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Three Empty Words

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Melanie Smith has spent her entire life waiting for her happy ever after. For a moment there, everything is hunky-dory until her boyfriend falls in love with another man. Trying to move on, she makes every effort to find "the one."

Watching everyone around her find love, leaving her knee-deep in spinster status, Melanie decides on a new path: become a surrogate for her ex-turned-best friend. She doesn't bargain on a two-for-one deal: a baby for bestie... and a new man.

Join Melanie on her journey as she navigates the highs and lows, the cravings and confusion of love and trying to find meaning in those three empty words.

Unknown Binding

Published September 1, 2017

15 people are currently reading
105 people want to read

About the author

Gen Ryan

27 books198 followers
Gen Ryan is an international best-selling author that spends her days as a forensic psychologist filling the minds of college students with everything they need to know to be good at their jobs. From profiling, to interrogation and ending with her absolute favorite, serial killers. Her nights, however, are spent crafting stories that will tear a reader’s heart out and twist their minds at the same time.

She brings a unique twist to romance, a twist always rooted somewhere deep inside the character’s psyche.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Misty Santillan.
207 reviews
September 6, 2017
I'm in awe!
This story is just WOW! I couldn't love all the characters in this more. I kinda want to trade places with Mel, so I can have Ashe, but I kinda developed a small girl crush on Mel too! Lol Mel is a sweet girl with a straight up attitude and an amazing sense of humor. Mel and Ashe deserve all the happily ever afters they can get! It gave me all the feels! They might have made my eyes leak sweetness a time or two! 😂They are just the cutest ❤️
Profile Image for Paula  Phillips.
5,470 reviews331 followers
March 18, 2018

Melanie Smith is one of the most selfless women there is, and I loved that about her. It is very rare that I find myself strongly connecting to the female character, but in this book, I loved everything about her and admired her. Melanie's ex-boyfriend whom she thought was the one turned out to be gay and then instead of being angry and hating him. She embraced his new choice and even welcomed his partner Jason into her life. She even continued to work with her ex-boyfriend and his new husband, Jason. Melanie's other best friend Brad is also gay. Max and Jason want a baby, but because of all the obstacles standing in their way, they ask Mel to be their surrogate. Mel agrees which made me admire her even more and goes along to the gyno's office where she meets the Dr. Ashe. Ashe always wanted a family, and he too has a big heart, but love for him chucked him awful luck as his ex-wife cheated on him and loved drugs more than him and his family are holding him ransom with his dream. Ashe and Mel click, and soon we see them enjoying life together, and it seems like nothing can tear this couple apart as Melanie becomes friends with his ex-wife and seems even to break his mother. You know those type of people who just have a naturally good heart and don't judge, that was Melanie Smith. If you want a good-hearted read with a genuine female lead, then check out Gen Ryan's Three Empty Words as it will not disappoint.
Profile Image for Renee Mccleary.
200 reviews9 followers
September 10, 2017
HILARIOUS AND SWOONWORTHY!!

This is probably my favorite book by Gen Ryan. I love Melanie and Ashe! I love thier chemistry and connection. I laughed out loud a lot in this book! Ashe had me swooning hard!! It is a beautiful story that makes you believe that everyone deserves thier own HEA!! I fell in love with this story. The characters felt like friends and I felt every emotion that they were feeling!! If you are looking for a sweet, romantic and funny book with some sexy times, I highly recommend this one!!
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews36 followers
September 9, 2017
Talk about a mess waiting to happen that turns into a beautiful thing that turns into a whole new world. We know the story of her break up with Max but now we get to see that friendship go even further. No one has ever taken care of her and treasured her like him. From the first time they met she stole his heart. This is a great story of following your heart, consequences be damned. This twisted, fun, easy, steamy read had characters that became dear to you heart and made you want their happy ending for all of them but especially Mel. Those three empty words were filled to the brim before her story was finished being told.

My first read by this author and I enjoyed her easy style. Loved the story and look forward to more of her work.
Profile Image for Vanessa Lawford.
1,151 reviews10 followers
August 28, 2017
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review by Patrizia's Book Blog.

Melanie has the worst luck with men. Her best friend, who is her gay ex-boyfriend, asks her to be a surrogate for him and his husband.
While in the process for surrogacy, Mel meets Ashe, her brand new and gorgeous gynocologist.
He is 32 and has an ex-wife , a meddling mother who believes she knows what her son wants and is afraid to blackmail him into doing what she wants.

This book is hilarious while also touching on some issues which may be a trigger for someone.
I really liked Ashe and Mel's book and cannot wait to read what comes next.
Profile Image for Crystal.
2,699 reviews1 follower
September 3, 2017
Three Empty Words is a short, sweet and heartfelt read. I liked all the characters and their friendships. This is Melanie story who was one of the characters in the Fix You book, Max and Jason's story. Good Read!
Profile Image for Kelly - Words We Love By.
766 reviews16 followers
August 26, 2017
This is a heart warming story. Even though there are times when Melanie seems to good to be true it's still amazing story of Love can conquer All!
Profile Image for Book Lovers  Down Under.
262 reviews11 followers
September 6, 2017
Fun quick read. I love Mel. From her verbal diarrhoea to her always seeing the best in people. Hope you enjoy Mels adventure of friendship, love. Thanks.
Profile Image for Leanne.
537 reviews47 followers
September 23, 2017
Short sweet read with the most perfect HEA!

This story is everything you need to perk you up on a crappy day. It is a beautifully written, funny, endearing story.

Usually I like a bit more tension in my books. I fell in love with Gen and her writing after having read Beautiful Masterpiece. Knowing her writing style was a joy, I decided to give her romcoms a go.
I can easily say, that was one of the best decisions I've ever made!
Profile Image for Brooke.
801 reviews38 followers
November 21, 2017
Go To For My Full Review: https://goo.gl/kLTGA3 for full review!


Gen Ryan has the ability to capture one of the most miraculous parts of life and turn it into a love story that you would never expect to see. It is very special moment when a woman finds out she is pregnant, whether she has been trying to get pregnant or its a total surprise.
 
Melanie had already won over my heart when she went into her gyno appointment before insemination and made me laugh so hard I woke up my husband from his sleep.
 

Disclaimer: Thank you so much to Hot Tree Publishing and Gen Ryan for sending a finished copy in exchange for my honest review! All opinions are my own!
Profile Image for Naomi Connor.
359 reviews4 followers
September 12, 2017
***ARC provided in exchange for an honest review - Naomi / Scandalous Book Blog***

I feel honored to have read this book. Although this book can be read as a standalone I would recommend reading the others first.
So I already knew the character and loved them but how was this story going to go. There were so many ways Gen could have taken Melanie story and for me this was the perfect way.
I was lost in the words on the pages, the feelings and emotions left my heart beating from my chest.
For me this book was everything ans more!!!

Melanie hasn't had the best track record with boyfriends. He ex revealed he was gay and married Jason and now the 3 of them are best friends. Melanie could have crumbled under the hurt and lies, however she brushed herself off and grew stronger. She is compassionate and gets her happiness from others happiness, however she would love to find the one...just for her.

When Max and Jason ask her to be a surrogate for them, she is shocked but finds herself saying yes. She will do anything to make them happy.

This is how she met Ashe...

Ashe is a divorced gynecologist and sexy as hell. When he walks into the room and finds Mel as his patient he is definitely attracted to her...Then she open her mouth and he finds himself feeling things he thought were no longer possible. When he found his wife in a compromising position with another man and high on drugs he knew his marriage was over. His parents will do anything to keep their status they have held his dreams over him for years.

Together this couple are electrifying. They are oil and water but so right for each other.

Each offering the other everything they need to be complete.

With Mel carrying another mans baby and Ashe ex -wife and over bearing parents...Can this couple go the distance

This story offered hilarious lol moments, sweet tender embraces and hot steamy sex...What more could a reader want?
Profile Image for Kate_mrs539.
377 reviews7 followers
September 11, 2017
This was a fun book, yet just a little heartbreaking.  How much rejection can one girl take?!?!?  

Melanie was a very resilient girl!  No lie!  I was super thrilled that she just didn't lay down and be pitiful!  Gen Ryan did a great job with her.  Sure she had her moments, but at least she had a great sense of humor and a really big heart!  Out of her tough circumstances, she made a fun little family that worked for her.

I laughed so much during reading this...I could not believe some of the things that flew out that girls mouth!  Sometimes when you are reading, it's nice to take a break from hardcore, high angst books and just get something that tickles your funny bone a little bit.  Three Empty Words did just that for me.  It also helps that the new man turned up the temperature in this read.  And that he really enjoyed her little "family", awe!

I will definitely be recommending this book to my friends.

I laughed during this book...a lot...and cried too.  Just because I ran the gamut of emotions while reading, Three Empty Words is getting 5 stars from me.

Review by Corrie H. for Lamplight Review and Promotion

**I received an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Amazeballs Book Addicts.
2,811 reviews243 followers
September 11, 2017
OMG, this one is an amazing read. It's a drop everything and read now book. I fell in love with Melanie right away. She's amazing character. She's an amazing friend. She hasn't found her love yet but she still a happy person. Her best friends has move away and her ex turned friends has asked her to be a surrogate. She's funny and I never knew what to except to come out of her mouth. She has a huge heart so you can't help but root for her to find love. Ashe is a gynecologist. Him being a gynecologist was kind of funny for me because right before I started reading this one I had a discussion with a friend about not wanting to go to a male gynecologist but if they were as sexy as Ashe I may change my mind. Mel and Ashe's first time meeting was funny. Ashe has had a rough past with love too. These two just clicked and I was so rooting for them.
Profile Image for Amber - TBR Book Blog.
1,237 reviews51 followers
September 12, 2017
I loved this story! Yes, it's different from the norm of Gen Ryan but I loved it nonetheless!

Melanie is a crack-up. Even when she's trying not to be. But that just makes her more funny. She's decided that she's going to be a surrogate for her former exboyfriend and his husband. Which is a huge undertaking normally but especially so since her ex broke up with her to finally accept he was gay. So that's a big deal but Melanie handles it like a pro. She's there for friendship and that's what she's got with them.

Wouldn't you know it that the OBGYN helping Melanie through this process is a super hot doctor that Melanie can't get out of her mind. So there's a great start to a relationship. But it's a great and funny ride!

A fantastic story from Gen Ryan!
Profile Image for Kim Ginsberg.
Author 3 books29 followers
September 12, 2017
Melanie Smith is happy for her 2 best friends now that they have love, but she's sad for herself that she keeps getting men who don't want her. She's asked by her ex-turned best friend and his husband to do something for them, have a baby. Of course with Melanie's huge heart she agrees, what she doesn't expect is her new doctor. Will she finally get her happily ever after, or will she be alone, again? Find out in this awesome read!!!
Profile Image for Clare.
1,309 reviews42 followers
September 12, 2017
I loved this book, I wasn't sure at first but loved that Mel was a straight as the come, She tell it like it is and no messing around, and i loved the story line, I will be reading Max and Jason's book, This is and can be read as a standalone. But i like seeing the other characters.
Profile Image for Carrie.
3,511 reviews34 followers
September 11, 2017
SUCH a sweet read!! Ashe & Melanie have had plenty of drama in their lives, but their relationship is fairly drama-free, and I LOVED them! Melanie is a hoot! I love the way their relationship flows, and the way the supporting characters are woven in. Very enjoyable read! : )
Profile Image for Esperanza.
79 reviews101 followers
September 18, 2017
The author Gen Ryan really worked out on this read! The writing was fantastic and had my partner cheesing in awe as I read it aloud to him. I had to update him too, Lol! Seriously a true swooning heart filled story that I just had to finish. Can't wait for more from this author!!!


Profile Image for Skye McNeil.
Author 18 books150 followers
September 22, 2017
Loved, loved, LOVED this book! I started reading it on my lunch break and literally choked on my sandwich when Melanie and Ashe met. Gen had me laughing out lout and nearly crying throughout this story. Melanie was easy to love especially with her sass and caring nature. Cannot say enough about my love for this book. OH, and Ashe can be my gyno any day ;)
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,114 reviews82 followers
September 12, 2017
Stars: 3.5

This book was sooo not what I was expecting. I went into this book thinking it was going to be kind of serious. Given that Melanie's ex left her for a man!.... But, it wasn't!!
It was funny & light. I loved all the characters in this book. I loved how it was written. It flowed perfectly.

But, as I read on... I kept waiting for something to happen. Once I hit 70% mark. With still no drama or anything. I started to feel myself loose some steam with this book. Because, even though I loved how the book was going. It needed a little something. Some drama. Everyone was just so happy and everything was just coming together. All problems were fixed. It felt like one big happy family.
Melanie was the fixer of all problems. It was a little over the top.
Especially the whole Erin and Veronica thing.

I loved the birth scene. It was cute.

Overall... I enjoyed this book. Just wish there was a little bit more to this story then there was.

*ARC provider for an honest review*

(This same review is on my blog Goodreads account.)
Profile Image for Badass Bloggettes.
742 reviews44 followers
September 26, 2017
Three Empty Words by Gen Ryan is the first book I’ve read by this author. This book is part of a series where each individual book stands on its own nicely. This is a sweet, light-hearted, feel-good story about Melanie Smith and Ashe Harrison.

Melanie is a young woman who, regardless of all the crap life throws at her, retains the ability to see the good in people. She has a smart mouth that gets away from her sometimes but it is endearing. You know the type—whatever comes to her mind comes out of her mouth. Let me tell you, what comes out of her mouth will make you laugh.

Dr. Ashe Harrison is a gynecologist. Most would think that is a career that would make your parents proud. Not the case for Ashe. His wealthy parents want a politician or lawyer. Since he decided on doctoring they hold their money and inheritance over his head to make him do what they want. He wants to setup a clinic and tries to please them. Ashe did marry the woman his parents approved of only to find her cheating and taking drugs. When he meets Melanie, who is in his office pregnant as a surrogate mother, he is attracted to her energy and kindness. A relationship grows when they run into each other outside the office.

Three Empty Words is an absolutely beautiful story with intense, well-developed characters. I love the way Ms. Ryan weaves this tale of an unusual pairing at an unusual time in their lives. Melanie comes from humble beginnings, and Ashe is from a wealthy family who looks down on Melanie. I’m not a big fan of a lot of back and forth and second-guessing relationships but it is well executed and not so far-fetched with Melanie’s past. Ashe’s dysfunctional family and their interference is well written and gives the reader a decent bad guy of sorts. Melanie’s ability to rise above the way people treat her and find good in others adds another beautiful level to the story. She is the kind of friend anyone would love to have in their life.

Melanie’s friends are featured in the previous books in the series. I am interested in knowing their story as the little recaps pique my interest about them. I recommend this book as it made me feel so many different emotions while reading. The dialogue is believable and entertaining, especially Melanie’s quick wit. I am adding Gen Ryan to my list of must read authors and look forward to more of her stories. In the meantime, Three Empty Words is a must-read story for anyone who enjoys a good love story.
Profile Image for Stephenee.
1,823 reviews46 followers
February 4, 2018
Soooo, I stayed up half of the night to finish this book...I couldn't put it down!! This was the first book that I read by this author but it will not be the last book!! I loved this book! I think that I may have found a new favorite author...

The author gave us some epic characters, a unique plot and a whole lot of fun!! I loved the characters, the "family" that they made for each other and the wonderful personality that was Melanie. The author grabs the readers attention right from the start and never lets it go! The reader will root for Melanie and Ashe and want to hate Erin and Ashe's mom, but in the end, they can't...

The reader wants to become friends with the characters in real life, they want to be a part of the world that author Gen Ryan creates! The reader frantically turns the pages of the book needing to know what is going to happen but also, dreading the end, because they don't want to leave the characters. It's one of those good, yet bad things...

**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng **
Profile Image for We like it big book blog.
969 reviews44 followers
September 12, 2017
Stars: 3.5

This book was sooo not what I was expecting. I went into this book thinking it was going to be kind of serious. Given that Melanie's ex left her for a man!.... But, it wasn't!!
It was funny & light. I loved all the characters in this book. I loved how it was written. It flowed perfectly.

But, as I read on... I kept waiting for something to happen. Once I hit 70% mark. With still no drama or anything. I started to feel myself loose some steam with this book. Because, even though I loved how the book was going. It needed a little something. Some drama. Everyone was just so happy and everything was just coming together. All problems were fixed. It felt like one big happy family.
Melanie was the fixer of all problems. It was a little over the top.
Especially the whole Erin and Veronica thing.

I loved the birth scene. It was cute.

Overall... I enjoyed this book. Just wish there was a little bit more to this story then there was.

*ARC provider for an honest review*

-Michelle
Profile Image for Lisa.
2,178 reviews13 followers
September 30, 2017
Three empty words - words that Melanie has heard time and time again but they have not left her jaded at all. In fact she is so full of sunshine, love, generosity and kindness that those around her can't help but open themselves up to life and love.

Melanie offers to be a surrogate for her ex-boyfriend and his husband - see, truly amazing woman. Her medical check-up leads her to Ashe, who happens to be her doctor. Ashe is divorced after finding his ex-wife taking drugs and in bed with another man. He is being by his family to take his ex-wife back. After meeting Melanie he realises that his marriage was empty and Melanie is everything he wants: warm, loving, generous, kind, forgiving, strong, protective and open. She shows him the possibilities and is an amazing healer of the soul.

This was certainly full of laugh out loud moments as well as sweet and tender ones. This is a book that I could read again and again as I fell in love with the characters and their journey together.

***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
Profile Image for Megadens Books.
105 reviews2 followers
September 12, 2017
Super cute story. It had a nice twist to it while keeping the general romance novel bits. Fun flirty and original enough to be unique. Melanie is the type of person you want to be but no one will ever actually be. This book kind of took the extreme what a guy wants in a woman and what a woman wants in a man and those are the main characters. I mean I liked it but it was a little overly perfect. It was a fun quick read though and while I wouldn't read it again I'm glad I read it once. The sex scenes were random, like zero to porn star in 60 letters. Sexy but again just too much. I mean if you want a fairy tale romance filled with characters that are too perfect to be real this is 100% the book for you. If you want a fast paced romance this is for you. If you want a cute sexy on fire book this is for you. If you want realistic you should probably look elsewhere. I'd say it's worth a read though not my favorite but it was nice.
Profile Image for Amy.
Author 19 books410 followers
February 20, 2018
So much love for this story! I want to say it's my favorite by this author, but I say that about all of hers that I've read because they're all that good. I can't decide if I prefer her dark romances like the Masterpiece series or these lighter romances more! I can easily say Melanie is my favorite lead female in a book. Her way of saying what's on her mind without thinking about it, her unique way with words, and the way she manages to forgive and bring people together...she's awesome. Her beau (I'm not going to use his name since it's not in the blurb) ...there aren't enough swoon-worthy words to say about him. But I am a sucker for a good guy with a naughty side and that is what he is pure and simple. Definitely was a interesting meet-cute between Melanie and her dream man! So many memorable scenes, Brad's first words during Melanie's labor, priceless! Also Magical unicorns will never have the same meaning for me after reading this! A well written, thoroughly entertaining story!
Profile Image for Erin.
62 reviews
September 11, 2017
This is the first book I read from this author, and LOVED❤️ it. I did not read the other two books prior to this one, but the author retold the story perfectly. No need to start at book one unless you want too. I've never read a M/M romance before, but she made we want to.

Melanie is a beautiful person inside and out. I don't just say that I mean it! Even though she's down on luck and love, this girl is so bright and personable it's impossible to not love her. Her dream isn't a career, but to be rich in love. Whatever form it comes in. Her ideas and no filter will keep a smile on your face, and her love will creep into your heart as the reader.
***I received an Arc for an honest review****
Profile Image for Elmarie Pieterse.
257 reviews2 followers
September 19, 2017
Omg I litterly don't even have words after finishing this book!!!!! Dayum I laughed out loud so many times throughout this book and then there were parts that I cried cause it was just so beautiful!!! Melanie and Ashe's story is definitely my favourite book by Gen Ryan. There love story is what makes you believe in true love and that happily ever afters can be so beautiful even when you thought you don't deserve it!!!! I just loved this whole storyline and the characters in this book everyone played such a big part in there lives and it made it even more special!!!! This book left me feeling so happy and I'll remember this story forever!!! Kindness to others is what makes you one special person!!!!
Profile Image for Tango With Text.
153 reviews2 followers
October 5, 2017
Join Melanie in her two-for-one journey....a baby for her bestie and, maybe, love. Delightfully normal Melanie has grown tired of love, having been disappointed too often. Those around her seem to be finding life partners, but she has lucked out, again. When asked by her gay besties to help make their family complete by being a surrogate mother, she agrees - after all, she has no one to create her own family with.

Although I thought that the situations in this tale could have been explored a little more, the story and characters were intriguing enough to keep me riveted to the end. A delightful quick read (not for under 18's) with lots of emotion and characters I could easily relate to.

Recommended to those over 18 who enjoy quirky situations and an HEA.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews

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