You Say It First Paperback – June 22, 2021

My daughter is into “teen romance” books so she really enjoyed this book

This was a cute novel about a chance phone encounter between Meg and Colby, two 18-year-olds who couldn't be more different. Meg is politically active and working for a nonprofit that encourages adults to register and vote. Colby is an aspiring carpenter who spends his time working at the local Home Depot while helping his widowed mother pay bills. When Meg calls his home that is an 8-hour drive away from her home, sparks fly and the two teens offend each other. After an apology phone call from Meg, Colby and her start talking on the phone and develop a friendship that could turn into more. I loved the back and forth between Colby and Meg in this atypical YA/NA romance. Both characters were well-written and imperfect, which made me love them more since I know people like each of them.

Katie Cotugno always writes in the realest way. Her novels are raw and amazing and the characters she builds are relatable. I look forward to every word.

I didn't love this book. It was okay, and it kept me reading. I agree with the beliefs of Meg, but I wasn't a huge fan of how she presented herself, even when I think she was supposed to be seen as impressive. I also feel as though Colby never r.really came through with any hard work regarding his main trauma.

I liked how current this book felt, and it was a good and fun story to read without being too predictable.

Katie Cotugno introduces you to Meg and Colby, teenagers who live in different states and in vastly different socioeconomic circumstances. They meet when she calls him about voter registration, and he pops off with a mean-spirited response rooted in the pain he feels over a family tragedy. Meg calls him back, and they begin a conversation in which they reveal their truths. As Cotugno shows, these are not truths they can or will tell the other people in their lives. We see this all the time on the Internet--the ease of divulging things about yourself to a stranger you can't see.For Meg and Colby, though, the sparks continue ripping through the phone line. They learn that they have nearly nothing in common, which only seems to increase their attraction to each other. They make bold suggestions and take chances with each other because with each conversation, their confidence in their bond grows.These conversations also allow Colby and Meg to escape from the stresses in their lives. Each feels stuck and frustrated, albeit for different reasons. These differences cause friction between them, largely because Colby believes that Meg has it much easier than he does. He's correct, to an extent. Meg has wealth on her side, but as Cotugno shows, money doesn't protect you from all of life's pains.Cotugno draws characters who feel real because they're not perfect. Far from it, in fact (I'm looking at you, Colby, and you, too, Emily). Colby, though, is perhaps a little less fully developed than Meg. He tends to repeat his arguments, which serves to accent Meg's willingness and ability to grow and change, whereas he seems more stagnant.Meg works for a progressive politician, but this isn't an overtly political book. Cotugno does discuss the importance of voting, letting Meg's passion for participating in the political process help you understand why you absolutely need to vote. Let's hope the teens who read this book take that message to heart.I enjoyed this book, even though it sometimes felt inconsistent. The ending, which some will not like, felt right to me. It fit with Meg and Colby's character arcs and is an example of an author knowing to give you what you need rather than what you want.3.5 stars

The plot took some turns I didn't except, making this a great read!

It took me around a week to pick it up again & even with I hardly got to chapter four. At first I thought I was going to DNF the book not going to lie which was why i left a DNF review but after a while I picked up it again and actually enjoyed it.

this book got me into reading HEAVILY and I'm IN love with the plot and the characters

So I pre ordered this book back in the beginning of the year as I knew from the description this book would be right up my street - I was correct.The female lead, Meg, is a shy and non-confrontational 17 year old who has a passion for politics. While working at her part time volunteer job in a call centre encouraging non voters to register online, she comes across a rude and arrogant young man named Colby who leaves her with a lasting impression. Colby is a cynic who would rather believe the worst in life than allow himself to hope and be disappointed.At first I was worried that the politics in this book would become overbearing, and leave me feeling like I was reading a rant on authors personal political views rather than a love story between the two characters. I am pleased to say this was not the case as this book emphasised on the importance of everyones individual vote whilst also having hint of the authors personality.I fell in love with Meg and Colby as the pair learn to battle their own demons, mostly by battling eachother, with their mostly playful squabbles which challenges eachothers beliefs like they never thought possible. Get sucked into the story and discover if this unlikely pair find a way to be together, despite their oppositng personalities.Now, if you'll excuse me I'm going to find other books written by this talented author...

Thought this was an amazing read and with some real dark yet real stuff which was amazing to have a more realistic side! Strongly recommend this read!