Even though Roni Loren is one of those authors I will read anything by, no matter what the book is about, I was still surprised by how much I freaking loved this book. This was a book that caught me in the feels in a big way. I was so emotionally invested that my anxiety would spike what I felt potential drama in the air and I would want to bury my head under a pillow like a kid watching a scary movie (or like a me watching a scary movie if I am being honest).

I loved how this book was very much a romantic comedy, charming as all get out and still steamy, it also featured a main character with Tourette's and all of the anxiety that Hollyn feels because of feeling different. Hollyn was such a relatable character. We all have something that we are afraid to show others, she just does not have the luxury of being able to hide. However she is also smart, funny, and successful. Jasper is a barista by day, improv performer by night and is full of charisma and boyish adorableness. When he agrees to help Hollyn gain more confidence in her ability to speak on camera so that she keep her job the two never expect that spending time together could lead to more. I never expected to lean that alphabet games could be so hot. Loren writes both their connection and their character growth so well which just elevates this book to another level and makes the ending so satisfying.

I cannot wait to read Andi's book and whatever else Loren comes up. Her next book can be about cow shifters in space and I will be there for it.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Roni Loren, Net Galley, and Sourcebooks Casablanca for sharing this with me in exchange for my honest review.

Yes & I Love You was definitely a different romcom than what I am used to, in the greatest way! I loved that Hollyn was a strong female lead character. She did not let her Tourette syndrome hold her back. I also enjoyed getting to know Jasper as he maneuvered through his own challenges, while also being a supportive friends-with-benefits/fake boyfriend to Hollyn. Their relationship was a steamy one!

This book sent a powerful message that I believe many readers, including myself, can relate to. I appreciated that! Overall, I would recommend this book if you’re looking for something different in the romcom department.

“When does it become not okay to be shy? What happens when people don’t grow out of awkward? I want to see those movies. Am I the only one?”

Miz Poppy is a talented local reviewer whose pop culture commentaries are all the rage. But the woman behind the latest media sensation, Hollyn Tate, is as far from glitz and glamor as they come. In fact, not only does Hollyn avoid the limelight, she tends do avoid most new interactions, period.

See, Hollyn has Tourette’s syndrome which makes it hard for her to face others, literally. Hollyn’s Tourette’s manifests itself as facial tics, ones that are embarrassing, exhausting, and hard to explain. As Miz Poppy, Hollyn feels safe. Her true personality can shine, but she can still keep her anonymity.

So when Hollyn meets the hot new coffee guy, Jasper Deares, her tics come out in full force. As a result, she tries to avoid interacting with Jasper. Meanwhile Jasper doesn’t know what is about the mysterious Hollyn, but he finds himself drawn to the standoffish yet intriguing woman. Soon they both realize the other has something they need and slowly become friends. Can they work together to help the other achieve their goals or is there more to their story?

Yes & I Love You has a lot of adorable factors that work. I loved reading Miz Poppy’s relatable reviews. I also loved the improv aspect of this book as I grew up frequenting and being fascinated with improv as a teen. Having a main character of a rom com with Tourette’s is also ground breaking stuff. Lately I’ve read a lot of otherwise light fare that acknowledges heavier subject matter like Tourette’s or anxiety. This adds a level of realism and relatability to the genre that works.

But don’t let the cover or it’s blurb fool you. The steam factor goes from nonexistent to pretty steamy rather quickly in this one, another common thread I’m seeing in a lot of modern rom coms. All the steam is fine with me, but I feel like there should be somewhat of a disclaimer with these books as the switch might not be some readers thing.

I read this one with @lovearctually. Thank you to @netgalley and @sourcebookscasa for an advanced copy for review.

TW: anxiety, parental abandonment, discussion of suicidal ideation

I loved this book. It makes me want to work in a co-working space. Maybe that's because we are in the midst of a pandemic and I have been working from home for too long. But I think it's because the idea of all of that creative energy and potential new friends in one place is truly inspiring.

At the suggestion of her therapist, Hollyn rents an office at WorkAround as a means of getting out of her house for her social anxiety. Jasper works as a barista there, as he tries to get his Improv comedy group better gigs. Both characters were so well written, and I was pleased to read a story where Hollyn has Tourette's and Jasper has ADHD.

This is a story about finding friends as adults, about learning to have confidence in ourselves, about honesty, and about learning to say the Improv classic, "Yes and..." It left me feeling so emotional and happy. And I really want Hollyn to be my new best friend. She is a total badass and the bravest woman. The ending is utter perfection. Read this book for a steamy new romance.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for the eARC.

Thanks to Netgalley and sourcebooks for the arc

I really enjoyed this one. I liked the neurodivergent character with Tourette’s. I liked that the book showed her struggles and her talk with her friends and therapist to address the issues. I thought the love story was sweet and cute.

Definitely would read this author again!

Roni Loren hat ein Buch mit sehr interessanten Charakteren erschaffen, in deren Leben so einiges los ist, sowohl auf privater als auch auf beruflicher Ebene. Hollyn und Jasper treffen sich als er neu in dem Gebäude anfängt, in dem Hollyn einen Arbeitsplatz gemietet hat. Die erste Begegnung verläuft alles andere als harmonisch und zunächst kann man gar nicht glauben, dass die beiden Mal ein Paar werden sollen. Vor allem da sie so gegensätzlich sind, wie man es sich nur vorstellen kann. Darauf aufbauend nimmt die Geschichte ihren Lauf.

Es gibt so einige unterhaltsame, intensive und ernstere Szenen, die Mischung hat mir gut gefallen. Beim Lesen kam bei mir keine Langeweile auf, weil immer etwas los war.

Wie erwähnt fand ich die beiden Hauptcharaktere interessant und sie waren mir auch sympathisch. Zugleich empfand ich sie teils bzw. das Lesen über ihr Leben als etwas anstrengend. Für meinen Geschmack hat die Autorin etwas zu viel in die Charaktere und Geschichte gepackt. Damit meine ich zu viele Entwicklungen und Eigenheiten. Mir viel es schwer, eine gute emotionale Bindung zu den Charakteren aufzubauen.

Als Folge hat mich die Geschichte zwar gut unterhalten, aber nur wenig emotional berührt. Das ist nicht tragisch, aber natürlich auch nicht ideal. 🖤🖤🖤1/2

This started out a bit slow for me, but somewhere around a third of the way through, this sweet and spicy rom-com really picked up the pace. Hollyn Tate is writes an entertainment column in New Orleans under the pseudonym Miz Poppy. She has Tourette’s syndrome and suffers from social anxiety so hides behind her persona. Her therapist recommends that she put herself out there socially so when she meets Jasper Deares, the very hot improv actor who also serves coffee at her office building she takes a chance.

This story is filled with all kinds of cuteness (and spiciness) to make any rom-com lover happy. Jasper and Hollyn decide to have a no-strings relationship, but when Hollyn’s old friend Cal comes to town Jasper starts to realize his feelings may be stronger than he thought. This was a light, fun read and I thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. I gave it three and a half stars.

This book is so enjoyable! There are so many facets in play with the multiple characters and storyline, but at its heart is an emotional story of two people with real problems (including Tourette Syndrome and lingering scars from the foster system) taking a chance on both life and love and realizing they are better together. I will not soon forget Hollyn and Jasper! This contemporary romance is highly recommended.

Nobody knows that Hollyn is the well-loved and snarky Miz Poppy, a popular entertainment reviewer for a local New Orleans publication. Hollyn has Tourette's syndrome and is extremely shy when first interacting with new people. She is challenging herself to interact with others more and is renting an office in a shared workplace. Jasper is an improv actor (freshly returned from LA) who was just hired as the new coffee barista in Hollyn's work building. Unlike his predecessor, he is chatty. And handsome. Hollyn is uncomfortable at her initial reaction to him. She was attracted to him and that left her both tongue-tied and caused her tics to flare up.

This lovely story follows Jasper and Hollyn as they navigate the next steps in their lives and each other. What starts as a fake relationship (I love the fake dating trope!) quickly evolves into a very real connection. We also meet Andi, a new friend to Hollyn, and the main character of the next book in this series (I can't wait!!) I enjoyed how Hollyn and Jasper challenged both themselves and each other to take the next steps in their respective careers. Their connection was wonderful.

Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thoroughly enjoyed this romance that combines the unexpected elements of improv comedy, social anxiety, and Tourette Syndrome, with a healthy side of steam!

Hollyn is a snarky nightlife reviewer online, but incredibly self-conscious in real life--leading her to keep most people at arm's length. Jasper is an aspiring actor down on his luck, with big plans for his future. They both need each other to get what they want.

The writing is smart, the struggles are real and I felt as conflicted as the character at the crossroads they face. Plus there were some really fun references to movies or TV shows with some popular romcom troupes that I enjoyed. I would totally read Miz Poppy's blog and am already looking forward to the next book in the Say Everything series!

Special thank you to Net Galley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an ARC in advance for my honest review!

Thank you NetGalley, Roni Loren and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC of Yes & I Love You. This is my personal review.
As I read this book it is the first book I have read that took me all over the place with feelings and emotions. Part of me was wrapped up with the characters while part of me was not too sure if I wanted to keep reading.
I closed the book after reading and thought to myself that it was definitely a different book and it is a good book for a book club to read when it comes out March 2nd.

This is a contemporary rom com and not like one I have ever read before! I love reading about two main characters representing someone living with Tourette’s and someone living with ADHD.
I also love that it is such a contemporary story that Hollyn’s therapist is online, which is so prevalent now in Covid times. Hollyn has a plan that she has worked out with her therapist. She is living independently, she is working in an office, all things she didn’t always feel capable of.
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She hides behind the persona of Miz Poppy, a hugely popular reviewer. She always felt awkward and uncomfortable, but she must push out of her comfort zone when she received an ultimatum; add video to her blog or lose her job.
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She finds what she needs in Jasper, who is an aspiring actor himself. He is recovering from his ex-girlfriend’s success that led to the demise of their relationship and halted his career.
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It turns out together they push each other beyond their comfort zone and find out in a world where they are trying to belong, they belong with each other.
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Also, so fun are Miz Poppy’s topics like the top fake dating movies (Can’t Buy Me Love!) and best love triangles, specifically Lost (Sawyer!) True Blood (Eric!) and Dawson’s Creek (Pacey FOREVER!!!)
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All in all I loved that these two found their happy ending in this sweet, fun story.
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Thank you to #NetGalley and #SourcebooksCasablanca for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
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This book is available March 2nd!

From the cool cover to the last page, I super enjoyed this. Both Hollyn and Jasper are endearing and likable. They are well rounded characters, with flaws and feelings and sometimes make mistakes. Hollyn struggles socially, to the point where when they first meet, Jasper worried she didn't like him at all! But it's enviable the way she pushes out of her comfort zone. In fact, throughout the story, they both take big scary chances.

There were some scenes that made me laugh, and some side characters I loved. There was a HOT scene with a marker. Honestly I stayed up way super late last night to finish the book, because I was hooked and needed to know how it ended. Oh and there's a super sweet scene near the end, too. It was pretty swoony, really. I loved their story.

I loved this adorable little rom-com. It was easy to read and I ended up flying through it, which is rare for an eBook! This light-hearted love story was the perfect thing to read in the lead up to Valentine’s Day.

Hooray for neurodiverse representation--Hollyn has Tourette’s and anxiety and Jasper has ADHD. All of these characters were very likable. I loved Hollyn’s wit, outlook, and desire to improve herself. And her growth throughout the book--she gained such confidence! There was some great banter, and the improv scenes had me laughing to myself.

I definitely didn’t expect it to be quite as steamy as some scenes were!

I loved Andi, so I am very much looking forward to her offshoot What If You & Me.

A big thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Hollyn lives with the movies in her head. It's easier to live there than to face the anxiety of meeting new people or the constant tics from her Tourette's. Trying to make it in the big city of New Orleans, Hollyn claims the "Miz Poppy" moniker, where she has a cult following of her online movie and local entertainment reviews. In order to force herself out of her shell, Hollyn rents space in the WorkAround community office building and soon, she's forced into friendships with a hilarious cast of characters, including the ever so charming Jasper. Jasper serves as the resident coffee boy, but has big dreams of creating an improv theatre of his own. Soon Hollyn and Jasper realize they can help each other and a steamy friends with benefits relationship comes to life between the two. Told in dual POV's, Yes & I Love You tells the story of stepping out of your comfort zone and pushing the boundaries of what you thought was possible for your life.

I loved this book so much. It was smart and witty, with just the right amount of steam. The cast of characters is just the best. They all compliment each other so well and each friend plays a distinct role in helping each other find their true path, constantly believing in each other and pushing them outside of their comfort zones. Andi, the true-crime podcaster, had me laughing from the moment she was introduced and the Hail Yes! improv group made the book for me. The improv scenes were hysterical! The chemistry between Japser and Hollyn was on point. I swooned over their adorably awkward interactions and their hilarious banter had me turning the pages so quickly. Most importantly, the each help each other in their different journeys, quickly building a safe space of trust, where one another can truly discover what they want in life.

Yes & I Love You resonated with me deeply. My son has Tourette's and as a mother, you constantly worry about your child's future. When they have a neurological disorder, you know that they are going to face hardships others might not. Reading Hollyn's journey and how she was determined to live her life to the fullest, despite her Tourette's and anxiety gave me so much hope. Her tics were very realistically portrayed (something that doesn't happen all the time in mainstream media), which was very important for me. I have never read a book where the main character has Tourette's and for that, I thank you Roni Loren.

Hollyn is the embodiment of shy. She can barely walk through the building containing her rented office because potentially talking to people increases her anxiety and her facial tics due to Tourrette syndrome. Her ability to even work at an office outside her home is a huge step.

All starts changing when Hollyn meets Jasper -- her polar opposite. He is an aspiring actor and anchor to an improv troop. When he finds out that Hollyn's alter ego is Miz Poppy, reviewer of New Orleans nightlife and revered media star, he and Hollyn work together to help each other. He needs help getting his troop on the map; she needs help overcoming her anxiety. How does it go? Read and find out.

I'd recommend this title to anyone who wants to root for folks overcoming their own insecurities to forge a new path -- and read some steamy romance at the same time.

Fun, fast-paced and entertaining book is a contemporary romcom about an unlikely couple. Both of them not looking for a relationship, at all. She is a shy young woman who is trying to save her job. In her on-line persona, Miz Poppy, she is a popular writer with hilarious stories and snarky comments about the New Orleans nightlife. In real life, she is Hollyn who has Tourette's syndrome and finds it difficult to talk to strangers with her uncontrollable tics and high anxiety made worse by past humiliations, bullying and an overprotective mother. He is an aspiring actor with ADHD who is never at a loss for words. To pay the bills, he does Impov shows with a group of friends and pours coffee for a living. Jasper has just been dumped by his actress girlfriend who landed a role on a Netflix movie. He swears to his friends that he has no intention of abandoning them again or looking for another girlfriend. Coffee brings Jasper and Hollyn together and they realize they can help each other with no strings attached. They make an agreement. Jasper teaches Hollyn improv techniques to help her with the video blog her boss says she needs to do or she is fired. Hollyn will give "Hail Yes", Jasper's Improv group an honest review so that they can get some much needed publicity. You will have to read the book to see what happens with that foolproof plan.

Roni Loren is a new author for me. Her writing style in this book is light and funny with the serious emotional drama treated with kindness. Yes & I Love You is book #1 in the series Say Everything. Description uses vivid imagery so you feel like you are watching the story unfold. I love the use of improv sessions for some of the hysterical scenes throughout the book. Snarky comebacks and sexy talk sprinkled in the well expressed dialogue and thoughts. Passionate love scenes, tender moments, arguments, mistakes, laughter, lies, honesty, competition, and friendship all combine to make this a sweet and steamy love story. Characters are well developed with skill and knowledge, insight perhaps gained in the previous career of the author. Even the side characters, especially Andi, are very intriguing and I hope to see them in a future book of the series.

I received an ARC from SourceBooks Casablanca through NetGalley for an honest review. #NetGalley #MeetCute #ContemporaryRomance #CuteRomance #FeelGood Posted February 8, 2021

This was such a delightful book!! The characters were perfectly imperfect and so real. I am a complete sucker for the fake relationship trope and this was one of the best - right up there with The Kiss Quotient! I love main characters having unique and real problems that aren't usually in books - in Yes & I Love You, Hollyn has Tourette's; in The Kiss Quotient the main character is on the autism spectrum. This was also very steamy!

Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Roni Loren has delivered a book that is quick-witted and fast-paced. I especially appreciated that the main character, Hollyn, has Tourette's and does not let that define her. The addition of the improv group added a great secondary line that I found enjoyable. This storyline follows a typical rom-com movie. Boy and girl meet. Conflict of some kind. Happily ever after. The End. Nothing unexpected in the storyline

I typically don't read books that are this risqué or vulgar.

This book is a meet-cute, but Hollyn and Jasper's first meeting is anything but cute. Hollyn is a writer with Tourette's and social anxiety. Jasper is an improv actor with ADHD and abandonment issues. Hollyn's boss wants her to make her column a video blog. Of course, she is terrified. How can a girl with facial tic's possibly do her column live on video? Jasper promises her that he can help her become more comfortable in public and on video.
I liked that this book tackled social anxiety, Tourette's , ADHD and so much more.
The characters are real people with real problems. Their paths are far from smooth and that makes the book more like a real life story and not contrived. I would love to see their story continued.

Thanks to netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the arc