Title: What If You & Me (Say Everything #2)
Author: Roni Loren
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication date: July 6th, 2021
320 pages
5/5 stars
Goodreads Synopsis
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.
Review
Follow up to Yes & I Love You, Roni Loren is back with a new romance that continues her theme of tackling mental health and serious topics. Andi is in the spotlight in this book, and you learn so much more about her past and trauma. Her next door neighbor, Hill, is recovering from losing his leg when working as a firefighter 2 years ago. Unbeknownst to them, each other is exactly what they need to process their traumas and feel safe.
I absolutely adore these books. The characters are written so beautifully, it evokes such emotions in the reader. I just wanted to give Hill and Andi hugs while I was reading this book. Andi’s positivity and zeal for life just wrecks broody Hill and it was a pleasure to read. I was completely swept up as they became friends, began to trust each other, and then fell for each other.
There are some more serious topics and events in this book than I would say there was in Yes & I Love You, so see below for content warnings. Please make sure you’re reading this one when you’re comfortable.
Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Netgalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
CW: physical assault, PTSD, anxiety, discussions of death, amputation
Happy reading, folks!
Baltimore Bibliophile 