This book is a good fit for readers looking for a romance novel that explores themes of forgiveness, second chances, and overcoming past hurts.

Alex and Helen have a somewhat complicated history. There is nothing like having your first kiss with your crush who’s older when you’re 18 then having what feels like the world fall down around you afterwards. But Helen proved she was a survivor getting through what she had to the best she could.
There was push and pull between Alex was such a jerk from blaming Helen for her father’s sins believing she knew about them and ignored them. Alex might hate her but he also wants to protect her. He’s not the most likable character but he gets there. These two go on a journey that’s not all sunshine and roses but full of hurt, tears and forgiveness.

This was my first book of the series and I was so glad I didn’t feel like I was missing anything from the previous books.

it was a bit lack-luster. i was expecting more but it just didn't happen. if she did a re-write it will help this story!

What a fascinating book. I was impressed by the storyline and the characters were all well written and complex. Where there are complex storylines combined with intriguing characters the reader experience is magnified tremendously. To have a book that is well written as well as entertaining is a delight. Reading is about escaping your world and entering another one. The word building was phenomenal in this book. Here I forgot about my own life and was immersed in the world created by the author. I would recommend this book.

3.5 stars – rounded

I’ve read all of the series books so far, and I love Halston’s ability to build characters that are relatable and human- always flawed, always trying, and willing to eventually take a chance. Here we have Alex and Helen – both needing to overcome their pasts and struggle through to see if there is something in the future for them together. These two have history and plenty of ill-will between them, and we’re off on an enemy to lover plotline with plenty of action and twists.

Years ago, Helen’s father stole money from family – ruining them. Alex has always thought that she knew and did nothing. But her father was arrested years ago as well, and Helen’s life went from one of privilege to struggle. In the years since, Alex has developed a reputation as a no-nonsense businessman, but Helen leaves him with a reaction he’d not expected, particularly as she is a simple waitress in the nightclub where he is (reluctantly) meeting a client. All of that history and the obvious chemistry, despite the bad blood, is going to send these two on a merry chase as they sort through their histories.

Quickly and with plenty of flames, flare-ups, sparks and a ton of chemistry these two confront one another, their pasts and the opportunity for a future. While this wasn’t the favorite of mine for the series – Alex was far too stuck in one place for too long – the story works both as its own tale, and as part of the series, leaving readers with plenty of heat, atmosphere and escape.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-aNw /” ><a> I am, Indeed </a>

Sidney Halston sure does know how to write a story. Helen and Alex had history that ended with them both only knowing part of each other’s story. Helen blamed Alex for not standing by her in her time of need and Alex blamed Helen for his father’s death. When chance throws them together at the same club the feelings they had for each other come out. Alex becomes protective and alpha male, Helen tried to remain self-reliant and proud. Sparks fly, tempers flare, and feelings are hurt.
I am new to the Panic series but picked up What About Us and didn’t miss a beat. The characters were wonderful, the storyline was amazing, and it all came together perfectly. I loved the second-chance romance, the reliving of the past, and the learning of their future.

This is a book that I recommend picking up. I am excited to read the rest of the series and find out the story behind some of the other characters.

I've not read too many Sidney Halston books, but the ones I've read I always enjoy and this one was no exception. I love a good second chance at love story and that's what we get with this book, but there's some mitigating circumstances that play a large role in all the bitterness Helen and Alex face when they find themselves in the same orbit after 12 years. I liked how the characters were developed; we see the changes Helen experienced after her father's downfall from society and how she managed to pick herself up do what she can to keep moving forward; as for Alex, he never grew out of the awkward, anti-social stage from when he was a child. Although when he's with Helen, he becomes a different person in how he handles situations. Sometimes frustrating, but never with any ill-will.

WHAT ABOUT US - Sidney Halston

#4 Panic romance series

GREAT CHARACTER INTERACTION

Plot - 4 stars - When Helen and Alex accidently meet after twelve years, their attraction immediately rekindles. Unfortunately there's a lot of bitterness between them as a result of Helen's father's criminal actions and resulting arrest.

Writing - 4 stars - I was caught up in this story right from the first page. Halston includes characters with flaws in this series, and she writes about them with compassion and honesty. The stories she creates make sense, and I find myself very involved in their lives before I know it.

Characters - 4 stars - Helen is a former socialite whose world was rocked when her father went to prison for running a Ponzi scheme. She has since struggled but come through stronger and wiser. She is settled, with a great job at Duality, but there are still some issues to resolve. Alex was an awkward child who grew up to be an awkward adult. But his hard work has made him millions, so many people overlook his flaws. However, the chemistry between Alex and Helen is hot and immediate. She has always overlooked his issues and seen the person beneath. And Alex has always been able to overcome his problems whenever he's with her, probably because he feels comfortable and forgets to be anti-social. However, his tendency to rush off and fix things without thinking first caused me some frustration. But I took that to mean that Helen creates chaos in his mind, which, in his case, is probably a good thing. Rather than be his usual over-analytical self, he finds himself reacting first and thinking later. They definitely bring out the best--and often the worst--in each other. I found these characters captivating, although sometimes frustrating.

Title - 4 stars - The title is referred to briefly in the story, although I didn't think that was necessary. To me, the title reflects the relationship that Helen and Alex have always had, through all their problems and difficulties. All they have to ask each other is--what about us? How does the outside world affect us and does it have to?

Cover - 5 stars - The covers for this series are gorgeous. The jewel tones and glimpse of the Miami streets are eye-catching and beautiful.

Overall - 4 stars - Another winner in this series. I find it particularly fascinating that Halston builds particularly strong characters in this series, with one of the main characters having some sort of disease or condition to overcome. In this case, Alex's father had Asperger's, and this may explain Alex's awkwardness and inability to socialize. Helen, being the kind and generous person she is, simply sees Alex and doesn't worry about his inability to maintain relationships. They are volatile together--passionate and intense--both positively and sometimes negatively. A very exciting couple that I loved watching and rooting for.

Alex and Helen are given a second chance at being together and will stay by one another and the truth that threatens to blow Helen’s world apart one word at a time. Great story

WHAT ABOUT US by Sidney Halston. Once again, Ms. Halston has written a tale that I enjoyed and couldn't put down. Having met Helen in previous books, I was curious about her story. Finding out about her history made me like her and admire her. Despite some rough times, she tried hard to keep a sunny outlook. Alex, on the other hand, was a bit of a jerk, especially to Helen. Yet, Ms. Halston made it work. Watching their relationship go through its ups and downs and twists and turns kept me turning each page. It would have been nice to see a bit more of the previous characters as I like them all, but Alex and Helen's story needed all the space it could get. I hope there will be more to this series, maybe Iggy's book? If you enjoy stories that have strong, yet a bit vulnerable heroines, with strong, and also a bit vulnerable, heroes, then don't miss the Panic Series! (received ARC from NetGalley for honest review)

Alex thinks he knows how life went down that fateful day 12 years ago, and felt he had made peace with it. Until he runs into Helena again at a nightclub of all places in Miami. Despite not wanting to be a part of each other lives both act in ways that only the other can bring out. Helen was so good in bring Alex out of his shell, while he made her see some harsh realities that she would have preferred to ignore.

Love this series, can't wait for more.

I feel like this is an instance where it’s “me not you”. I picked up this book because I have heard good things about the author and I love any type of second chance romance. Plus the setting seemed gritty and unique. Unfortunately this story didn’t click with me. I couldn’t connect with the characters and everything just felt “okay”. I realized about halfway through that this is book 4 in a series and perhaps that’s why I wasn’t connecting. I think if I had read this story in its series order I would be far more invested in the world the author created. This author can definitely write and I will absolutely check our more of their books... this one just wasn’t for me.

Tantalizing bodies heat up the night at South Beach’s most scandalous club.

Alex: doesn't like doing business in clubs. Especially one like Duality. He just wants to seal a deal, not indulge in what they are selling. Until, he sees. Helen Blackwood. The girl who once filled his fantasies. Her father’s lies destroyed his family,
Growing up for society galas Helen is a survivor. Pracractically naked, serving drinks at a Miami nightclub. I don’t mind the stares of other men. , Alex definitely does. I’ll be his personal assistant, even if it means working with the man she hate but still wants.

This author never disappoints. This novel grabbed me from the very first page to the very last. I loved the chemistry between Alex and Helen. They had both been through so much I was rooting for them. I love when a novel leaves me with a smile on my face and a happy heart. This novel did this for me!

Sidney Halston's Panic series has long been one of my favorites. While What About Us starts out related to the series with Helen working at Duality, it veers off from the series pretty quickly spinning into its own side story. It still has the classic Panic hallmarks: danger, excitement, sexiness and flawed characters with real-life characteristics and situations that form who they are. In What About Us, Alex's father is known to have Asperger's and although it is not stated outright, all of Alex's quirks and personality traits are hallmarks of Asperger's. I LOVED how Halston addressed Alex's idiosyncrasies in subtle ways, alluding to but not outright giving Alex a diagnosis. It was nice to see a main character with these attributes portrayed as successful and strong! And I loved Helen and her resilience when faced with the adversity she experienced. She was strong, determined and fought for everything she wanted. Together, they had a chemistry that only comes from a rich history together.

An enemies-to-lovers tale, What About Us is a story about loss, forgiveness and finding the one person who makes you whole. It's a quick read that you won't want to put down. 4 Stars

Lots of family drama and baggage and a long history between Alex and Helen gave a large push to the plot - Alex was acting out of anger and fear from the past between them and Helen was just trying to survive. They had chemistry, albeit a tad forced at times, but overall this was a quick read.

One of the things I LOVE and appreciate about Sidney Halston is that she does not recycle. Her books are never formulaic and you just never know what you're going to get. I really don't even read the descriptions anymore because there have been a few books that, had I judged them by the blurb, I would have passed on and maybe never given a chance. This book was something different--yet again--and I loved it. Interesting back-story, plot, characters...this book is everything it should be. Another great read from Sidney and I can't wait to see where she will take me next.

I love a less than perfect hero and this author created an exciting, sexy hero in Alex. Always a little different and extremely smart he's captivating and swoon worthy. And then there's Helen. The beautiful, spoiled princess that's fallen from grace thanks to her cheating father. But she's strong and resilient and makes a new life for herself that's going okay until a chance encounter with her teenage crush, Alex. So much history between the two and misunderstandings. Alex thinks he wants revenge but when he gets Helen under his thumb things change and old feeling resurface. But can he forego his plans of retribution? He's waiting so long to avenge his father and reek havoc on the ones that ruined his family. Will his passion for Helen wins out? A super sexy romance with some mystery and intrigue that's wonderfully written with terrific characters. A quick easy read that pulled me in from the beginning and kept me reading all the way to the end. Loved it! 4.5 stars

I usually am not a huge fan of romantic books but I really enjoyed this one! There was a story line that immediately pulled me in and I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I enjoyed the fact that it went back and forth between the male and female counterparts. The only reason I took away a star is because the story of their bad blood was a little hard to believe. For an entire family (mother and son) to believe that a young girl knew anything about a scheme her father was pulling, and then to blame her for the father's suicide is a little over the top for me. Other than that, I loved the sexual tension, and the love story that came with it!

3.5 stars

Alex and Helen have a history. Partially wonderful, but ending horribly. So when she sees him again for the first time in years while she's working at the new club, Duality, she seems to be excited to see him. Is Alex as excited to see Helen? Eh not so much. In fact, she's the last person he'd ever want to see. Why would he want to see one of the people he despises the most in the world? And yet, the two cannot seem to stay away from each other. Their attraction is off the charts hot. But attraction seems to be the only thing they feel for each other than a lot of hate. Will they ever realize that hate is just the flip side of love?

I will be the first to admit I love a good enemies to lovers story. BUT it has to be balanced well with the love that must come, and unfortunately, in this latest book in the Panic series, the balance is a bit skewed. Alex especially, is a hateful character. He's an absolute jerk to Helen for most of the story, even after he found out she didn't deserve all the contempt he felt for her. Sigh... The other reason for 3.5 stars? I just didn't really connect with either Alex or Helen or their story. I wanted something more for them and I just didn't feel it, or perhaps more accurately, they didn't feel it. Too much negative and not enough positive emotion. Lastly, the ending was all wrapped up way too neatly and quickly. It was rushed and felt like maybe the author just didn't like the way the story was going and wanted to get it over with. And that is a shame, because I've loved the rest of this series. I still love it, and I know this author can write amazing characters and amazing love stories, so I will definitely be reading more from her. I'll just put this one down as a minor blip in her otherwise stellar writing.