past so when her and Brady's grandmother's concoct a scheme to get them back together fireworks ignite.
Here's where the story got a little iffy for me. Hence the 3 star rating and not 4. Shaelyn's reasons for leaving seemed way too mild to cause a 12 year ban on coming home and still being bitter this many years later. The reason just did not add up to the amount of drama that was created over the issue. The grandmothers and their antics rescued the story when it started to get slow (which it did in spots). They were hilarious. I will definitely read on in this series and see what else it has to offer.
Brady and Shaelyn were high school sweethearts gone awry. Shaelyn's heart was so broken she moved away and didn't come back. Until now. 12 years later she finds herself back in Louisiana to care for her supposedly ailing grandmother. Shaelyn is still holding hurt from the past so when her and Brady's grandmother's concoct a scheme to get them back together fireworks ignite.
Here's where the story got a little iffy for me. Hence the 3 star rating and not 4. Shaelyn's reasons for leaving seemed way too mild to cause a 12 year ban on coming home and still being bitter this many years later. The reason just did not add up to the amount of drama that was created over the issue. The grandmothers and their antics rescued the story when it started to get slow (which it did in spots). They were hilarious. I will definitely read on in this series and see what else it has to offer.
December 14, 2018
Mon avis en Français
My English review
I did not know the author but how to resist a romance set in New Orleans? I love this setting and I admit that I am always very intrigued! And I like “second chances” romances, it’s always nice to see two characters ending up like that.
Shaelyn did not think she would ever come home, but when her grandmother tells her she’s sick, she quickly comes back to help her. Until she understands that all this is staged so that she crosses the road of the only boy who broke her heart 12 years ago. But now, their meetings are complicated. They have rancor points against each other. They are suspicious, and do not want to fall back into the same pattern. They are scared and yet there is something too.
I liked this novel, they are both wrong but they are also touching. Brady seems to be a big guy and yet we see that he has a very present sensitivity and is afraid of being hurt again just like her. Shae is trying to run away from her past to start a new life and is very scared to become attached to someone and even more so if that person is Brady.
It was a nice novel and I had a good time with the story. I am curious to discover others of the series.
My English review
I did not know the author but how to resist a romance set in New Orleans? I love this setting and I admit that I am always very intrigued! And I like “second chances” romances, it’s always nice to see two characters ending up like that.
Shaelyn did not think she would ever come home, but when her grandmother tells her she’s sick, she quickly comes back to help her. Until she understands that all this is staged so that she crosses the road of the only boy who broke her heart 12 years ago. But now, their meetings are complicated. They have rancor points against each other. They are suspicious, and do not want to fall back into the same pattern. They are scared and yet there is something too.
I liked this novel, they are both wrong but they are also touching. Brady seems to be a big guy and yet we see that he has a very present sensitivity and is afraid of being hurt again just like her. Shae is trying to run away from her past to start a new life and is very scared to become attached to someone and even more so if that person is Brady.
It was a nice novel and I had a good time with the story. I am curious to discover others of the series.
January 20, 2018
I read the first 60% or so several days and many stresses before I finished so my memory is fuzzy enough that this will be a short review. I found the characters very childish throughout the entire thing and because of that I didn't especially care what happened to them. It really irked me the way he blew up at her towards the end because she left after he lied. Like yeah she's running jerk wad you can't be trusted who wouldn't run from that? He started to take responsibility for his actions but then shifted the blame on her. It was an ok book but it needed more editing and characters that acted their age. I also felt like by and large it could've been set anywhere. NOLA is such a special city Idk why you would set a book there then deprive that book of the flavor that makes NOLA what it is.
Not one I'd recommend
Not one I'd recommend
June 23, 2020
4.5⭐
Very smart and realistic story.
Shaelyn is, although sometimes a little bit shy and self-conscious, very witty. Brady is a perfect book-boyfriend: attentive, sweet but also the right amount of alpha.
I really enjoyed reading this story 😍.
Very smart and realistic story.
Shaelyn is, although sometimes a little bit shy and self-conscious, very witty. Brady is a perfect book-boyfriend: attentive, sweet but also the right amount of alpha.
I really enjoyed reading this story 😍.
February 14, 2020
4 1/2 stars. Perfect combination of sweet, sexy, and funny. You’ll fall in love with Brady immediately. A wonderful second chance/friends to lovers romance. I’ll be starting the next one tomorrow.
Want to read
August 17, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (8/17/2018)!💝
Blurb:
Falling in love with your ex should never feel this good ...
Twelve years, three cities, and too many pairs of stilettos later, Shaelyn Lawrence is back in the one place she vowed never to return: New Orleans.
Thankfully, her hometown stint is temporary. Better yet, she has a plan guaranteed to get her out ASAP:
Return her aging-but-still-crazy grandmother back to health;
Help her cousin with her boutique;
Evade Brady Taylor, her high school sweetheart, a.k.a the reason she fled Louisiana in the first place.
Brady isn't even a footnote ... until one unexpected run-in with him changes everything. She shouldn't be tempted by his drawl, she shouldn't be tempted by the promise of his kiss, she shouldn't want him.
But she does.
Oh, boy, this was so not the plan.
- -
Twelve years, one city, and too many issued traffic tickets later, Homicide Detective Brady Taylor is all geared up for being promoted to sergeant within the New Orleans Police Department. Or, he would be -- if he wasn't sitting in third place.
Thankfully, he's cut out every possible distraction:
Hanging out with his buddies;
Women;
And, God help him, football.
His life should be distraction-free . . . but then Shaelyn Lawrence waltzes back into it, with her sexy red lips, curvy body, and her f***-me heels. Brady should run in the opposite direction. He definitely shouldn't spend time pursuing her, kissing her, or landing her in his bed.
But he does.
Shaelyn may have left once, but Brady is determined to prove that Shaelyn belongs in New Orleans. She belongs with him.
Blurb:
Falling in love with your ex should never feel this good ...
Twelve years, three cities, and too many pairs of stilettos later, Shaelyn Lawrence is back in the one place she vowed never to return: New Orleans.
Thankfully, her hometown stint is temporary. Better yet, she has a plan guaranteed to get her out ASAP:
Return her aging-but-still-crazy grandmother back to health;
Help her cousin with her boutique;
Evade Brady Taylor, her high school sweetheart, a.k.a the reason she fled Louisiana in the first place.
Brady isn't even a footnote ... until one unexpected run-in with him changes everything. She shouldn't be tempted by his drawl, she shouldn't be tempted by the promise of his kiss, she shouldn't want him.
But she does.
Oh, boy, this was so not the plan.
- -
Twelve years, one city, and too many issued traffic tickets later, Homicide Detective Brady Taylor is all geared up for being promoted to sergeant within the New Orleans Police Department. Or, he would be -- if he wasn't sitting in third place.
Thankfully, he's cut out every possible distraction:
Hanging out with his buddies;
Women;
And, God help him, football.
His life should be distraction-free . . . but then Shaelyn Lawrence waltzes back into it, with her sexy red lips, curvy body, and her f***-me heels. Brady should run in the opposite direction. He definitely shouldn't spend time pursuing her, kissing her, or landing her in his bed.
But he does.
Shaelyn may have left once, but Brady is determined to prove that Shaelyn belongs in New Orleans. She belongs with him.
September 10, 2017
**ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
Say You’ll Be Mine by Maria Luis was cute, sweet and charming of the start of her NOLA Heart series. Guarantee you’ll laugh, you will cheer for the second chance with bated breath and you will find out the mystery of what happened those 12 years ago to make Shaelyn disappear from Brady. Enjoy the ride…
Maria Luis delivers complex characters and complex drama with a side of sexy to keep it entertaining. Dual POV’s to grasp each individual's emotions to tie in their feelings with what is happening at that moment or in the past. Some of the secondary characters are what I believe make this story even greater, for example the little ol’ ladies that bring Shaelyn and Brady back together after they’ve been separated for years.
To watch Shaelyn and Brady reconnect after so long was a joy. It wasn’t easy for them with multiple hiccups and each one sabotages along the way, but eventually they get through it. I think the rekindling is what I liked the most. I would give this novel 3.5 stars.
Say You’ll Be Mine by Maria Luis was cute, sweet and charming of the start of her NOLA Heart series. Guarantee you’ll laugh, you will cheer for the second chance with bated breath and you will find out the mystery of what happened those 12 years ago to make Shaelyn disappear from Brady. Enjoy the ride…
Maria Luis delivers complex characters and complex drama with a side of sexy to keep it entertaining. Dual POV’s to grasp each individual's emotions to tie in their feelings with what is happening at that moment or in the past. Some of the secondary characters are what I believe make this story even greater, for example the little ol’ ladies that bring Shaelyn and Brady back together after they’ve been separated for years.
To watch Shaelyn and Brady reconnect after so long was a joy. It wasn’t easy for them with multiple hiccups and each one sabotages along the way, but eventually they get through it. I think the rekindling is what I liked the most. I would give this novel 3.5 stars.
April 6, 2024
This has been one of the funniest things I've ever read. It's not a quick book. There's a lot of time and attention spent setting the scene of how Shae and Brady got to where they are now and giving us the background for their motivations. Their families and coworkers have got to be some of the wackiest characters in a city that's already known for it's unique personalities. I loved watching these two find their way back together. It drove me completely mental the number of times they each sabotaged their progress, but with that many years of baggage to unpack it really shouldn't have been a surprise to me that they weren't going to make it easy for themselves. I can't wait to see what the rest of this series brings.
March 12, 2019
Love Love Love this first installment of Maria's Nola Heart Series. Say You'll Be Mine (Book 1) is a wonderful book into the world of New Orleans residents Brady Taylor and Shaelyn Lawrence and the militia of minor characters I'm sure we will see throughout the rest of the serious.
Great Job Maria!
Great Job Maria!
September 7, 2018
Details
I really liked this book! I loved the main characters and their witty comments lol I think the best part of the book for me was the detail given so you understood where they came from and how they got to where they are now.
I really liked this book! I loved the main characters and their witty comments lol I think the best part of the book for me was the detail given so you understood where they came from and how they got to where they are now.
August 7, 2018
Ugh, OMG. Hot, hot, HOT, and it was mostly the dialogue. Loved it. Starting book 2 now.
Currently reading
October 4, 2018Lizard: 4⋆.
Wombat: Pending⋆.
Overall: Pending⋆.
Wombat: Pending⋆.
Overall: Pending⋆.
December 15, 2018
As steamy as the city
Loved this steamy story with complex characters. I’m moving straight onto book two! Definitely one to read - Maria’s writing is a dream.
Loved this steamy story with complex characters. I’m moving straight onto book two! Definitely one to read - Maria’s writing is a dream.
February 25, 2022
Ayant entendu parler de ce roman sur Instagram, j'étais plutôt emballée à l'idée de découvrir cette autrice que je ne connaissais pas et malheureusement, mes attentes n'ont pas été comblées.
On a là une histoire assez classique de retrouvailles et de seconde chance, sur fond de retour aux sources pour l'héroïne, qui rentre chez elle après douze ans d'exil. En parallèle, on suit (un peu) la vie professionnelle de Brady, enquêteur dans la police de la Nouvelle Orléans, dans le service des homicides.
La romance est mignonne et parsemée de moments sexys, mais je n'ai pas vraiment été convaincue, ni sensible à l'histoire de ce couple, j'ai d'ailleurs eu l'impression qu'une partie de leur relation se déroulait hors champ, ce que je n'apprécie pas particulièrement dans mes lectures.
Je n'ai pas non plus été convaincue par le personnage principal féminin, que j'ai trouvé assez pénible. Le héros est un peu mieux, mais durant une bonne partie de ma lecture, j'ai eu le sentiment de ne les connaître que de façon superficielle.
En revanche, les personnages secondaires apportent un vrai plus, que ce soit les mamies déjantées, le jeune cousin de Shaelyn ou encore les deux amis de Brady.
Je ne doute pas que ce roman saura trouver son public et plaire, mais il ne m'a pas apporté ce que j'aime trouver dans mes romances.
On a là une histoire assez classique de retrouvailles et de seconde chance, sur fond de retour aux sources pour l'héroïne, qui rentre chez elle après douze ans d'exil. En parallèle, on suit (un peu) la vie professionnelle de Brady, enquêteur dans la police de la Nouvelle Orléans, dans le service des homicides.
La romance est mignonne et parsemée de moments sexys, mais je n'ai pas vraiment été convaincue, ni sensible à l'histoire de ce couple, j'ai d'ailleurs eu l'impression qu'une partie de leur relation se déroulait hors champ, ce que je n'apprécie pas particulièrement dans mes lectures.
Je n'ai pas non plus été convaincue par le personnage principal féminin, que j'ai trouvé assez pénible. Le héros est un peu mieux, mais durant une bonne partie de ma lecture, j'ai eu le sentiment de ne les connaître que de façon superficielle.
En revanche, les personnages secondaires apportent un vrai plus, que ce soit les mamies déjantées, le jeune cousin de Shaelyn ou encore les deux amis de Brady.
Je ne doute pas que ce roman saura trouver son public et plaire, mais il ne m'a pas apporté ce que j'aime trouver dans mes romances.
February 12, 2022
Audiobook
Shae and Brady
Brady isn't really someone you can rely on. His actions and his words don't align.
He's lazy when it comes to make things right. And his lies are those of omission.
I felt like Shae was way too hard on herself and Grady wasn't really taking responsibility for any of decisions in the past or the present.
His grand gesture at the end was stupid and cowardly and made no sense. It was obviously just thrown in there for effect and therefore completely lacked sincerity. If you need an audience are you sincere?
Honestly, I don't know why she would want to stay in NOLA, all of her friends and family manipulate her and lie to her. It's pretty awful 😖. They are all untrustworthy, as they all tell her it's for her own good! Wtf?
She's NOT a coward, she's surrounded by liars and manipulators.
He then gaslights her at the end telling her she's been afraid all of her life and that's really why they never worked out.
I really didn't like Brady or her family or friends. They were all out for themselves.
Shae and Brady
Brady isn't really someone you can rely on. His actions and his words don't align.
He's lazy when it comes to make things right. And his lies are those of omission.
I felt like Shae was way too hard on herself and Grady wasn't really taking responsibility for any of decisions in the past or the present.
His grand gesture at the end was stupid and cowardly and made no sense. It was obviously just thrown in there for effect and therefore completely lacked sincerity. If you need an audience are you sincere?
Honestly, I don't know why she would want to stay in NOLA, all of her friends and family manipulate her and lie to her. It's pretty awful 😖. They are all untrustworthy, as they all tell her it's for her own good! Wtf?
She's NOT a coward, she's surrounded by liars and manipulators.
He then gaslights her at the end telling her she's been afraid all of her life and that's really why they never worked out.
I really didn't like Brady or her family or friends. They were all out for themselves.
September 4, 2018
I actually have mixed feelings about this book so I’m rating it 3.5 stars. Ill be honest, I like this book but I also don’t like it, if that makes any sense. The story line is great. I love the fact that the couple gets a second chance together and I also liked how it came about. But this book was a hard read for me, especially at the beginning. It felt slow and some parts I didn’t know who was talking/thinking so I kept having to re-read those spots just to try and understand what was going on. With that said, this is my first book by this author and I’m actually looking forward to reading the others in this series. I LOVED the side characters and cant wait for Luke and Anna’s story. Happy Reading🤓
February 13, 2018
Cute but not that realistic to me.
This was a really cute story. I absolutely love the author and everything I’ve read by her so far has been amazing. I love the characters in this book and the New Orleans culture. Would’ve given this book a 5 star if it wasn’t for Shaelynn (whose name I love). She was just too wishy washy for me. She was so hot and cold and indecisive. I just wanted her to make up her mind and stop being a freaking tease. Also, I didn’t think it was realistic how she just up and left New Orleans without even confronting Brady about what she thought she overheard. I mean especially if the story claims they were so close. I feel that would’ve been the first thing she would’ve done. Also the whole thing with Carla was not even that serious. They have decoys on the Maury show all the time! Get over it girl, it’s not like you was hooking! Also, Brady was being so extra keeping all that information from Julian. Like even before Julian’s daddy became a suspect he should of just told him that he wasn’t a good person. Plus his past was public records. Why didn’t Julian just look him up online. Strange...anyways overall this was a great read. Very funny with great steamy scenes. Would definitely recommend. Just don’t read too much into the plot.
This was a really cute story. I absolutely love the author and everything I’ve read by her so far has been amazing. I love the characters in this book and the New Orleans culture. Would’ve given this book a 5 star if it wasn’t for Shaelynn (whose name I love). She was just too wishy washy for me. She was so hot and cold and indecisive. I just wanted her to make up her mind and stop being a freaking tease. Also, I didn’t think it was realistic how she just up and left New Orleans without even confronting Brady about what she thought she overheard. I mean especially if the story claims they were so close. I feel that would’ve been the first thing she would’ve done. Also the whole thing with Carla was not even that serious. They have decoys on the Maury show all the time! Get over it girl, it’s not like you was hooking! Also, Brady was being so extra keeping all that information from Julian. Like even before Julian’s daddy became a suspect he should of just told him that he wasn’t a good person. Plus his past was public records. Why didn’t Julian just look him up online. Strange...anyways overall this was a great read. Very funny with great steamy scenes. Would definitely recommend. Just don’t read too much into the plot.
January 25, 2019
Good read
While this wasn't a bad read, it didn't quite live up to my expectations either. It was a good storyline it just seemed to drag on.I just couldn't seem to get into the book like I usually do. I wanted to see how it ended so I continued reading it and it was a great HEA but like I said the book just didn't get me hooked.
While this wasn't a bad read, it didn't quite live up to my expectations either. It was a good storyline it just seemed to drag on.I just couldn't seem to get into the book like I usually do. I wanted to see how it ended so I continued reading it and it was a great HEA but like I said the book just didn't get me hooked.
October 3, 2022
This was like a small town romance in a bigger setting. I really enjoyed Brady and Shaelyn and I was rooting for them to find their way back to each other. Nothing hurts quite like a high school romance and a HUGE misunderstanding. I love New Orleans and love in the Big Easy is truly romantic. I do have to say that I would have punched Brady when he made his grand gesture. 🤣
April 27, 2019
Honestly, this had the bones to be a great story, but it was just too drawn out and too many 'in their head' thoughts.
January 3, 2021
I loved them as a couple, but I loved the family and friends too. The grandmothers were hilarious. A quick fun read
Read
May 17, 2021Dnf - got to about 50% but just couldn’t care where the story went.
Too choppy and nothing happened.
Too choppy and nothing happened.
August 20, 2020
3.5 stars
When I picked Say You’ll Be Mine our of the TBR pile, I was looking for a light read - something just for fun in between a heavy ARC reading schedule.
Shae and Brady hit the spot! This is a case of high school sweethearts reconnecting after 12 years apart. There is tension, misunderstandings, meddling grandmas and more.
There is some emotional growth and resolution of issues, but I didn’t feel like anything was super deep. This was a fun read and I am hoping to see more of the interesting secondary cast in future books.
When I picked Say You’ll Be Mine our of the TBR pile, I was looking for a light read - something just for fun in between a heavy ARC reading schedule.
Shae and Brady hit the spot! This is a case of high school sweethearts reconnecting after 12 years apart. There is tension, misunderstandings, meddling grandmas and more.
There is some emotional growth and resolution of issues, but I didn’t feel like anything was super deep. This was a fun read and I am hoping to see more of the interesting secondary cast in future books.
March 18, 2018
This book was not a favorite. I was able to finish it (barely) so I gave it two stars but I will not be continuing the series. The characters were boring and their story dragged on and on without any depth. The big problems that inevitably tear the main characters apart both as teens and then as adults are stupid and petty. The best part of this book was when it was over and I could move on to more interesting reads.
September 2, 2018
3.5 Stars! Say You’ll Be Mine (SYBM) is my first book by Maria Luis and a descent start to the NOLA Heart series.
Summary:
Shaelyn Laurence had never planned to return to New Orleans. It has been twelve long years since she’s been home, and she’s hoping to make the trip as temporary as possible. She’ll get in and get her grandmother on the mend, and get out. Eluding her high school sweetheart and the still-too-handsome reason she left Louisiana is her goal. But Shaelyn should have known that New Orleans isn’t big enough to avoid her first love forever. Detective Brady Taylor never thought she’d come back. Coming face-to-face with the love of his life is a jolt to his system. For so long, Brady has focused solely on his career, giving up his friends, women, and football to make it a priority. With a promotion hanging in the balance, distractions are the last thing he needs. But Shaelyn isn’t just a distraction. She brings back his past and all the what-ifs for the future. But they’ve both moved on, right? Brady definitely shouldn’t pursue her, steal kisses, or try to get her into bed. Career advancement is all he’s wanted for months. But Shaelyn is all he’s ever saw for himself. She left him once before. Will he let it happen a second time?
**************************
SYBM was a sweet romance about first love and second chances. While the reunion of first love was nice, the characters were only okay for me. Shaelyn was very loving and sweet, and maybe a bit neurotic. Lol. Her wishy-washiness got old after a while, though. At first, I could see where she would hesitate, after their history, but at some point I felt she just needed to go one way or the other. I also felt her big secret wasn’t as dramatic as it was made out to be. Brady mostly alright. He was dedicated to his job, and I liked that he was strong and confident enough to go his own way despite the expectations demanded of him. He truly made a mistake, though, in not being honest with Shae, Anna, or Julian. That was disappointing, but I liked what he did to try to make up for it. I enjoyed watching Brady and Shae reconnect. They had some pretty steamy scenes, but my favorite parts were their scenes like the SOA marathon. They had great banter, and I loved the history between them. In the end, it was an enjoyable read that maybe could have benefited from the characters learning a bit about communication. I liked seeing characters from future books and Meme Elaine was a hoot. I’m looking forward to getting Nathan’s story. I hope it’s as funny as he is. I’m also looking forward to seeing more of Shae and Brady in the future, to see where they end up. ♡
Summary:
Shaelyn Laurence had never planned to return to New Orleans. It has been twelve long years since she’s been home, and she’s hoping to make the trip as temporary as possible. She’ll get in and get her grandmother on the mend, and get out. Eluding her high school sweetheart and the still-too-handsome reason she left Louisiana is her goal. But Shaelyn should have known that New Orleans isn’t big enough to avoid her first love forever. Detective Brady Taylor never thought she’d come back. Coming face-to-face with the love of his life is a jolt to his system. For so long, Brady has focused solely on his career, giving up his friends, women, and football to make it a priority. With a promotion hanging in the balance, distractions are the last thing he needs. But Shaelyn isn’t just a distraction. She brings back his past and all the what-ifs for the future. But they’ve both moved on, right? Brady definitely shouldn’t pursue her, steal kisses, or try to get her into bed. Career advancement is all he’s wanted for months. But Shaelyn is all he’s ever saw for himself. She left him once before. Will he let it happen a second time?
**************************
SYBM was a sweet romance about first love and second chances. While the reunion of first love was nice, the characters were only okay for me. Shaelyn was very loving and sweet, and maybe a bit neurotic. Lol. Her wishy-washiness got old after a while, though. At first, I could see where she would hesitate, after their history, but at some point I felt she just needed to go one way or the other. I also felt her big secret wasn’t as dramatic as it was made out to be. Brady mostly alright. He was dedicated to his job, and I liked that he was strong and confident enough to go his own way despite the expectations demanded of him. He truly made a mistake, though, in not being honest with Shae, Anna, or Julian. That was disappointing, but I liked what he did to try to make up for it. I enjoyed watching Brady and Shae reconnect. They had some pretty steamy scenes, but my favorite parts were their scenes like the SOA marathon. They had great banter, and I loved the history between them. In the end, it was an enjoyable read that maybe could have benefited from the characters learning a bit about communication. I liked seeing characters from future books and Meme Elaine was a hoot. I’m looking forward to getting Nathan’s story. I hope it’s as funny as he is. I’m also looking forward to seeing more of Shae and Brady in the future, to see where they end up. ♡
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