Take a photo of a barcode or cover
astraether's Reviews (114)
I really enjoyed this book! The characters seemed believable and appealing, and I could buy into their growing attraction, particularly with the philosophical, ethical and moral debates regarding their differing viewpoints. It's nice to see characters discuss deeper subjects that really matter, especially when they're coming from opposite ends of the spectrum. A minister and a sex-worker (or at least sex-worker-adjacent) probably couldn't be more opposite! But it was interesting how they managed to rectify their differing views and eventually find some commonality.
My only complaint, I suppose, is that I was hoping for some more BDSM elements, given the heroine's training and place of work. That was at least half the appeal for me, reading about a "whipping governness" (love the term!) and seeing kink elements through a historical lens. I suppose I might have to dip into some of the author's other books for that, though. But since I really enjoyed the writing, that won't be too much of a hardship. ;)
My only complaint, I suppose, is that I was hoping for some more BDSM elements, given the heroine's training and place of work. That was at least half the appeal for me, reading about a "whipping governness" (love the term!) and seeing kink elements through a historical lens. I suppose I might have to dip into some of the author's other books for that, though. But since I really enjoyed the writing, that won't be too much of a hardship. ;)
I've just finished two books by Roni Loren and wanted to take a moment to gush about this author. The first was "Yes & I Love You" and I thought the premise was interesting, where the FMC agrees to take improv classes to get over her social anxiety, but it wasn't until "What If You & Me" that the author magically included two of my favorite subjects: true crime and horror.
The FMC of the latter is a horror novelist who also does a true crime podcast, and I just had to mentally squee over that combination! I've been an avid fan of horror all my life, so it was a fun treat to read about the FMC schooling her love interest "horror virgin" on all the staples. I've also been fixated on a true crime podcast recently (My Favorite Murder), so it was like all these interests of mine converged in one book, and of course now I want more like it! (So while this post is designed to be a gush/recommendation, if anyone has any suggestions that cross over into the realm of true crime, horror, thriller, police procedural, hot-detective/FBI profiler getting embroiled in some investigation and romance ensues, hit me with 'em!)
Other aspects I really enjoyed about Roni Loren's books in general:
* The characters communicate honestly with one another! It seems like such a small thing, but it's so refreshing to read about characters tackling their insecurities and actually telling each other what's going on instead of bottling it up and/or the author relying on miscommunication for plot-points.
* Her characters are all flawed and multi-dimensional. Both the FMCs and MMCs are grappling with certain issues like mental health/ADHD/depression/PTSD and I felt that the author treated those subjects with care and respect, and no one was just magically cured by LOOOVE at the end.
* There's a good level of steam, but with a nice build-up beforehand so you're way more invested when it finally happens (personally, I like a little bit of a build/slow-burn moreso than insta-love/lust, even though both characters are attracted to each other at the outset).
* Great discussions of consent, boundaries, and thankfully not too much toxic male possessiveness (or at least the characters acknowledge that/try to work on it in a mature way, which I appreciated).
* Dual POVs. Not everyone loves that, but I do -- I enjoy the chance to get into each character's head.
* Set in New Orleans -- one of my favorite cities!
The FMC of the latter is a horror novelist who also does a true crime podcast, and I just had to mentally squee over that combination! I've been an avid fan of horror all my life, so it was a fun treat to read about the FMC schooling her love interest "horror virgin" on all the staples. I've also been fixated on a true crime podcast recently (My Favorite Murder), so it was like all these interests of mine converged in one book, and of course now I want more like it! (So while this post is designed to be a gush/recommendation, if anyone has any suggestions that cross over into the realm of true crime, horror, thriller, police procedural, hot-detective/FBI profiler getting embroiled in some investigation and romance ensues, hit me with 'em!)
Other aspects I really enjoyed about Roni Loren's books in general:
* The characters communicate honestly with one another! It seems like such a small thing, but it's so refreshing to read about characters tackling their insecurities and actually telling each other what's going on instead of bottling it up and/or the author relying on miscommunication for plot-points.
* Her characters are all flawed and multi-dimensional. Both the FMCs and MMCs are grappling with certain issues like mental health/ADHD/depression/PTSD and I felt that the author treated those subjects with care and respect, and no one was just magically cured by LOOOVE at the end.
* There's a good level of steam, but with a nice build-up beforehand so you're way more invested when it finally happens (personally, I like a little bit of a build/slow-burn moreso than insta-love/lust, even though both characters are attracted to each other at the outset).
* Great discussions of consent, boundaries, and thankfully not too much toxic male possessiveness (or at least the characters acknowledge that/try to work on it in a mature way, which I appreciated).
* Dual POVs. Not everyone loves that, but I do -- I enjoy the chance to get into each character's head.
* Set in New Orleans -- one of my favorite cities!
