Say What You Mean

by Jsin Graham

Desire v. Reality

Elizabeth “Liza” Anderson tempted fate last November, succumbing to the advances of six-foot-three inches of a man ahead of his time. What followed was a steamy, month-long extension of that moment of weakness that burned white hot until reality and frustration stamped it out.

Two months into diligently working to move past a situation he couldn’t control, David Marcus is faced with the biggest challenge of his young life. He needs help navigating this situation in order to maintain his sanity. The only answer is the one woman he hasn’t been able to get out of his mind since they parted ways.

What follows is a reconnection born out of innocence and understanding. But how long before mutual want takes over? And can the pair survive an inevitable conclusion?

Genres: Novella

175 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 26, 2023

Reviews

[Keesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish Liza had owned her choices more and not been so wishy washy. Either you think he’s a grown man and in that case it’s nobody’s business how often you jump on and off the ride. Or you think he’s a child and shame on you ma’am leave that little boy alone. Despite Liza’s poor communication skills and indecision, it’s a good story. David Marcus is beautiful and charming and sometimes seems more mature than his love interest. I could’ve done with less basketball and gotten more of my questions answered. Does auntie know?? This series is a cute, sexy read.

[Coffee&Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK i rarely stay up late to read... that book isn't going anywhere. But I got to 87% and forced my eyes to stay open to finish this book. Jsin put his FOOT in this novella and I need him to know we are not done!

Am I wrong to hope for more to come with Mz Liza and David Marcus because... SAY WHAT YOU MEAN was good as hell and THERE SHOULD BE MORE.

I do have 3 nits- there is always a need to establish a status quo, especially considering there was a few months of break between Hey Auntie and this piece. Maybe it was anticipation of these two sharing the same air again but I felt it dragged a little? Personal opinion.
There's a bit of miscommunication trope in here and while I don't mind it at all bc people are human, folks are gon' grumble because ONE of them could have just been an adult and called back to clear the air. Ahem.
This book is... heavy on the sex, I felt. That is not a complaint. Repeat, not a complaint. Just... if that is your bag, this is a book you need to put into your face. But if you want more story over more nookie, be forewarned- their relationship seems highly physical and not a lot of discussion. And the reason I hope there is more coming is I want to see how they live/laugh/ love together, to be corny. And DO MOM KNOW what her son is doing and who he is doing it with because BABYYYYY that's going to be a STORM.
I'd like to see it.

['The Book Queen' · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still perplexed 3.25 stars

The story and title still had me perplexed. I just don't feel this sneaking around relationship. If you cannot do it out in the open, then why do it. Maybe this couple thinks it's wrong... Huuuum! Anyway, I'm not a fan of this one either. See what you think.

[Weekend Reader_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

OWYM

First, I need to do better and not read the second book in a series first. I realized I messed a few chapters in. That aside this is an older woman younger man situationship with a lot of stops and starts. Liza really was about getting that d but not communicating. Why was she calling David Marcus a man child when he actually wanted to set boundaries around their dynamic. Is it a relationship or friends with benefits who knows. Definitely lots of sex, sexting, and foreplay but still open ended. Thank goodness for Tiny pulling up though. Why are all of the youngins more decisive than Liza? She was older in just age maybe but definitely had moments of mothering David Marcus (do you have test/hw, how are classes) all reasonable questions but reminded me he's like reallllll young. Anyway this dynamic is always hard, so that back and forth probably was spot on. There were a few pacing issues overly descriptive things and then time jumps outside of that it's an erotica and lots of nakey time 😏 enjoy

[Patrice Latimore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the second book but I just feel it could have included so much more. The MFC was way too immature to be with him, despite her age. Her lack of communication and then attitude towards him when she was wrong turn my all the way against her. I wish they would have stopped playing around their feelings and just let the family in and focused on their impending relationship. The fact that they were so comfortable just living for right now say so much about how he was in love and ready to accommodate her, again making her the immature one.

[Rochelle Bryant Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liza irked me with her indecisiveness. Being that this is a reverse age gap I wish she would’ve took more control and owned their relationship. Overall good book but the author could’ve left some of the basketball details out.

[Tasha Millner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuing from part 1 the romance between Liza and David never fully went out. From the family finding out about their secret relationship to the truth about their feelings for each other, both Liza and David finally learned to let themselves be.

[Lexx · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a goood follow up!! Thanksgiving break was steamy & fun, but what happens when it gets real?? This is perfect proof age ain’t nothing but a number, because why was the college student the mature one?!!! David Marcus had no issues owning his choice, it was damn Liza! She made me mad for 80% of this book, yoyo-ing him around like that. He’s over 18 right? And didn’t you JUST start getting cool with your coworker this year? …..i’ll wait.

I said all that to say Liza needed to stand in her truth, not throw rocks & hide hands. 4 ⭐️ for the sequel! It did end a little…abruptly, which I wasnt the hugest fan of.

[Shanae · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Hey Auntie, the first novella in this series, and expected Say What You Mean to offer a conclusion to what has now become a really drawn out erotica with no substance. Unfortunately, Say What You Mean left a lot to be desired and really made me dislike the FMC. I would've appreciated a true conflict from the story, particularly between the main characters. All in all, this short story does a great job at building on tension etweene the characters, but it is largely anti-climactic and uneventful.

[CocoLuxeReadz · Rating 4 out of 5]

She was still hunching on that lady nephew. I just knew they were going to get caught. It was kinda frustrating that David Marcus was more emotionally mature at 21 than she was at 34. He had amazing communication skills for someone so young. But Liza could not have the hard conversations for whatever reason. I wonder if there will be a book 3 I’m invested in 8 years later… do they work everything out and have a HEA??

[Sistaharlem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Age Gap Will it last

This is the 2nd book & they really are able to successfully sneak around with one exception which was his fault. Thirteen year age difference. Does it really make a difference or does ot really matter if the spicy time is just that good?

[Tee · Rating 4 out of 5]

whew chile

This keeps getting better. I am invested and need to see how this plays out because I can see this going all the way left but I want them together

[Ladi Kreyol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr Graham
Mr Graham sir!
I just feel like I need more of their story
I was on the edge of my seat just waiting for them to come to the light Carol Ann.
I’m not ready for this to end

[carlene townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Visualization

Loved this series. The progress of the relationship between the 2 main characters. The instant attraction and hmmm hmmm the love scenes spectacular!