When I refused to get rid of my baby my grandmother kicked me out. It didn’t matter that I was eighteen and had nowhere to go.
I managed to carve a life out for my daughter and me.
What I once thought was the worst thing to happen to me became the love of my life.
Of course, raising a daughter with a deadly illness, as a single parent isn’t easy, but Monique makes it worth it.
There are times, though, I long for the fairy-tale romance every once in a while.
But I learned from Monique’s father that those you trust the deepest can hurt you the most.
Damon
I’ve had enough of rescuing the women in my life.
When my father died and left me as the head of the household, I took on my responsibilities like a man.
I became a successful businessman.
Even if I didn’t always take the legal route to get here.
But when I come across Sandra at my best friend’s wedding, something about the innocence in her eyes calls to me.
The way Sandra protects her daughter reveals the strength she carries just beneath the surface.
When Monique’s father returns, exposing the secret Sandra has long kept, it will take all the resources at my disposal to keep her and Monique safe.
Just Say the Word is an angsty romance, that includes sensitive topics of parental loss, sexual assault and childhood illness. A happy ever after is guaranteed.One-click Just Say the Word today.
If you've read The Townsend Brothers series, then you've already met Carter, Aaron, Joshua and Tyler and you were introduced in 'Meant to Be' to Joshua's ride or die best friend, Damon Richmond.
Sandra Robinson was a minor (but memorable) character that appeared in THAT book. When I wrote my review of "Meant to Be', I mentioned that Sandra intrigued me, and I wanted to know more about her. I am thrilled that she got her own story.
Sandra and Damon met through their association with the Townsend Family and Damon asked her to dance at the wedding reception of Joshua and Kayla. Nothing untoward happened during the dance, meaning nothing tingled, oozed, puckered or became erect. Damon makes Sandra nervous because he's awakening never felt dormant desires. She's aware of him as a MAN and is skittish around him and tries her best to avoid him. When her car breaks down Damon comes to her rescue, and she reluctantly accepts his help. Damon finds her timid and shy -- neither are traits that appeal to him as a man, though he recognizes that she has a certain something that intrigues him.
Little by little Damon gets to know Sandra and her precocious daughter Monique. He immensely enjoys the company of both, mother and daughter and they embark upon an exclusive relationship. When Sandra eventually shares the secret that has never left her lips in full details, Damon is enraged on her behalf. He's an Alpha male so you know he handled IT and the well-deserved punishment(s) fit(s) the crime.
Now, let's talk about that epilogue ...
Mic Drop! And, that's how you write a damn epilogue, the epilogue is EVERYTHING! It totally satisfied me as a reader and made me GRIN. I don't generally grin, I smile! This book goes on my Top Ten List of favorite books, it's a book I will read again and again. Fingers crossed that the author may revisit this lovely family again.
Ladies ... this is how I picture Damon:
There are lots of quotable scenes and moments I could share but I will leave you with ...
Damon & Sandra “You’re going to mess up my curls.” -Sandra I grinned. “Hell yeah, I am. I’m about to have your hair all over your damn head.” -Damon
Damon & Monique Monique shrugged. “It’s just true. Everyone knows women are supposed to like to cook.”
“Nah, that’s not the truth, short stuff. Women and girls can like whatever they want,” I stated in a serious tone, glancing up at Sandra and tossing her a wink.
I glanced up at Sandra. “I told you I didn’t like that little boy. See what he’s filling her head with? How’s she going to be the first black female president when he got her thinking stuff like this?” I shook my head.
WARNING: Swoon Alert Ahead!
“I needed to do this on my own.” -Sandra
Frowning, he began shaking his head. He moved closer, cupping my face with his large hands. “You don’t do anything alone. Not anymore. Not when you have me.” -Damon
His tone was so hard and sure, if he hadn’t been holding me, I was certain I would’ve swayed a little bit from swooning.
You aren't even ready for what he tells her after she nearly swoons!
Read. This. Book.
Highly, highly, highly Recommended Read!!!
The Townsend Brothers Series: Carter's Flame (Carter & Michelle) Aaron's Patience (Aaron & Patience) Meant to Be (Joshua & Kayla) For Keeps (Tyler & Destiny)
Damon was repeatedly described as having mahogany skin. I hate when the covers contradict the book. As to the writing, it seems like a lot was glossed over. Large parts of the story were told, not shown. Things occurred that were briefly mentioned later and I would like to have SEEN those things written out. Sandra's big reveal, for instance. Damon leaves right after and then weeks go by. What was their conversation when he came back? Had the usual typos I've come to expect from Kindle Reads. Decent read, just not great.
This was another great read by T. P. I loved the storyline and the main two characters. I was glad to see some of the other characters incorporate from others books in this story.
Sandra is a courageous and inspirational woman. When life knocked her down, she refused to give up. Sandra kept working toward her life goals to have a better future with "Short Stuff", her beautiful and hilarious daughter.
I loved how Damon didn't rest until he made all the people who hurt Sandra pay for their crimes! Both Sandra and Damon deserve all the happiness in the world!
Damon would protect and cherish Sandra at any costs, all she had to was say the word.
I’m starting to like these boys from Williamsport quite a bit.
I really like Tiffany Patterson’s Townsend Brother series. When I read Joshua’s story last year (and Tyler’s), I was hopeful that we’d get stories from the secondary characters mentioned. To my delight, it looks like we’ll be seeing more of the Townsend brothers with these spin-offs.
In Just Say The Word, we watch Damon and Sandra’s love story unfold. Remember Joshua and Kayla from Meant To Be? Ok, so Damon is one of Joshua’s best friends and Sandra has become a really close friend of Kayla’s. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, don’t worry – this serves a standalone and you get all the backstory you need.
From the outside looking in, these two are complete opposites and probably wouldn’t seem to be a great match. Damon is a brooding mogul who is focused on his business. Sure, he enjoys the company of women but love and family isn’t an immediate to-do on his list. Sandra is a paralegal who loves the work she’s doing with the law firm. She is focused on her job and being the best possible mother she can be to her adorable daughter, Monique. Sure, she’s attracted to Damon but doesn’t believe he would ever reciprocate any feelings.
She’s shy, he doesn’t do shy but there’s definitely a feeling he can’t seem to shake.
Outward appearances can be deceiving though and we soon learn that these two have more things in common than anyone realizes. They’ve both lived through traumatic experiences that changed the course of their lives, but they’ve found ways to cope and get on with their days as best as possible.
Time spent together entices Damon even more, and soon he wants all Sandra has to give. It takes some convincing but soon these two are together. However, a past Sandra had hoped she would never have to revisit comes back in a haunting way and threatens to shatter both her and her newfound love.
I liked Just Say The Word quite a bit. We got detailed characters with solid backstories and great chemistry. There was love, heartbreak, a few surprises, and a little bit of grit; things I’ve come to expect since Tiffany introduced me to the town of Williamsport.
And did I mention that Monique was the cutest little girl? To be fair, I’m a sucker for a novel that features an adorable child and Monique definitely checked off all the boxes.
Yassssss! Another fantastic work by Ms Patterson. Man I’m telling you that this will be hitting my re-read list. From the Townsend brothers to Damon. I truly enjoyed this book. I’d highly recommend that you read this book ASAP. At first I did not recall Sandra from Meant to be until I was reminded of how Kayla helped her get this new job. Damon was the perfect man for her too. He showed her what real love is about, he showed her that real men don’t hurt the ones they love and they protect them at all cost. Just beautiful. Ohh let’s not forget “short stuff” ha she was a forced to be reckoned with. I do wonder if maybe we’ll get a glimpse of her live when she gets older i.e with Diego that would be an interesting story. Nevertheless, kudos to Tiffany Patterson on another well written book. I look forward to more work from you!!!! Happy reading guys
I have read all of the Townsend brother books and I loved them. I loved reading about their friends. This was a sweet book. I can't wait for the next one. I loved Damon and Sandra and loved little Monique, she stole the show. I won't give away anything about this book except to say I highly recommend it.
Another beautiful story from Tiffany Patterson. Sweet story of love, and not letting past issues keep one down. Damon was not playing, he was on a mission. What beautiful scene at the end, had me teary eyed.
Sandra endured a painful childhood. Thankfully Damon came along and showed her what unconditional love was all about. This is a great series and I'm ready to see whose story is next..
Damon and Sandra were introduced as side characters in Meant to Be, but you don't necessarily have to read that one to follow their story. I so enjoyed that Sandra was just a regular kind of girl that was easy to relate to - a single mom that was a teen parent relying only on herself to raise her daughter. Damon was more successful, but his past was a bit colored, since he was a high school dropout that had to resort to selling drugs as a teen to take care of his family after his father was murdered. So these two have trust issues. Damon is a no-strings relationship dude and Sandra hasn't had a relationship since she became a parent. The attraction between these two is instant, but they fight it for different reasons. There is so much backstory that your really learn all about these characters and it's easy to understand their reluctance to be together and also understand their desire to be with the other. Damon makes Sandra feel desirable but safe. Sandra makes Damon want more. The interactions between Damon and Sandra's daughter are just precious. There are conflicts that threaten their love for each other. Sandra's past pops up in the form of her ex-boyfriend/father of her child. Damon also struggles with his feelings for Sandra. Sandra struggles to depend on Damon and open her and her daughter's life to him. And there are some steaming hot love scenes as well. Damon may be a friend of the Townsends, but he could be one of the brother's judging by his bedroom skills and his willingness to go to any limit to protect who he loves. This story had me at the very beginning. I was emotionally pulled in early and wanted Sandra's and Damon's HEA. This book did not disappoint!
I guess the biggest problem with this book is how after her ordeal, she had no qualms about letting a total "male" stranger be so close with her daughter. She was more trusting with her daughter than she was with herself. And that to me was /is a little scary in these days and times. But other than that, this was a very good book. I really enjoyed it. I wonder who's story will be next........
Tiffany Patterson writes well developed characters but I don’t always enjoy their personality. This wasn’t my favorite because the dialogue was very distracting and it didn’t feel natural. I loved that the hero was a POC as well as the heroine. The book and storyline are great, but wasn’t for me.
Sandra and Damon are a couple that you could not be even more happy that they end up together. Esp when they have a little girl name Monique by their side. She's hilarous and loves hard and cutely.
I really did loving reading about Damon, he's one who came from such hardships in losing his father. As well as making sure his mother and sister is very much provided for. He's goes over and beyond for those he loves, and what else can you want from a man.
I love the fact that you can really feel the emotional switch with him, when he starts to fall for Sandra and his daughter Monique. The protector that comes out of him when it comes to these two is heart racing, and awe inspiring. I love how he switches up and tell Sandra and that Diego ( His best friend Nephew) needs to slow his roll when it comes to Monique. That the little boy is up to know good. lol This part is hilarous to me since I'm more than sure he probably was giving him pointers, before he started to see Monique as a daughter figures. But the minute his view of her change so does his feeling of Diego getting a little too close to her. Lol esp when they talk on the phone at night before they go to bed. And as much as Sandra keeps telling him that he's only 10 and they're best friends, he keeps telling her pretty much, that he's up to no good. lol
Completely hilarous, and I absolutely love this side of him, he's so much a man/dad, and he doesn't even know it yet.
I feel like the only parts that I very much disagree with is Sandra when she goes and forgive her grandmother right away. This had me shaking my head and literally speaking out loud "Are you f***ing kidding me!!!"
My issue is not that she forgive her grandma in general. BUT more so that she forgives her right away without her having to work for it, in any type away at all. That has me have a HUGE issue with her and have me thinking that she very much a push over.
At the very least she should've had her EARN back her trust and respect, since her grandma said some horrible things, and kicked her out in her time of need. THEN to make it even worse she ONLY reaches out to you because she had a dying scare. And realize that she didn't want to die alone. But even worse than that, if she didn't run into you when you were, where your at , she wouldn't have reach out to you at all. It's all because of that one run in that she even, even speaking to you. AND you're telling me because she gave you her card and told you that she wants to mend the fence, your going to forgive her right away and worse ALLOW her to watch your daughter overnight at her own home??????
Am I the ONLY one see the problem here?
How can you even allow her back in without her attempting to at the very least EARN your trust and respect back. But you're just open arms like she didn't do such horrible things.
NOW I'm all about forgiveness, but when it comes to my child and you kicking me out while I'm pregnant and in time of need. All the while calling me all these harsh names and accusing me of things. After putting your hands on me, and demanding that I abort my child. And I'm just to forgive you all hands down?
NO!
She needed to earn that respect and trust back, there no way in hell would I forgive something like that easily.
Now I'm not the ONLY one that feels that way, and this makes me love Damon even more, because he points this out to the grandmother when she confronts him. And I so love him because of this!!
If his early actions and words doesn't prove that he will protect those he loves and cares about. This scene deff. shows that he's all about protecting what his. Damon is very dreamy and very much a MAN.
I really love that Tiffany Patterson adds her characters from her other books into this one. I really love the Townsend boys and their wives. And was very happy to read more about them, and happy that I got to read more about Joshua and his family.
😅 I think this might be the first TP book I've read that has a Black hero? [Also though :X I already started Safe Space so :X I'm hoping I didn't merge anything...]
Damon is kinda the sweetest hero that I've read by her so far. Sandra ... I KNEW she was Kayla's friend and yet it wasn't clicking for some reason? I liked that they had the same friend groups but that it was also distinct/both had support.
I just... my god when Sandra was 18. We already knew it was bad - but to read the scene with her grandmother. Just thinking about it now kinda made me feel sick to my stomach. I also ... low key judge her for not doing therapy/talking about what happened but THEN AGAIN like who am I to judge? I can't even imagine how you'd have to try to approach "disclosing" it - and OMFG the dude - trying to be all "oh we were friends" and acting like Sandra was salty. fucking asshole you RAPED her - you gang raped her!
And then to ask about Monique?! No. Hell no.
So like ... yeah in this case? When a "Townsend" [adjacent] hero does his thing? ... Yeah. I'm on board. [I mean in fiction. ... In real life ... well hopefully I never have to contemplate it]
And Russo Sr too. Lucky Damon having Joshua as a friend. And thus access to Brutus.
I DID like that Damon gives Sandra a lot of space - AND support - BUT when push comes to shove he's like "look you have to tell me." And he gave her a LOT of opportunity and love.
The whole beard thing. Heh. I tweeted - like I'd never have thought it was a big deal/that much - but I watched Schitt's Creek in February? And I said I was still low key mad that nobody warned me that Mutt shaved - so like ... I'm sure Damon would still be super hot? But ... yeah - I can get how the beard puts him over the top and why/that Sandra always wants to touch it. And heh. the ... anyway. The beard is good.
This one might actually be my favorite TP book? While PARTIALLY what Sandra did sometimes annoyed me it wasn't TSTL and I absolutely understood too - like ... oof.
I can definitely see myself re-reading it. It's kinda weird cuz the story " " wasn't my favorite - but the characters and their romance - THAT was definitely some of the best.
Not until I read Sandra's story did I realized that she was a very interesting character, introduced in Joshua and Kayla's story. She delivered big time. The trial and trinulations she encountered are equivalent to any real life tribulation. Sandra was so down to earth, so real lifely that at one point I or anyone would feel as if it's them living through the book pages. She endured so much yet came out on top. Damon, him was WOW... Alpha, bad ass, business Savy, nice, beautiful, handsome and man oh man so protective that I want a Damon myself... He tried to stay away from falling for Sandra but nothing worked and it was better that way. Now, Monique, oh my goodness, what a character. She was the bomb, the whole enchilada and just loveable, fall in love worthy!!! Dottie deserved everything, and if it was my world, I would have never be speaking to her ever again, specially after what she did to Sandra. Sean, Connor, Charlotte, hah, can't wait to see how MS. Patterson will spin each of their story(hint, hint).... But overall even though this serie started out with the Townsend's brothers and each of their stories were the bomb, and it was so surprising to get a visit from the others and still get a good read from all of the other people introduced through the the other stories... So worth it...
Oh! My Goodness, loved this book, if I could give it 10🌌🌌🌌🌌 I would. Tiffany has become one of my favorite authors, if not the favorite. Sandra was raised by her strict grandmother, raised in a nice neighborhood, great schools, everything she could ever want. Damon had been raised pretty much the same. At the age of 13 his life changed his father was killed, and for Sandra at the age of 18 the person she thought loved her betrayed her. Two people dealing with the demons of the past. This story touch on rape, sexual harassment, drugs, forgiveness, and love. Nothing like an Alpha male. Loved the secondary characters. Could you please do a story about Connor O'Brien, Joshua's friend, Sean, Damon's cousin, Damon's sister Charlotte, and Brutus head of security for the Townsend's. Can't wait for your next book. If you have not read this book you really should, it's one of those ones for me where I wanted to get to the end and I didn't. Oh! Well just have to wait for the next Tiffany Patterson masterpiece😉😉
Who doesn’t love a good HEA single parent romance book?? I respected the fact that despite how Sandra conceived Monique it didn’t affect how she loved her even with her sickness and all.
I’m not usually into BWBM kinda books as I normally prefer my BWWM romance novels, but seeing as I already started the book accidentally I decided to progress. I wish I stopped when I realised but alas I was already a good portion in. I liked the chemistry that Damon and Sandra developed but what really eerks me is how the black men are portrayed in terms of how they communicate.
Damon no doubt was an upstanding gentleman and was very good with “short stuff” but at times it felt like he was too short with Sandra and I didn’t like that. Despite his rough childhood he did very well for himself and took care of his family even though I would’ve loved to see how he resolved his issues with his mother.
Cute story overall but didn’t get those flutters and gripping story line like the Townsends books.
This is why Tiffany Patterson is one of my favorite writers. I love this world of Williamsport and the Townsend’s and their friends that she’s created. My favorite brother is Joshua and I loved his relationship with Damon and his wife’s relationship with Sandra in his book. So I was ecstatic to read this book! Not realizing that I was going to die from the chemistry between Damon and Sandra. I mean wow. I cannot get over how protective alpha this man is. Add in his instant connection with Sandra’s little girl Monique and it’s a recipe for such an engaging romance. I loved how Sandra overcomes the things that have been holding her back. She literally blossoms on these pages. And Damon… what more can I say about Damon than sexy, protective, dominant, alpha. I loved having more of Joshua and Kayla in this book as well as having Xavier and Chanel from the Safe Space books make an appearance. I LOVED it.
Wow!!! Damon and Sandra were fully developed characters and they both had issues from their past to resolve. The handling of the rape issue was done in a sensitive manner and I felt as if I was in the room with Sandra as it happened. This was a joy to watch Damon come under the spell of Sandra and Monique. Their slow journey to love and merging together as one family brought not only a smile but joyful tears as well. I highly recommend this book and all this author's other books as well. Damon and Sandra has become my favorite couple knocking Andre and Stacy down a peg. Looking forward to seeing more glimpses of their lives in future books. A teenage Monique will have Damon raging for sure.😂😂
WOW! I really enjoyed this book and it has easily stolen my heart. There's a powerful combination of passion and drama that will fuel your heart with happiness. The characters are so captivating and the family is amazing even with the saddest in their lives it will make you sad but their happiness is pure perfection. Their story is beautiful and sad, when you add in their family drama, along with their emotions their love and the intriguing twists that family goes through you have a tale that's truly delightful." Plus their friends are so supportive that it just worked so well together that I couldn't help but enjoyed their story its absolutely awesome. This is definitely another great story to read.
Santa's life was turned upside down at18 when she was assaulted by someone she trusted only to end up pregnant as a result. Telling her grandmother she thought she would get some love and support, but no grandma through her out. She made a life for her and her daughter . closing herself off from intimate relationship until she met the man who would love her and her daughter even after finding out how she was conceived. It took love and patience for Damon to break down her walls and show her that she did nothing wrong. And she can forgive herself and let love in. Grandma came to her senses , and Sandra forgave her for the foul treatment and gave her a second chance. Love this story but I loved all your stories I've read so far.
Another alpha to swoon over and another enthralling story that has captivated my soul! Tiffany is a master at creating the alpha male that are so swoon worthy and Damon is no different. The best aspect of this story was not not only the way he care for Sandra but Monique as well. It was never a question as to whether she and Sandra was a package deal, it was a given. Sandra, even though carrying around a torturous past for a decade, was pretty strong and take charge when she needed to. Le sigh.....this story is the reason why Tiffany has my undying support. Awesome read.
This was dang near everything. Damon was my favorite type of book boyfriend. Hard working, reformed (not really) thug, that can put in some serious work, verbally and physically. Sandra was deserving of every bit of possessive love he showered her with. Even with such a traumatic past, when love came her way, there was no closing the door in its face. But, if these two weren't perfect enough, add in miss Monique as the cherry on top. This was heartbreaking and beautiful, all at the same time, and I enjoyed it from start to finish. I need to go get me some read lipstick 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I bought this book last night and was forcing myself to save it as a weekend read. While I was at work early this morning, I couldn't stop myself from picking it up. I planned on maybe reading a chapter or two but I completely devoured it. I fell in love with Sandra from the very start, Monique made me grin constantly at her preciousness, and Damon was an absolute dream. Sandra and Damon's love story hooked me immediately. Just Say The Word was sweet, moving, and hot as hell. I'll certainly be picking it up more than once and I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a romance novel that will tug endlessly on their heartstrings.
This story is so relatable in so many ways. It gives you emotional drama, family drama, and a smidge of ganster/mafia action. To be a single mother dealing with a past that finds itself in her future, trying to trust a man who has decided to change his ways and pursue you and show you that he wants nobody but you. But even he is dealing with the death of a loved one and seeking revenge. I fell in love with the story line and the characters. This story will make you believe that although life can throw you a curve ball it can still allow you to get a home run. I recommend this story to my believers of true love. Happy Reading!!!