LIKES:
📝 easy, breezy, relatable writing
👥 dual POV (hill and andi!)
🗣 good witty banter!
🏃‍♀️ character-driven plot
👩‍🦰 andi is quirky, funny, and complex!
👨🏻 hill is the gruff, strong, and silent type!
🦿physical disability representation
🧲 opposites-attract trope (is that a thing?!😂)
❤️ allllll about the romance and love story!
🔥 slow burn!
🥵 steam level: 5/5 (aka SUPER steamy!!)
🍑 southern vibes
👻 fun scary vibes (think true crime & horror movies!)
👨‍🍳 cooking/foodie-romance vibes!
🧠 psychology vibes (deals w/ trauma)
♀feminist themes
🌱 themes of growth for both andi and hill!
🎀 tidy ending
•
DISCLAIMERS:
📑 longgggg chapters
🧭 not a lot of action plot outside the romance/growth
🌶 really detailed steam/spice!
⚠️ DM for trigger warnings!
•
VERDICT: a surprisingly deep, “all-about-the-romance” romance with strong characters growing together in the face of past trauma lightened with foodie and true-crime vibes!

DNF. I really liked the premise but the writing did not work for me at all. It wouldn't be fair to the book if I finished reading and gave it a low rating.

“Love meant someone had your back. Love meant you didn’t have to hide what you were struggling with. Love taught you that sometimes it was okay not to be okay.”

I completely adored this book! I read book one in the Say Everything series, Yes & I Love You, back in March and didn’t think any sequel would be able to live up to how much I loved it, but I was so wrong! Andi and Hill are such relationship goals and completely stole my heart. ❤️

What I Loved:
✨The Deep Dive Into Horror - I watched a ton of horror films with my friends back in high school because like Andi, we believed that through watching horror, we could better prepare for all that might go wrong in the real world. I absolutely loved how enthusiastic and knowledgeable Andi was about the genre - her horror watching / educating sessions with Hill were definitely a highlight for me!

✨The Incredible Representation - This book includes so much wonderful representation - PTSD, anxiety, depression and physical disability. I’m a huge fan of inclusive romance and Loren does such a beautiful job at crafting those kinds of stories. Both with this book and with book 1 in the series, Loren manages to capture the universal truth that all people are worthy of love and deserve their own happily ever afters.

✨The Relationship - Hill and Andi create such an amazing relationship with one another. Their chemistry was through the roof from the beginning, but what I most appreciated about them, was how much mutual respect they had for each other. The pair truly listened to one another and were always endeavoring to be as honest and open with their communication as possible.

If you love binge-able, slow burn romances that are the perfect mix of spicy and sweet, What If You & Me is definitely the read for you! I dare you to not fall for this horror loving, ray of sunshine and her well intentioned, heartthrob of a grump!

I would 💯 recommend this book to fans of Chloe Liese and Talia Hibbert!

Thank you to NetGalley, Source Books Casablanca, and Roni Loren for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a an anticipated read for me And it did not disappoint! I loved Yes & I Love You and was eager to read Andi’s story. I alternated between digital and audio. I thought Desiree Ketchum, the narrator, did an excellent job!

Andi has some pretty significant anxiety and trust issues that stem from a traumatic event in her past. Hill Dawson lost part of his leg in his last job as a firefighter a couple of years ago. He’s still dealing with the repercussions and sticks to himself.

Andi moved in next door to Hill. After an uncomfortable (and kind of funny for the reader) first meeting, they are aware of each other but at odds. Until Hill comes through for Andi in a scary moment. And then a friendship forms… and it just gets better from there.

This was a really heartfelt novel. I loved Hill and Andi together and appreciate how they supported each other. I’m a sucker for personal growth and it was here!

Andi is a horror novelist and podcaster. I tend to avoid scary movies and books, but her perspective have me a new appreciation for the genre and I’m willing to try some scary movies. Fortunately I have a teenager who will watch them with me!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Went in expecting to love it AND still was not prepared for how amazing it was!

Andi and Hill are new neighbors both dealing with a past trauma that is impacting their present but could they help each other heal and embrace a new future?

I absolutely loved everything about this book from the exploration of trauma and counseling to Hill’s PTSD and adjustment to his loss of a limb to Andi’s love of horro movies (which was a a bit daunting at first to this Chicken-little who can absolutely NOT do scary movies) to their smoking hot chemistry (hot former firefighter werwolf, anyone?!)!

I really hope Eliza gets her HEA soon and it was so great catching up with Hollyn and Jasper!

I listened to the audio for about a third of the book and it was wonderfully narrated and paced.

I received a complimentary review copy of this book but all opinions are my own.

I just loved this duology by Roni Loren and recommend it often to folks looking for a romantic comedy series with heart.

I adored the first book, and this related, stand-alone novel picks up with Andi’s story. We know Andi as the writer/true crime podcaster from the WeWork-esque community from which readers of book one will remember Hollyn.

This is a book that puts individuals with disabilities front and center as complex, fully actualized, sexy protagonists, and I am here for it.

Andi’s candid about her anxiety and OCD, and suitor Hill is figuring out what’s next after having to retire early as a firefighter after being injured in the line of duty. They aren’t perfect (who is?), but maybe they’ll be perfect for each other if they let their walls down.

Verdict: A great set of summer reads for fans of authors like Chloe Liese and Lyssa Kay Adams.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for sharing this gem with me. All thoughts are my own.

I really like Roni Loren as an author as she has really stepped up her game with these last two books. I love how deep the characters are and how relatable and real they are. Can't wait to read more of her books!

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review.

A beautifully emotional and unforgettably steamy new contemporary romance from New York Times and USA Today bestseller Roni Loren.

The world can be a scary place. At least, that's what Andi Lockley's anxiety wants her to believe. It doesn't help that she narrowly escaped a dangerous man years ago, or that every relationship since has been colored with that lingering fear. But things are better now—she's channeling everything into her career as a horror novelist and true crime podcaster, and her next book may be the breakthrough she needs.

If only her grumpy new neighbor would stop stomping around at all hours of the night.

Former firefighter Hill Dawson can't sleep. After losing part of his leg in a rescue gone wrong, he's now stuck in limbo. He needs to figure out what he's supposed to do with his life, and he can't let himself get distracted by the pretty redhead next door. But when someone breaks into Andi's place, Hill can't stop himself from rushing in to play the hero. Soon, a tentative bond forms between the unlikely pair. But what starts out as a neighborly exchange quickly turns into the chance for so much more...if Andi can learn to put aside her fear and trust in herself—and love—again.

Oh this was lovely. It was wildly tender and super steamy. I love the slow burn of this, and Hill is definitely my new book crush. I loved the chemistry between Hill and Andi.

I'm really liking this series!
I read the first one, about Hollyn and Jasper, and loved it, and this one is equally good. It's a standalone, so you don't have to read #1, but it'll help see the connection between characters.

We already know Andi. She's outgoing, she's a writer, and a true crime podcaster. She's hiding deep hurts and obsesses about what can go wrong.

Hill is her neighbor and sometimes makes noise late at night when she's trying to write. He's hiding his own hurts, as a former firefighter and an accident that left him without a leg.

I really liked how they formed a friendship, how much Hill wanted to protect Andi, and good she was for him. Such good writing and engaging characters.

Looks like book 3 will be about Eliza, and I can't wait for it.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

Sexual content and language.

Follow up to Yes & I Love You, Roni Loren is back with a new romance that continues her theme of tackling mental health and serious topics. Andi is in the spotlight in this book, and you learn so much more about her past and trauma. Her next door neighbor, Hill, is recovering from losing his leg when working as a firefighter 2 years ago. Unbeknownst to them, each other is exactly what they need to process their traumas and feel safe.

I absolutely adore these books. The characters are written so beautifully, it evokes such emotions in the reader. I just wanted to give Hill and Andi hugs while I was reading this book. Andi's positivity and zeal for life just wrecks broody Hill and it was a pleasure to read. I was completely swept up as they became friends, began to trust each other, and then fell for each other.

There are some more serious topics and events in this book than I would say there was in Yes & I Love You, so see below for content warnings. Please make sure you're reading this one when you're comfortable.

**Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Netgalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review**

CW: physical assault, PTSD, anxiety, discussions of death, amputation

I loved Andi and Hill's story and how they overcame their individual problems and were able to work through them together. I wish there was a little bit more time though, it felt like this all happened in a few days and I was wishing for a little more like Hollyn's story. Still loved this one though!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy of this in exchange for a review.

I really enjoyed this second book in the series. I liked the characters and the story. The anxiety and PTSD seemed real and relatable. Definitely looking forward to more books from this author!

Thank you so much to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for letting me read an eARC of What If You & Me!

This is the first time reading a book written by Roni Loren, and it blew me away. Despite the trauma, trust issues, and anxiety Andi faces, she doesn't let it impede her quirky and cheerful personality.

The sexy firefighter Hill has his own demons, but when he meets Andi, he is sure to let those demons rest.

I loved every bit of this story because of how well mental health was portrayed. It creates more awareness entertainingly. The romance was steamy, and it got me yearning for more.

Thank you so much to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Netgalley for letting me read an eARC of What If You & Me! This is the second book in the Say Everything series by Roni Loren and while I didn't love book one (Yes & I Love You), I knew I was going to really like this book, because it was Andi's story and I wasn't wrong.
What If You and Me 4/5 Stars

Summary from Goodreads:
The world can be a scary place. At least, that's what Andi Lockley's anxiety wants her to believe. It doesn't help that she narrowly escaped a dangerous man years ago, or that every relationship since has been colored with that lingering fear. But things are better now―she's channeling everything into her career as a horror novelist and true crime podcaster, and her next book may be the breakthrough she needs.
If only her grumpy new neighbor would stop stomping around at all hours of the night.
Former firefighter Hill Dawson can't sleep. After losing part of his leg in a rescue gone wrong, he's now stuck in limbo. He needs to figure out what he's supposed to do with his life, and he can't let himself get distracted by the pretty redhead next door. But when someone breaks into Andi's place, Hill can't stop himself from rushing in to play the hero. Soon, a tentative bond forms between the unlikely pair. But what starts out as a neighborly exchange quickly turns into the chance for so much more...if Andi can learn to put aside her fear and trust in herself―and love―again.

Oh man y'all, this book was definitely heavy in a lot of parts. And so many parts were scary- not because of anything that Andi or Hill did, but because Andi's job is to podcast about true crime, specifically acts against women, and man, there are some really sick and twisted people out there and I know I'm generally a paranoid person, but I really don't think I'm paranoid enough... Besides that, I thought the book itself was really, really good. I loved getting to know Andi better and I loved getting to know Hill and watching the two of them interact and try and work through their trauma was such a rewarding read. Plus, they have amazing chemistry, so that was great! Roni Loren is such a talented writer, and after reading this book, I'm 100% sure that the reason I didn't like book 1 in this series is because I really just do not like stand up and that overpowered the rest of the book for me- thankfully, there was none of that here- just true crime, horror movies, cooking, and personal trauma. Besides Andi and Hill, I really liked Eliza and Ramsey and I'd love to see them in another book. Overall, I really liked What If You & Me and I highly suggest reading it (but maybe read it with a light on).

It’s official, I’ve found one of my favorite books of the year! The second book in her Say Everything series, I am officially obsessed with the world Roni Loren has created. The first book, YES & I LOVE YOU, was such a delightful surprise and WHAT IF YOU & ME was even better! A trope-y, funny contemporary romance with plenty of steam and hidden depths, what more do you need?? Oh, did I mention the tropes are sunshine and the grump and “omg my neighbor is hot”??

The book follows Andi, a slightly paranoid, but sunny, horror movie podcaster, who is becoming increasingly annoyed with the man who lives next door – Hill, her grumpy, growly former firefighter neighbor. This book gripped me from page one and had me rooting for Andi and Hill both individually and together.

Both our heroine and hero had issues they needed to work through, but it didn’t take away from the romance – in fact, it just added depth and nuance and gripped my emotions as a reader. The beautifully dimensional and well-rounded characters and small, but important cast of secondary characters kept me turning the pages.

My favorite part of the story was the push and pull between Andi and Hill and the healthy dose of hero pining. Oh, and did I mention the chemistry? It’s incendiary! I am sweating just thinking about the well-written and HOT love scenes.

Overall, this was an easy five star read for me. I do not recommend reading this book right before bed, like I did, because you won’t want to put the book down to sleep! I need an announcement about book three ASAP!

**I received a free copy of this book in order to provide an honest review**

I read this book about a week ago, and I can't stop thinking about it! As someone who also suffers from anxiety, I related to Andi's character in more ways than one. I also loved Hill Dawson and the vulnerability that he showed as a male lead, especially because we live in a society that says men have to be tough and never show emotion. These characters were perfect for each other, and I couldn't help but fall in love with them and this book. I didn't want it to end. I would definitely love a follow up to see what Andi and Dawson are up to once the series is over. Thank you so much to the publisher for giving me the chance to read this book! I will be posting a full review on my instagram page soon!

A happily ever after for women whose trauma has made sex or relationships difficult. Roni Loren has written characters with PTSD before but Andi's struggle particularly resonated with me. There is a sex scene in this that made tears well up for me. I think this book will please readers who have not experienced triggers and anxiety around sex and romance, too, but for those of us who have, the wish fulfillment is particularly satisfying.

Okay, if you haven’t already seen me gushing about Roni Loren’s first book - Yes & I Love You then you haven’t actually been paying attention.

And when I actually picked up What If You & Me - I had no idea how much I would come to adore Andi Lockley and Hill Dawson, not just together but as individuals as well.

Andi Lockley has her own true crime podcast; as well as being a published author of horror genre series! Her weird, quirky and upbeat personality hides so much depth; for she also suffers from trust issues, anxiety and panic attacks. Because of a traumatic incident in her teenage years. There is an effervescent quality to Andi, that jumps out every single time her PoV came on the page.

Hill Dawson, on the hand, an ex - firefighter who list his limb, is now battling PTSD and depression all the while having trust issues because his fiancé left him for his best friend while he was in the hospital recovering.

The last thing he wants or needs is the pity of the “young” gorgeous neighbour (&tenant) of his - a woman who has had his attention from the moment they met each other.

You know that feeling when you find books, where the characters and the plot and the writing, pretty much everything enamours you from the beginning till the end, so and so that you don’t want the book to be ever completed; because how are you ever going to let these wonderful and beautiful characters leave from your life?

That’s what What If You & Me did to me - with such amazing rep for mental health as well as survivors of trauma - the romance was just the right amount of steamy and angst and everything I could have ever wanted.

WHAT IF YOU AND ME is the second instalment in Roni Loren’s contemporary, adult SAY EVERYTHING erotic, romance series. This is thirty-one year old, former firefighter Hill Dawson, and author/podcaster Andi Lockley’s story line. WHAT IF YOU AND ME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Andi and Hill) WHAT IF YOU AND ME follows the neighbors/friends with benefits relationship between thirty-one year old, former firefighter Hill Dawson, and horror author/podcaster Andi Lockley. Approximately two years earlier Hill Dawson’s life as a fire-fighter ended when a work place accident ended his career leaving Hill struggling with depression and something to do. Meeting his new neighbor/tenant gave Hill thoughts he had long forgotten, since he discovered his fiancée in love with another man but his spunky next door neighbor offered a reprieve from his thoughts, thoughts that continued to stray on what was and what will never be. Andi Lockley is a horror author, and podcaster about murdered and missing people, and in this Andi had some experience when it comes to the frightening reality about what it is she talks. Falling for her neighbor was never on the agenda but a friendship with benefits relationship would quickly turn into something more, something of which Hill wanted nothing to do. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Andi and Hill, and the potential fall-out as Hill pushes Andi out of his life, just as Andi’s life is about to implode.

Andi and Hill are both dealing with the trauma of past events, and in this, the past continues to affect the present and the future. Hill and Andi both agreed neither one was ready to settle down but Andi was the first to fall, and Hill wasn’t ready to pick up the pieces. A disastrous prior relationship for both has caused both physical and emotional scars but Hill refuses to accept that he is the man for our heroine, believing he is a place holder for someone more to come.

The relationship between Andi and Hill is a neighbors/friends with benefits that turns into something more. From podcasting to writing, cooking to a Firefighter’s auction, our couple find themselves celebrating the little things in life, things that detract from the terror that was once their lives. As Andi slowly falls for her firefighter hero, Hill begins to pull back just as Andi’s life spirals out of control. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.


We are introduced to Hill’s fellow firefighter and friend Ramsey, Andi’s friends and therapist Eliz, Hill’s ex-fiancee Christine, as well as the return of Hollyn and Jasper (YES AND I LOVE YOU #1).

WHAT IF YOU AND ME is a story of betrayal and loss with a sassy and determined heroine, and a sometimes miserable hero who believes himself too broken to move forward. The premise is emotional and edgy; the romance is energetic and intense; the characters are tragic, animated and inspiring.



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