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maymay0316's review against another edition
5.0
This book gave me everything I wanted and more.
I agree with another reviewer that one of the best things about it is visibility and representation. I have just gotten more into reading this year but I this was the first romance book I came across with an interabled couple. I enjoyed Roni Loren's writing and felt she was respectful to both of the main characters when talking about the trauma and struggles they went through.
One of the best things about the book is how much I appreciated Andi and Hill's characters individually as well as their romance together. Andi is a girl after my own heart. True crime lover, podcaster and horror film buff with red hair. I loved how before Hill came along even with the trauma she faced, she was still unapologetically herself. I loved how you could see how much Hill appreciated Andi and how it hurt him to see someone had hurt her so bad. He was so sweet and caring and I also love that he had his own passion in showing others how to cook and feeding those close to him.
The good thing was even with their demons Andi and Hill felt like a team vs co-dependent relationship. Andi would call Hill out when things got weird and he was honest with her. He would make sure she was comfortable when they started getting closer physically. When one would share something personal, the other would follow. I love how you can see both characters struggle with vulnerability but how there is consent, patience and communication between both parties.
I agree with other reviewers that there are some dark subject matter discussed that could be triggering to some but I felt that it was handled very respectfully. It was a beautiful story about a couple being able to find safety in each other.
I agree with another reviewer that one of the best things about it is visibility and representation. I have just gotten more into reading this year but I this was the first romance book I came across with an interabled couple. I enjoyed Roni Loren's writing and felt she was respectful to both of the main characters when talking about the trauma and struggles they went through.
One of the best things about the book is how much I appreciated Andi and Hill's characters individually as well as their romance together. Andi is a girl after my own heart. True crime lover, podcaster and horror film buff with red hair. I loved how before Hill came along even with the trauma she faced, she was still unapologetically herself. I loved how you could see how much Hill appreciated Andi and how it hurt him to see someone had hurt her so bad. He was so sweet and caring and I also love that he had his own passion in showing others how to cook and feeding those close to him.
The good thing was even with their demons Andi and Hill felt like a team vs co-dependent relationship. Andi would call Hill out when things got weird and he was honest with her. He would make sure she was comfortable when they started getting closer physically. When one would share something personal, the other would follow. I love how you can see both characters struggle with vulnerability but how there is consent, patience and communication between both parties.
I agree with other reviewers that there are some dark subject matter discussed that could be triggering to some but I felt that it was handled very respectfully. It was a beautiful story about a couple being able to find safety in each other.
jeannethinks's review against another edition
4.0
Trauma comes in many forms, and this book does an excellent job of showing you the impact. Letting someone see your vulnerability is the highest form of trust.
1943tre's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 rounded up because I am a woman of generosity.
I read them out of order, but I've now completed the entire Say Everything series and I think I'd rank them: #3, #2, #1. Roni Loren, I've said it before and I'll say it again!, is a very competent romance writer. Even if she doesn't deliver super high highs for me, I feel like they're all consistently pretty good. All three have really good steam with impeccable consent, extremely healthy communication, and like, a strong message, lol, at the end. They're also all very much Romances and NOT women's fiction, which will appeal to some.
One thing she has done twice in this series is introduce a friends-with-benefits arrangement. I really don't love this for some reason. I think it's just a little predictable how it's going to work. One person is always so deadset on the other person only seeing them as a friend, though since these books are dual-POV we the readers know otherwise, and it gets a little frustrating. The other thing that grates me on a little in this book is just how SWEET it is lol? There's definitely angst and both Hill and Andi are dealing with some legitimately serious traumas, but it's wrapped up so sweetly at the end that it's kind of like, really???? I also think Loren's dialogue is a bit cheugy. Her characters, basically always, sound like they're coming out of feel-good sitcoms written by...older people (is this mean lol?) and not like what 20/30-somethings would actually say. It's a bit jarring.
That said, this book had really good pacing. I couldn't put it down and the third act conflict at the end legitimately had my heart racing. I could see how others would find it triggering, so I guess I will say that if you are not into reading about attempted assault, I'd avoid. Loren used to be a social worker apparently and I think it really shows––she treats her characters with care and their emotional journeys are always complex and quite lovely by the end.
I read them out of order, but I've now completed the entire Say Everything series and I think I'd rank them: #3, #2, #1. Roni Loren, I've said it before and I'll say it again!, is a very competent romance writer. Even if she doesn't deliver super high highs for me, I feel like they're all consistently pretty good. All three have really good steam with impeccable consent, extremely healthy communication, and like, a strong message, lol, at the end. They're also all very much Romances and NOT women's fiction, which will appeal to some.
One thing she has done twice in this series is introduce a friends-with-benefits arrangement. I really don't love this for some reason. I think it's just a little predictable how it's going to work. One person is always so deadset on the other person only seeing them as a friend, though since these books are dual-POV we the readers know otherwise, and it gets a little frustrating. The other thing that grates me on a little in this book is just how SWEET it is lol? There's definitely angst and both Hill and Andi are dealing with some legitimately serious traumas, but it's wrapped up so sweetly at the end that it's kind of like, really???? I also think Loren's dialogue is a bit cheugy. Her characters, basically always, sound like they're coming out of feel-good sitcoms written by...older people (is this mean lol?) and not like what 20/30-somethings would actually say. It's a bit jarring.
That said, this book had really good pacing. I couldn't put it down and the third act conflict at the end legitimately had my heart racing. I could see how others would find it triggering, so I guess I will say that if you are not into reading about attempted assault, I'd avoid. Loren used to be a social worker apparently and I think it really shows––she treats her characters with care and their emotional journeys are always complex and quite lovely by the end.
things_i_read_lately's review
5.0
I didn’t think it was possible, but I loved this book as much if not more than the first book in this series. Thank you @emmylovesbooks for singing its praises and convincing me I needed to listen to them. This feels like the perfect romance book for any of your friends who are obsessed with murder/mystery podcats/true crime etc. Andi is a ‘famous’ murder podcast gal, with some serious baggage from a previous assault, and Hill is a firefighter who lost his leg on the job. I adored both Hill and Andi. Hill gave me all of the Kelly Severide and Matt Casey Chicago Fire vibes, and was the perfect leading man. I wouldn’t exactly call it an enemies to lovers romance, but Hill and Andi very much get off on the wrong foot as neighbors. I really enjoyed watching their friendship develop and them trying to fight their obvious chemistry and work through all of their emotional issues. Much like the first book in this series, I was addicted as soon as I started, and couldn’t stop listening.
nelsonseye's review against another edition
4.0
While not as strong for me as [b:Yes & I Love You|53439441|Yes & I Love You (Say Everything, #1)|Roni Loren|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1593619484l/53439441._SX50_.jpg|83098605], I still enjoyed What If You & Me quite a bit and I rounded up from 3.5 stars for how the climax was handled. Andi and Hill were sympathetic leads, and I felt for both of them; I will say that Hill's actions/choices before the final moments made me roll my eyes, but he did redeem himself relatively quickly. Andi's comments were excellent though. I also want to say I love the normalization of living with mental health challenges and the benefits of therapy and the idea that romance and relationships do not fix everything (and that you don't need to be perfect to be worthy). I also appreciated that the "evil ex" was humanized and sympathetic.
jaimejustreadsromance's review against another edition
4.0
Another fantastic story from Roni Loren!!
I absolutely loved the horror writer/podcaster angle of this story. I've read books with horror author heroes but never a heroine. Add in the aspect of Andi's history and how/why she created her podcast and I was sold. Not to mention that having an grumpy, injured (both physically and mentally) former firefighter as her neighbor and it was pretty impossible not to fall in love with this story.
How Roni Loren manages to continually write these though-provoking, heart-breaking stories while also keeping them light-hearted, fun and sexy is beyond me. She has such a talent for making me feel so much without completely breaking me at the same time. I love how she is tackling stories about mental health with, what I perceive to be, great respect and care.
*I received an ARC for voluntary review
I absolutely loved the horror writer/podcaster angle of this story. I've read books with horror author heroes but never a heroine. Add in the aspect of Andi's history and how/why she created her podcast and I was sold. Not to mention that having an grumpy, injured (both physically and mentally) former firefighter as her neighbor and it was pretty impossible not to fall in love with this story.
How Roni Loren manages to continually write these though-provoking, heart-breaking stories while also keeping them light-hearted, fun and sexy is beyond me. She has such a talent for making me feel so much without completely breaking me at the same time. I love how she is tackling stories about mental health with, what I perceive to be, great respect and care.
*I received an ARC for voluntary review
stellarugama's review against another edition
4.0
Pleasantly surprised with this one. This cover really undersells the sweet romance. A little heavier for a romance, but in the best way possible.
sbojo32's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoyed Yes & I Love You and couldn't wait to read Andi's story. I loved the background on Andi to explain her anxiety. As a character she was great and I loved how her and Hill's relationship developed.
Overall I thought the book did drag a little, but the story was great. I like that there were no communication issues (my pet peeve with romance books). The characters were upfront and honest with each other.
It was predictable but in a good way.
Overall I thought the book did drag a little, but the story was great. I like that there were no communication issues (my pet peeve with romance books). The characters were upfront and honest with each other.
It was predictable but in a good way.
booklovermadison's review against another edition
4.0
While reading this, I didn't realize it is a second in a series. It was okay! Nothing to rave home about. I really wish we had more of Hill's background but I love Andi! I felt like in a lot of ways I could relate to her and how cautious she is with everything around her.. and for a justifiable reason!
Rating: 4/5
Spice: 3/5
Rating: 4/5
Spice: 3/5
nat_rose123's review against another edition
3.0
3 stars.
I did enjoy the first half of the book. I thought Andi's job as a horror writer was super interesting, and I thought it was super cool that Hill had a disability. the thing is that it just got a little boring for me, I didn't really mesh well with the story and the plot seemed to fall a little flat for me. There was nothing particularly bad about it, I just seemed to loose interest as it went on.
I did enjoy the first half of the book. I thought Andi's job as a horror writer was super interesting, and I thought it was super cool that Hill had a disability. the thing is that it just got a little boring for me, I didn't really mesh well with the story and the plot seemed to fall a little flat for me. There was nothing particularly bad about it, I just seemed to loose interest as it went on.