What If You and Me (Say Everything 2) by Roni Loren-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 6, 2021.

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.

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REVIEW:WHAT IF YOU AND ME is the second instalment in Roni Loren’s contemporary, adult SAY EVERYTHING erotic, romance series. This is thirty-one year old, former firefighter Hill Dawson, and author/podcaster Andi Lockley’s story line. WHAT IF YOU AND ME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Andi and Hill) WHAT IF YOU AND ME follows the neighbors/friends with benefits relationship between thirty-one year old, former firefighter Hill Dawson, and horror author/podcaster Andi Lockley. Approximately two years earlier Hill Dawson’s life as a fire-fighter ended when a work place accident ended his career leaving Hill struggling with depression and something to do. Meeting his new neighbor/tenant gave Hill thoughts he had long forgotten, since he discovered his fiancée in love with another man but his spunky next door neighbor offered a reprieve from his thoughts, thoughts that continued to stray on what was and what will never be. Andi Lockley is a horror author, and podcaster about murdered and missing people, and in this Andi had some experience when it comes to the frightening reality about what it is she talks. Falling for her neighbor was never on the agenda but a friendship with benefits relationship would quickly turn into something more, something of which Hill wanted nothing to do. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Andi and Hill, and the potential fall-out as Hill pushes Andi out of his life, just as Andi’s life is about to implode.

Andi and Hill are both dealing with the trauma of past events, and in this, the past continues to affect the present and the future. Hill and Andi both agreed neither one was ready to settle down but Andi was the first to fall, and Hill wasn’t ready to pick up the pieces. A disastrous prior relationship for both has caused both physical and emotional scars but Hill refuses to accept that he is the man for our heroine, believing he is a place holder for someone more to come.

The relationship between Andi and Hill is a neighbors/friends with benefits that turns into something more. From podcasting to writing, cooking to a Firefighter’s auction, our couple find themselves celebrating the little things in life, things that detract from the terror that was once their lives. As Andi slowly falls for her firefighter hero, Hill begins to pull back just as Andi’s life spirals out of control. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Hill’s fellow firefighter and friend Ramsey, Andi’s friends and therapist Eliz, Hill’s ex-fiancee Christine, as well as the return of Hollyn and Jasper (YES AND I LOVE YOU #1).

WHAT IF YOU AND ME is a story of betrayal and loss with a sassy and determined heroine, and a sometimes miserable hero who believes himself too broken to move forward. The premise is emotional and edgy; the romance is energetic and intense; the characters are tragic, animated and inspiring.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one YES, AND I LOVE YOU

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Roni wrote her first romance novel at age fifteen when she discovered writing about boys was way easier than actually talking to them. Since then, her flirting skills haven’t improved, but she likes to think her storytelling ability has. If she’s not working on her latest sexy story, you can find her cooking, watching reality television, or picking up another hobby she doesn’t need–in other words, procrastinating like a boss. She is a RITA Award winner and a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author.

Places to find Roni Loren:
Site: www.roniloren.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoniLoren
Twitter: https://twitter.com/roniloren
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4877863.Roni_Loren