This one was just okay. I believe this is a standalone in a series as I didn't read the first book, but I also felt I didn't miss anything. I just wised there was more of an emotional buildup between the main couple. I couldn't really see the connection between the two. I did enjoy the premise though. It was interesting.

Narrator Desiree Ketchum did a great job, I also loved her H voice too!

I received this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

I read this as an audio book and for some reason their story started on chapter three so I missed the initial meeting and had to piece it together throughout the book. This book was fun while dealing with trauma. Andi's paranoia was well written and I love how she uses horror to cope and prepare for the what ifs. She can be pushy but passionate. My heart broke for Hill and I'm glad we got to see him regain his confidence in himself and his body. He was super sweet and and sexy and well matched with Andi. Roni Loren has real talent and I am glad I requested this.

I love love loved Loren's previous book in this series and could not wait to get my hands on the second one. I had adored Hollyn and Jasper both and really loved the writing. I didn't realize this book was going to be about two different characters but I quickly grew to love Andi and Hill as well and found myself rooting for them.

I felt like there was less up-front character development in this story so I didn't find myself as attached to the characters as I had in the previous book and the attraction and steam showed up more quickly in this book. But my favorite part of the first book in the series was how the characters are flawed and real in their own ways and how they are struggling with who they are and how worthy that makes them in a romance. And then they find each other and are so open and kind to these insecurities.

This is just as true in this novel with Andi and her anxiety and need to go slow due to her own past experiences and Hill and his grappling with having lost one of his legs. Here are two people struggling with life and trying to navigate their way and they find each other, honor each other's flaws and love each other because of it all.

And there are some steamy steamy scenes in this book!

I loved the sneak peek of Hollyn and Jasper, too! I really hope there are more books to come in this series!

with gratitude to Dreamscape Media and netgalley for an advanced audio in exchange for an honest review

Thank you Net Gallery for an audio ARC of What If You & Me. This is a story of Andi and Hill, both Augsburg from PTSD from tragic experiences. It's their journey, coming through their issues to be together

What If You & Me is a beautiful love story between two people with tragic pasts and PTSD. Andi is a horror writer who also is creating a true crime podcast. Her new neighbor is Hill, a former firefighter who lost part of his leg on the job. The two form a relationship and try to pull each other from their own minds.

The writing in this story was very beautiful. I felt so bad for Andi and could not even imagine how she lives day to day with her past. I think it's unique that she turned to horror so she would always be expecting and prepared for the worst. Of course, with both main characters being so stubborn sometimes you just want to shake them and make them wake up. Hill was definitely a lot more in his head. I enjoyed that the book didn't shy away from having them talk through their trauma together. I listened to the audiobook and the narrators were really great. They felt like they had a connection even though they were just narrating. I loved the narrator for Andi especially, she was able to be upbeat and bubbly without coming as ditzy or annoying. For me, this was a 4/5.

If you like love stories between well rounded people whose pasts are not just rainbows and butterflies, true crime podcasts, or men who can cook, this book is for you.

I received a copy of this audiobook free from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars

A horror novelist (Andi) moves in next door to a retired firefighter (Hill) & sparks start to fly. Both are wary of risking a relationship since both are still working through traumatic pasts: for Hill, an accident that disabled him & cost him his career & engagement; for Andi, an abusive relationship with a sociopath that cost her any sense of safety & her ability to trust men. This book deals with heavy topics, but I appreciate how real Andi & Hill are, risking vulnerability to fight for trust & face down their fears. The ending is slightly rushed, but the story has good writing, cute scenes, believable chemistry, & decent character development.

[What I liked:]

•I love how Andi is a true crime podcaster & tells difficult stories to educate people on how to protect themselves from predators. I agree with her that true crime doesn’t have to be exploitative or a sensationalizing of tragedy. There are some great podcasters & YouTubers who cover true crime content to raise awareness, educate the public, & fight for justice for the victims of cold cases. (I highly recommend Stephanie Harlowe on YT!)

•I also really appreciate how the story touches on the r*pe culture, sexism, & threats women face online, including cyber bullying, stalking, & doxxing. It’s a real life thing many people face, & it’s validating to see it addressed in fiction.

•I like how both Andi & Hill are dealing with different fears & insecurities, & they have quite satisfying character growth arcs as they work through things & support each other. Their issues aren’t magically healed by “the power of love”, tg, & as someone who struggles with similar things it’s validating & encouraging to see even fictional people make progress in overcoming anxieties.

•Andi & Hill are really good together as a couple. The scenes of them bonding as friends over cooking & film nights were fun & cute. Their serious conversations & vulnerable honesty were admirable & touching. Their commitment to respecting boundaries & treating each other well was wonderful (okay, but Hill’s commitment to enthusiastic & vocal consent & how he checked in & made sure Andi was still good & gave her opportunities to halt things is goals!)

•I like how Andi was able to protect herself & use her smarts & intuition & preparedness at the end. She wasn’t a helpless damsel in distress waiting for a man to come save her.


[What I didn’t like as much:]

•While the chemistry & personality attraction had a good & believable build up over time, the “I love you” realizations happened a little fast. Not insta-love, it just felt a little rushed.

•Maybe I missed it, but I don’t recall reading how old Andi was supposed to be. The narrative says several times that Hill is 31 & thinks he’s too old for her, which is what made me wonder how old Andi was, & a bit perturbed when I never fid find out. (I don’t think it’s a big age gap, though?)

CW: PTSD, murder, abusive relationships, infidelity (neither MC cheats), anxiety, depression, physical assault, stalking

[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]