What If You & Me
Y’all know that Roni Loren’s first book in this series, Yes & I Love You, was my favorite rom-com (did ya catch the “was”?). Well, Loren outdid herself, and her latest book in this series, What If You & Me, is my new favorite!
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.
This book has everything I wanted and look for (when you read the “check” in your head do so with emphasis and pizazz)!
Smart, strong, funny and witty female lead
Lead character stays true to herself while still growing as an individual
Laugh out loud moments (lots)
Funny, supportive, smart and real friends
An actual plot with the storyline that kept moving along at a steady pace
Suspense
Believable romance situations
Some amazingly steamy sex scenes that start halfway through the book (mama likes her steam) not in the last chapter…multiple sex scenes too (don’t judge me)
A real conflict situation that threatens the relationship that is believable
And not once did I roll my eyes at any scene!
This was a sweet book with excellent humor, warmth, and lots of charming and witty banter. I was completely drawn into this book from the beginning, and found myself heavily invested in the romance. I sympathized with the situations both Andi and Hill found themselves in. I loved the additional layers of Andi and Hill’s PTSD. Watching them both work through their fears made the storyline feel more real and raw.
Both Andi and Hill were smart, real, flawed and humorous, so the banter between them was a joy to read. Their chemistry was palpable, the steamy scenes were ooh la la divine, and they clearly worked well with each other (“worked” being the key word…wink, wink). I liked seeing both Andi and Hill step out of their comfort zone in the relationship realm.
Overall, I think fans of rom-com novels will 100% love this book, and if you are not a normal reader of the genre, this could be a perfect book to read when you need a break from heavier books.
Now to attempt to patiently wait for book 3 of this series…
Thank you Sourcebooks Casablanca for the gifted copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
