I really enjoyed this audiobook. The narrator was very good and did a great job evoking the different characters and their emotions.

The story itself was very fun and flirty. I liked that with all the horror and true crime scenery and subplots, it never became a horror. It just stayed a cute, fun romance about two people trying to get over their past trauma. There was some scare intensity near the end, but it wasn't the entire plot of the book and it resolved quickly.

On a personal note, I cheered with vindication when Andi compared a certain popular romcom to a horror film. I say the same things about it but people think I'm crazy 😜

All in all, a really enjoyable read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC

I absolutely loved this book! Roni Loren is amazing at writing characters that are real and have flaws and deal with situations presented in a way that actually makes sense. I loved Hill and Andi's dynamic so much and was rooting for them the whole time. I just wanted to give them a hug! There are a lot of heavy subjects involving mental health throughout the whole book but I felt like it was handled with care. The intimacy in this book is both sweet and steamy but a bit of a slower burn that's certainly worth it!

What If You & Me is the second in the Say Everything series but can be read as a standalone. I loved the first book as well and highly recommend picking this one up ASAP!!

4.5

Years ago, Andi experienced a horrific relationship and was lucky to get out of it, but she still suffers from extreme anxiety when certain situations present themselves. She's been able to channel some of her anxiety into her podcast where she talks about lessons-learned from popular horror movies, plus she also write her own horror novels under a penname. While on a deadline for her new book, Andi discovers her new neighbor's stomping around at all hours of the night does not help her get her work done.

Two years ago while on a call, former firefighter Hill Dawson was injured and that resulted in the loss of his leg and his career. While Hill is now on the mend physically, mentally he's not doing so great. But his new neighbor is not the type to let him be alone and brood.

Andi and Hill meet each other at just the right time. They're both still healing from past trauma and both on the precipice of moving forward, that is, if they can both just believe in themselves enough to take that step.

I enjoyed this audiobook immensely. I felt like the narrator, Desiree Ketchum, had one of the best voices when switching from the male to female characters. It was almost like there were two individual narrators for Andi and Hill. Super impressed with the seamless way she would switch between characters during a run of dialogue. And that each character had their own distinct voice. And on the expositional parts the words were read very clearly. I'll definitely be looking for other books read by this narrator.

Andi was a standout character for me from the first book [book:Yes & I Love You|53439441]. I was happy that she got her own book. It's a little bit of serendipity that I was concurrently reading this book - which deals with a character that kind of uses horror movies to help deal with their real-world anxiety - while also reading a book that deals with the "Final Girl" survivors that are immortalized in those horror movies. It was an interesting juxtaposition.

That being said, I liked how Roni Loren tackles both Andi and Hill's traumas. Seeing how they each handle their situations in their own way and the bad and good parts of that. Of course Andi's occurred quite a number of years before Hill's and while that doesn't mean that she should be further along in her recovery, it does mean that she's had more time to find the tools that work good for her in coping. Hill's is more recent and still raw. Not only did he lose a career he loved, and suffered a bodily injury that changes the rest of his life, but his fiancé also left him shortly afterwards, which also changes the trajectory he saw his life heading towards. Hill is still going through the why's and how's, doubting himself and it's made him very depressed.

Seeing both Hill and Andi help one another out of their almost self-imposed exile from the world was just sweet. Seeing their connection and their belief in the other was just written so seamlessly and could have not been done any other way.

I've so far really enjoyed this series and I'm hoping we'll get more books. I think Roni Loren has a deft hand at taking these various issues and circumstances that people deal with and making them seen and heard. Giving a different idea and perspective that I haven't experienced in the romance genre before. Taking some of the bad times and showing that, that is not all there is. There can be healing.

I can’t even begin to say how impressed I am with Dreamscape Media & NetGalley. I was over the moon to receive an ARC of this audiobook. I almost never get to start a book immediately but I was so psyched. The audio file was missing the first two chapters. I contacted NetGalley & Dreamscape. I didn’t want my review to be altered due to lack of background on the story. Both places said they fixed it but I still couldn’t get it to work. (I was trying so hard to be patient and figure it out on my own) Dreamscape even sent me a follow up message to make sure I could access the book- I was floored! They sent me the two chapters in Dropbox then updated their NetGalley file again. Unreal service from both companies!

I read Yes & I Love You on a whim through NetGalley and LOVED IT. I still think about Jasper & Hollyn! I was counting down to the release of What If You & Me! Roni Loren immediately went to my “must read” authors list! Such a treat to receive this book early!

We met Andi in the first book but this book can completely stand alone. Andi & Hill live in the same complex and both seem to be battling their own demons. Andi is a true crime podcaster with a scar on her psyche. She sees the danger in every situation. Hill is a retired firefighter with a prosthetic leg and a bruised ego. These two provide everything you’d want in a romance. They begin as strangers then go straight to friends with benefits. All the while the reader can see they’re perfect for each other. The steamy scenes were… extra steamy- phew! Can they get past their own pride to see they could be more than just lovers? Can they learn to trust each other and themselves?

The narrator was excellent. I appreciated her male voice as well. It’s always more enjoyable when the characters have their own voice personality.

Roni Loren has done it again! I can’t wait to read Elizas story!

When I read Yes & I Loved You, the first in this series, i really enjoyed it (as i expressed here in the blog), so I was so excited to get a copy of this audiobook to continue the story. Although thoroughly enjoyable and a sweet romance, I was a bit disappointed, as it didn't meet expectations. It didn't hit the mark as much. I really enjoyed that the author continues the trend of featuring romance of people with disabilities/anxieties, a representations that is not as prevalent and which is admirable, and should continue. However on the downside, I wasn't as engaged with the characters this time around, and Hill was just quite aggravating. As with the first book, it squite steamy so be prepared, its not the light rom com fare you expect from the cover. Sidenote: the analysis of rom coms and horror movies in the book is brilliant. As a rom com obsessed person I hadn't seen that and it made me laugh. I heard this through audiobook and though the narrator was great for most of it, her male voice was a bit grating.

Note to the Publisher: The audio file we got only started in chapter 3 , chapters 1 and 2 were missing, although you could get the feel for the story without it, you missed their first meet cute. Im waiting for the book to come out to download those chapters.

I LOVED this story. I was so anxious for Andi's story after reading Yes & I Love you and it did not disappoint. The way Roni Loren handles PTSD and trauma issues is so well done. Andi has such an interesting story and one that I haven't seen done before with her previous encounters with a former boyfriend who traumatized her. She starts to work though those issues with her neighbor and former firefighter, Hill Dawson who is working through his own trauma and PTSD issues.

The world can definitely be a scary place and Andi and Hill have both learned that first hand but they have dealt with their traumas in different ways. The emotions in this book were so raw and real and once I started I could not stop.

I listened to audio book and I do have to say I was not a fan of the narrator on this one. The narrator had a great voice and did a great job reading but I didn't feel like she was a good fit for his book. Andi is such a bubbly personality with so much life and energy that I didn't feel like the narrator really did that justice. When I read Andi I feel a certain energy come through the page, but I never got that in the audio. It kind of fell flat for me. I felt like this one was better on the page.

I loved the story, but did not love the audio book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an advanced listening copy of this one. I am so glad to have had a chance to experience Andi and Hill's story!

4.5 stars - A story of triumph after tragedy! What If You & Me is my first read by this author and I've already downloaded the first book in the series to start asap.

This story brings us two people who've suffered traumatic events in their lives, but after a misunderstanding leads to friendship, they try to help each other break down their walls and live each day to the fullest.

I was nervous going into this one cuz the only thing I'd heard was it made people cry, but I was more touched than anything and it made me re-evaluate the price of shutting people out at the risk of being hurt.

Such a beautifully written book with characters that will wrap you around their fingers. I listened to the audiobook in one sitting. The narration perfectly brought the scenes to life and I felt like I was watching a movie I didn't want to end!

Bubbly, outgoing Andi suffers from PTSD. She lives her life terrified of being attacked. Her new neighbor, Hill, has his own issues. A former firefighter, he was injured on the job. They begin a friends-with-benefits relationships because they both know they are not in a place to begin a serious relationship. As they work through their traumas, they begin to realize that maybe they are relationship-ready.

I really enjoyed this story. This, along with book one of the series (Yes & I Love You), are great because the characters are real. They do not have perfect lives, nor are their "issues" superficial. These characters have actual problems and they work to overcome them.

Not that it was an issue, but I think one thing that kept me from LOVING it was Andi's obsession with all things horror. I am not a horror fan- I typically find the genre cheesy. So all of the talk about classic horror movies kind of droned on for me.

I listened to the audiobook version. The narration is clear and paced well. My only complaint is sometimes when the narrator said "Hill", it sounded more like "Hail". It grated on my nerves a bit.

Overall, this series is worth checking out. I'm assuming there will be a book 3 with Liza and Ramsey. I saw that coming early on ;)

I received a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this audiobook.
Andi Lockley, a horror story author, has a past that has kept her from having any relationships with the opposite sex.
Hill Dawson, is a former firefighter that is considered a hero, but truly is a man that lost not only part of his leg during the last rescue , but was also dumped at that time by his fiancee. Depression is his companion.
They are neighbors that meet when he thinks she’s in danger. From then on, a friendship develops, and as each opens their hearts, feelings develop. Both afraid to take it further.
But what happens when one of them is ready, while the other one doesn’t think it’s possible.
Add to that an unexpected turn of events, and you wonder, will that make them realize that they truly are perfect for each other?
This is a touching, at times heartbreaking as well as heartwarming story with characters you will fall in love with.
I would like to add that the narrator, Desiree Ketchum did an excellent job with the voices.
I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are soley my own.

What can we learn from this?
We learn that it’s never too late to fall in love!
It was charming and oh so sweet. The h and H had electric chemistry. And they lit off fireworks every time they got together. This book was a fun, enjoyable read about two troubled souls who’ve had some terrible experiences. They met at a time when they really needed someone to see them.
The audiobook was narrated by Desiree Ketchum and she did an amazing job. She added and extra special layer to the story. I highly recommend listening to this.
Thanks Dreamscape Media via Netgalley.

This is one of my new favorite romances!!! I fell so hard for Andie and Hill's love story and would have listened to another 11 hours of it! Andie's backstory is one I think a lot of survivors of assault or other traumatic experiences will relate to, as well as how that trauma affects your relationships after the fact. I loved Hill's example of a patient, respectful, understanding man who supported Andie in just the ways she needed even while working through his own PTSD and depression. This book was such a comfort read/listen and I think very reflective of how two hurt people can heal together and on their individual journeys--I completely adored it. Very excited for what's next from Roni Loren, whether in this world of lovely characters or another!

4 1/2 Stars for this quirky but emotional romance!

Andi is a horror writer and podcaster who experienced a horrific ordeal and now has lots of issues. Hill is a firefighter who was hurt on the job and forced to retire at an early age because of losing a leg. Andi and Hill are new neighbours. One night Hill hears screaming coming from next door, so he rushes over and bangs on Andi's door ... only to realize that she was watching a horror movie. Even though Andi and Hill are polar opposites, they strike up a deal to help each other with their issues and eventually begin a friends-with-benefits relationship.

I loved Andi and Hill! Andi is just so unique with her brightly colored hair and sarcastic attitude. And Hill is an alpha fireman with a hero complex ... and I don't know any woman who don't like them. Andi and Hill are just so sweet together and I rooted for them to have their happily-ever-after. It's refreshing to read about characters who have real disabilities. I found the narrator was able to portray different emotions in her voice and I loved that she had a deeper voice for Hill. An excellent addition to the series.

I received an early audio copy courtesy of Dreamscape Media through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

Thanks to SourcebooksCasa for my digital arc and Dreamscape Media for the alc.

One sentence review: A really great romance that manages to combine the fun of a horror movie tutorial with a very thoughtful look at two people learning how to manage significant mental health issues.

The main character of What I You and Me is Andi, a true crime podcaster and horror novelist, who battles anxiety stemming from a traumatic past experience. Her neighbor Hill is a former firefighter who lost part of his leg during a fire rescue and is still trying to figure out how to adjust his life to fit his new reality.

My thoughts:

- Roni Loren really has a gifted way with characters. I loved both Andi and Hill and she does an excellent job of bringing these two, and their struggles with mental health and other issues, to light.
- I loved the recap of horror movies. I recently read The Dead Girl Support Group, and as someone who doesn't really watch horror, I really wish I had read this one first so I would have had a review of horror films.
- One thing I really love about this series is the cowork space and the focus on people whose work is more independent, as opposed to the more structured corporate or governmental model.

I highly recommend this book as it has a fun premise and some great characters. It is definitely going to go on my list of books to recommend for people to read in October who want to get into the spooky spirit, but without any real horror.

NARRATION: The narration on this one was top notch. Desiree Ketchum does a fantastic job bringing these characters to life and lending them spark.

Please disregard this review for this title. It was used for testing purposes only on the NetGalley shelf. Thank you.

Roni Loren is a great writer who knows how to make the reader feel the emotions of her characters. What If You & Me covers some intense topics while telling a beautiful story of two imperfect people helping each other heal. Andi and Hill seem like opposites at first glance, but as they begin to share their history and trust each other, they realize just how much they understand each other. This book isn’t as humorous as Yes & I Love You but it still made me laugh. And oh is it spicy! Roni Loren doesn’t hold back with the steam. I did a mix of audio and ebook and then ran out and got the physical book to add it to my library. Whichever media you prefer, get your copy today!

Thank you to @NetGalley and @sourcebookscasa for the digital arc and to @Dreamscapemedia for the alc.

CW: anxiety, depression, cyberstalking, manipulation, PTSD, assault, injury by fire

What If You & Me by Roni Lauren
2nd book in the Say Anything series. Contemporary romance. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Includes issues of disability and PTSD.

Andi is used to thinking worst case scenario. As a horror novelist and true crime podcast story teller, bad behavior is her default first thought. Her podcast is to help people protect themselves.
Hill is a forced retired firefighter after losing his leg. He doesn’t want anything to do with his new neighbor but he can’t help being protective when it’s called for.
As the two spend more time together, they find things in common though they deal with issues from totally opposing personalities.

I loved the heroine and her strength and commitment to healing with a positive outlook. She’s cheerful with a smile on the outside even if that’s not how she feels on the inside.
The hero has PTSD and a disability. I wasn’t happy about some of his decisions but understand the fear. I’m grateful it all worked out as it’s supposed to in a romance.

Provoking, heartbreaking, sexy, and ultimately delightful.

🎧 I listened to the audio book narrated by Desiree Ketchum who also did the first book. She has a pleasant range of voices but does better with the female characters than male which is to be expected. It is a clear and distinct voice for Hill so it’s easy to track who’s talking on the audiobook. Emotions and tension are clearly articulated. I started at a speed of 1.0 as usual and then listened to the majority of the book at 1.25 which is the norm for me.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia.

Another win by Roni Loren! She has quickly become an auto-buy romance writer for me - not only are her stories steamy with highly relatable characters, she also tackles important mental health issues. This story features Andi, a true crime podcaster and horror writer with anxiety and her hot neighbor, Hale, an ex-firefighter with an amputated leg and a passion for cooking. Together the two bond over classic horror movies and work through their respective traumas and sexual insecurities. I can't emphasize enough how refreshing it is to read about characters dealing with real life issues. Both Hale and Andi go to therapy to work on their issues (anxiety and depression) and are gentle with one another's emotional roadblocks to love. Their journey to a happily ever after was the perfect listen on this hot summer day. Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape media for my advance listening copy of this great new book, excellently narrated by Desiree Ketchum. I cannot recommend this one more, especially for fans of Float plan, Seven days in June or Life's too short. This is a standalone book but is set in the same world as Yes & I love you.

Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks, Dreamscape, and Libro.Fm for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

CW: anxiety, description of past sexual assault, PTSD, ableism, past toxic relationship (not MC), past cheating (not MC), past parental abandonment

I loved the first book in the series but this definitely can be read as a standalone or out of order

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-m/f friends to lovers
-grump/sunshine
-nieghbors
-this is just a hookup
-sex education
-a crime podcaster that is relationship reluctant
-a former firefighter with abandonment issues
-a bachelor auction

I adored this one. Two people who are survivors, not victims, overcoming, and finding themselves and each other. This was all about intimacy and letting yourself be vulnerable with someone else. I was already a fan of Andi from Book 1 but now with a full picture of her I just adore her. That she turned something so difficult into not only a career but a way to help other women. Her ability to ask for what she wants, to set boundaries.

And sweet, sweet gruff Hill. I loved how protective he was of Andi, not because she wasn't capable but because he cared so much for her. How she slowly opened him up. The sex in this one is steamy but all about pushing the physical and emotional intimacy. It was just excellent. I cannot wait for the next addition to this series.

I did a mix of listening and reading. The narrator was fine, not bad but not excellent either.

Rating: 4.5
Steam: 4

This copy of the audiobook started at Chapter 3, so I couldn't listen to it. I contacted NetGalley and they informed me that they would reach out to the publisher, but I haven't gotten anything back. I was really looking forward to listening to this book. I loved the first book in this series, and I still hope you'll consider me to review her other books. Thanks!

Roni Loren's Yes& I Love You is one of my favorite romances of 2021. So naturally I squealed when I was approved for this Arc. 

I love romance with "heft". Give me two people with huge baggage learning to let go of their insecurities and to trust someone again and I am a goner. Andi and Hill have to deal with more than their insecurities though. Andi suffers from anxiety caused by a traumatic experience in her teens while Hill is trying to learn to live as an amputee and suffers from PTSD and depression. Roni Loren treats the issues with such reverence.

The progress of their relationship from neighbors to friends to friends-with-benefits is gradual. Their romance is slow-burn. These two are so good together. They are both so vulnerable and sweet. I loved the time Andi and Hill spent together like Hill teaching Andi how to cook and Andi educating Hill about horror movies There are 2-3 open-door scenes after the 60% mark. If you like smut you certainly won't be disappointed. On the other hand if that is not your thing, you can certainly skip those scenes but just know there is so much this book offers other than those steamy scenes. Where the book shines is the open communication between the characters. Andi and Hill communicate so clearly about what they are ready for in the relationship physically, psychologically & emotionally and what they need from each other.

I loved the way Andi compares and contrasts rom-coms and horror movies. I'll never look at Sleepless in Seattle, You've Got Mail, Clueless and Grease the same way again. Listen to Andi's argument: "Sleepless in Seattle- Lady hears a dude on the radio talking about his dead wife and then totally stalks him and his kid. Creepy. Reverse the genders on that one, and it would've been a horror movie for sure,  Next, You've Got Mail- Tom Hanks catfishes Meg Ryan and destroys her business. Then he basically gaslights her into thinking that was a good thing. Horror stories and love stories are two sides of the same coin. Both can involve obsession. Being overtaken by feelings you can't control. Being driven to doing crazy, out-of-character stuff. Being at someone's mercy"

#Sayeverthing series is slowly making its way into my favorite romance series. I loved seeing Hollyn and Jasper and I am looking forward to reading Eliza's story next. 

Audiobook production was very good. I really liked narrators performance.