Hollyn and Jasper both work at an open office space, both are creative people and have a mutual interest in each other. Their story started strong and ended somewhat weak, it felt like so much was included for very little payback at the end.

Personally I always want whatever Roni Loren has written because she has amazing concepts and characters that hold your attention. This time I'm sad to say this book was just okay, which isn't what I wanted to be writing.

Jasper has ADHD which I thought could have been explored more because it seems to have been forgotten at times.
I loved the representation of Hollyn who has tourette's which for her can cause ticks and also has social anxiety.
Whether this was an accurate portrayal of tourettes or not I can't say but it was nice to see another type of representation addressed in a book with the main character being the one who is affected.

Though I will say that while improv that Jasper teaches her may help with the social anxiety I would have liked to see more of it explored and addressed outside of Hollyn and Jaspers relationship.

Desperately hoping that rockstar Cal and the wealthy Fitz each get a book.

I received a free copy of this book via netgalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This was such a warm, unique contemporary romance! I loved Hollyn and Jasper as individuals and the ways they complimented each other as a couple. I don't think I'd ever seen Tourette's depicted in fiction, and I thought Loren's take on it was empathetic and enlightening. I was rooting for Hollyn from the start and felt like her arc was very real and relatable as she came out of her shell and into herself. I really loved Loren's The Ones Who Got Away series, and this new series started absolutely lived up to (high) expectations!

A lovely and sweet read. I adored Hollyn and the romance. So happy to see wonderful representation of neurodiverse characters.

This was an incredibly uplifting book. I loved the characters and the theme. I have raised three theater-loving children in my household and it was great to see someone in the performing arts as a "hero" in this story. I adored that even though everyone in his life seemed to be pushing Jasper to "do more" with his life, he stayed true to himself and found a way to make his dream become a reality.

Hollyn was an extremely special character and I so enjoyed watching her continually step beyond her comfort zone and broaden her world to include new friends and circumstances.

My thoughts are very scattered, but I will just say that Yes & I Love You wormed its way into my heart. It quickly sucked me in and stuck with me long after I was finished reading. I am so very excited for the next book in the series. I just know it's going to be amazing.

This was an interesting read... for many reasons. I feel like the book summary didn't elude to the true premise of the story. Hollyn suffers from extreme social anxiety due in large part to her Tourette's syndrome. She exhibits facial tics that tend to increase in strength and frequency the more anxious she is. She finds success writing as an anonymous reviewer for a column, but that changes when her boss wants her to reveal her online persona IRL. Hollyn risks losing her job or losing her anonymity. Jasper is a struggling actor who is still dealing with some issues stemming from childhood. He is a talented improv performer and when he and Hollyn meet, he offers to give her some improv lessons to help alleviate and/or manage her social anxiety.

I went into the book expecting some socially awkward situations and perhaps a focus on general anxieties, but ended up reading and learning about other complex conditions, too. I thought Roni Loren did a fabulous job of normalizing differences and showing that disabilities do not have to be debilitating. I love how she wrote about everyone facing obstacles - whether personal, financial, physical, mental, etc. and that it's how we deal with them and adapt that matters. Yes & I Love You was a sweet love story, but also a story of hope, strength, and acceptance.

Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC of this book.

i unfortunately did not end up finishing this book. the premise was questionable to me to begin with, what with the MC's boss requiring her to show her face for her videos. the follow through ended up actually being worse. to me, this requirement of the boss is ableist and unrealistic.

This was an adorable romcom that was initially somewhat heavy in tone, but once Jasper and Hollyn's improv lessons kicked in, it lightened up and became almost joyful to read. Of course, their problems didn't just go away and the angst was still there, but these two were just so cute and sweet together. They definitely brought out each other's best selves and challenged each other to level up rather than down. Hollyn had more obvious physical challenges, with Tourette's syndrome that manifested in involuntary facial tics whenever she was nervous. At the beginning of the book, she was operating at a high level of anxiety that was almost painful to read, but once she made a connection with Jasper, as well as with Andi, a colleague at the co-work space where Hollyn worked, her severe social anxiety started to smooth out. Once Jasper understood that she had physical challenges, he was nothing but supportive, helping her to see herself as a brave risk-taker, rather than the shy young girl who was bullied as a child. As for Jasper, his challenges were more emotional that physical, but he also needed help in seeing himself as a capable person rather than stupid, immature, and unthinking, as he'd been accused of all his life due to his ADHD.

My only criticism of the book is that although Hollyn's Tourette's was treated sensitively and was clearly woven into her character, her social anxiety seemed more like a plot device that was fairly easily discarded once she started the improv lessons. IRL, I don't think an anxiety disorder of that magnitude is so easily overcome. However, overall, I loved the book, loved Jasper and Hollyn, and loved the improv mantra of always saying yes to anything and being willing to complete expose your authentic self, knowing that although some people might reject you, others would be inspired by your openness. I started thinking that maybe I could use a few improv lessons myself!

Yes & I Love You is the beginning of a new contemporary romance duology by Roni Loren.
It follows Hollyn, the reviewer behind the enigma 'Miz Poppy'. Hollyn has been hiding from the public for years because of her anxiety and Tourettes. But when her boss demands that she reveal herself, she realises that she will need to overcome her fears. Jasper, an extroverted improv actor could be just the person to help her. They strike up a deal to help each other- and you can guess where it goes from there!

I was completely engrossed in the story from the get go, invested in the main romance, and I sympathised with the main characters. It was by all accounts a predictable, trope-filled book- but that was exactly what I was looking for! The additional layers of a protagonist with social anxiety and Tourettes made it feel more real and raw. The scenes about Jasper's improv were really interesting to me, and made what could have been an overdone story refreshed and fun.

"Love isn't rational. It's a risk. It's always a risk. So there's only one thing we can do."

The banter between our two protagonists was a joy to read. Their chemistry was palpable, the steamy scenes *chef's kiss*, and they clearly worked well with each other. I liked seeing Jasper help Hollyn step out of her comfort zone, especially because it was made clear that it was her own strength and determination that was the main factor. I therefore didn't think that this book fell into the 'cured by the love interest' trope which is always a good thing!

My only real complaint is the unnecessary love triangle that was introduced. I don't hate love triangles by principle- I actually enjoy them sometimes! But in this case I feel the story would have been the same, if not better, without it. I thought that character could have been really valuable for Hollyn's growth and just a good guy in general- but he was kind of ruined for me after that.

Overall, I was really pleasantly surprised by this book! I cannot wait to read the second book in the duology- or any other Roni Loren I can get my hands on.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca for this ARC

Release Date: 2 March 2021

I really enjoyed Yes & I Love You and can’t wait for the next book in the series.

Hollyn is a freelance writer who works out of a shared space similar to WeWork. Hollyn has Tourette’s syndrome and being conscious of her facial tics has made it hard for her to open up to new people. When she first meets the new coffee guy Jasper she blows him off out of fear - but then they end up getting to know each other and she learns he’s also an actor who is working to make his improv group famous.

Hollyn’s main job is writing as Miz Poppy - a snarky and locally famous column that reviews events in New Orleans. When her boss tells her that they want Miz Poppy to be revealed and appear in videos - Hollyn freaks out. It’s too much and she doesn’t want everyone to be focused on her tics instead of her words. Jasper offers to give her improv lessons to get her more comfortable speaking in public.

I loved seeing the chemistry between Jasper and Hollyn and the ways they are both there for each other. I also liked meeting their friends and can’t wait for more Andi in the next book!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the advance reading copy.

It's a daily struggle for Hollyn to get through the day. Having Tourette's makes it difficult for her to talk to people directly, due to her uncontrollable facial tics. Her saving grace is her job as Miz Poppy, a popular blog writing reviews. It's perfect for her because she can do this anonymously. Her carefully, crafted bubble bursts when her boss insists on Miz Poppy doing video reviews. As she's panicking and trying to figure a way out of this, she meets Jasper, the new barista working in her office building. Jasper, steel reeling from a bad break-up, is also an aspiring actor and does improv shows with his group of friends as well as teaches it. During the many uncomfortable and awkward run-ins, Hollyn and Jasper learn they can help each other out mutually. Jasper will help coach her to speak comfortably in front of an audience and Hollyn will do an honest review for his improv show. As they spend time together they can no longer avoid their attraction to one another. Throw in Hollyn's ex and best friend Cal who is still in love with her and Jasper's ex making a surprise appearance with an offer he can't refuse, these two are about to have more obstacles thrown their way.

This is my first book from this author and I thought this was a refreshing, great book. Both characters are flawed and have to deal with self-esteem issues. Hollyn is a tough girl, having been subjected to bullying and being made fun of. It takes a great amount of inner strength to control her Tourette's and even though it's a struggle, she doesn't give up. Jasper's heart got ripped out of his chest when his ex, also an aspiring actress, dropped him as soon as she was offered a role. Feeling he is going nowhere in life, with the help of a childhood friend he finally has hope that his dream is attainable. They both were not looking for love but it happened and you can't fight fate. They both made mistakes and learned from them. They also have friends (old and new) that have become their support system, along with each other. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book.

"Not everybody had to be a damn extrovert"

Wow this book was not what I was expecting (and in a good way!) To be honest, I had read the blurb a while ago and didn’t really remember what it was about when I picked it up. What I DID remember, was the delightfully ambiguous cover which is what really sucked me in from the start. Isn’t it great when you pick up a book and, while you’re reading, the cover finally makes sense? That little lightbulb moment? Or when you’re reading and then all of a sudden you understand the title? Or better yet, a character specifically says those words?

I’m digressing, but I loved that little “a ha!” moment when the cover made sense for Yes & I Love You.

Anyway …

I really enjoyed this book. It was a delightful surprise, with characters that were easy to love and that you wanted to succeed, and a storyline that had you fully engrossed from start to finish. A large part of that had to do with our heroine, Hollyn, who you just absolutely wanted to come out a winner in the end. Her character growth throughout the entire story was just remarkable, and I had a wonderful time watching her slowly come out of her shell and become her “alter ego / behind the screen persona” Miz Poppy in real life. She was sweet, she was funny, she was quirky, and while she saw herself as “the girl with the tics” we got to see who she really was: the girl with a massive heart and a lot of love to give. The pure and unadulterated honesty between Holly and Jasper was also incredibly refreshing. They started their story being completely honest with one another, and ended the story that same way. No games, no judgements, no hiding things, they were just completely open and I loved that so much.

The Taylor Swift song for this book is absolutely Call It What You Want. Finding who you are and holding on to the people that help you truly be yourself and appreciate who you are and what you have.

I also never thought I’d love a romcom centered around improv, yet here we are? I loved how much Jasper loved improv and how it helped him, both as a kid and as an adult, and it filled me with joy that he was able to find his chosen family as well as an outlet for his ADHD. He was also a wonderfully ambitious and complex character (much like Hollyn, just in a different way) and he was a beautiful outgoing contrast to her quietly introspective self. They centered each other and championed each other, and I was cheering for them from the get go.

Yes & I Love You was well written and full of beautiful lines and tidbits that I highlighted and saved for a rainy day. It spoke to me on a soul-deep level, and it’s definitely a story I'll come back to in the future. Every so often you need a book to come along that reminds you it’s okay to be yourself, and that it’s okay to be unapologetically you, and that it’s okay to cheer for yourself, and this was that book for me.

"Don’t go around thinking everyone else has it together. We’re all just falling apart in different ways."

I loved Hollyn’s journey, and I hope you do, too.

{Many thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for this review copy!}

Hollyn and Jasper are one of my favorite couples in a contemporary romance novel! Yes & I Love You had the perfect amount of seriousness, comedy and real life scenarios. I also loved the care that Roni Loren took to discussing Hollyn's tourrette syndrome and Jasper's ADHD. Seeing ADHD and Tourrettes represented in the book was great to see. Hollyn accepted herself for who she was but also took steps to push herself too. The improv aspect of the novel added so many fun parts to the book as well. There was so much support in this novel and it had some steamy parts too! Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what Roni comes out with next!

Hollyn is painfully shy and has Tourette’s which hinders her self-confidence. She works at a shared office space and, when Jasper starts working there, she is instantly attracted to him. Jasper is running improv classes which might be the answer Hollyn needs to become more outgoing with her work so she takes up lessons and they also find themselves in a no-strings- style arrangement.

Hollyn writes reviews for movies and she knows that typically these things don’t work out because feelings get involved, but they wont this time, will they?

I adored this book so much! Even after I have finished it, I keep thinking about the characters.

I loved how relatable the characters were, they weren’t perfect, but nobody is and there was no idyllic version of them portrayed-they were written how they truly are, warts and all and I loved them.

I completely fell for this sweet, steamy, laugh-out-loud romance. The narration shifts between the two main love interests, Hollyn, an undercover reviewer with social anxiety and tics, and Jasper, an aspiring improv artist. All of the characters are complex and relatable but I especially loved reading Hollyn’s point of view as she grew in her confidence and assertiveness. She and Jasper have undeniable chemistry and I found myself smiling as o read their sarcastic banter. Although certain elements of the story are predictable and follow the typical rom-com formula, this style actually works really well for this book. Even though I knew how it would end, the plot line swept me away with its humor, bursts of fiery passion, and heartfelt meaning. Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for providing me with an e-galley in exchange for an honest review!

Yes & I Love You was a really funny read. Like, I was chuckling to myself at 1am as I read in the dark. Hollyn has Tourette’s and social anxiety which causes her to avoid talking to people. Jasper is an improv performer who serves coffee at the shared workplace where Hollyn has an office. When they first meet, Jasper thinks Hollyn doesn’t like him based on her facial tics. Eventually, they come up with an agreement so that Hollyn can attempt to come out of her shell. As a trade-off, Hollyn will review his performance as Miz Poppy, the famous New Orleans entertainment reviewer. Of course, no one knows that the shy and quiet Hollyn is the funny and snarky Miz Poppy.

I appreciated how Roni Loren wrote about characters with Tourette’s, with two different expressions of the disorder. She also writes about character with ADHD and two adults who had gone through the foster system. Although all of their personal concerns are a part of the story, this is also a story about people helping each other to be their best selves. I think any reader can relate to the thoughts that various characters experience in this story. Plus, this book is just fun! There are so many rom com movie references including a list of teen movies, awkward-adult movies, movies with fake dating tropes and the love triangle trope. I liked seeing how the story aligned with these tropes. And it wouldn’t be a rom com without a grand gesture. Yes & I Love You came through with all the things I love about rom coms. The improv games and performances were really interesting, unique, and funny. Once I got to around 20% into the book, I couldn’t put it down. I ended up staying up super late at night (morning) so that I could finish the book. Hollyn and Jasper’s banter was cute, funny, and often steamy. I’m looking forward to the author chat with @roniloren and @lovearctually.

*Thank you @sourcebookscasa and @netgalley for a digital advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review.

First, I need you to completely forget about the book cover. Sadly, this cover almost made me skip the book. Why? It completely ambiguous, tells the viewer nothing about what this story might be, and is also extremely...odd. Not a fan. Now, let me tell you what is INSIDE this book.

YES & I LOVE YOU is so good. Hollyn is an entertainment writer in New Orleans and is happy to stay incognito behind her made-up persona since she has Tourette's and is wildly uncomfortable with strangers. But her job wants her to start making videos so she looks for help through improv classes.

Hollyn and Jasper will melt your heart! They are sweet, swoony, and real. They are written with perfect balance, making you adore them while also seeing their flaws.

The way that Tourette's is addressed in book is wonderful. It's informative without being overly clinical. I loved getting to know this character and how her Tourette's has shaped her life.

And, make no mistake, the steamy scenes in this book are melt-your-kindle, incinerate-your-panties, don't-read-in-public HOT!

You MUST read this book.

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

I loved this adorable rom com starring Hollyn Tate, an entertainment writer in her 20s with Tourette's that has led to some crippling social anxiety. She works in a shared co-working space in New Orleans as a way to try to come out of her shell. Her main gig is as a reviewer for the NOLA Vibe, where she writes super popular reviews under the moniker Miz Poppy. In the hip co-working space where she does much of her writing, she meets Jasper, the new barista who also belongs to an improv troupe and gives improv for business workshops at the space. Hollyn is immediately attracted to Jasper, which causes her Tourette's to flare up, and her expressions make him think she hates him or that he smells. As Miz Poppy, she happens to be reviewing his improv group when he makes some jokes about some of the folks at the co-working space, including her. She's pissed and he feels terrible, then his appendix bursts (hey, it's fiction), and she takes him to the hospital and stays with him. Her boss at the newspaper tells her she needs to transition to video content to be competitive in the market, and she strikes a deal with Jasper to get private improv lessons to get comfortable on camera in exchange for a Miz Poppy review of his troupe. They're attracted to each other and one thing leads to another and they embark on sort of a friends with benefits, fake relationship type of deal that of course, evolves. I loved Hollyn and Jasper and the other characters that filled out this book, and would definitely read Roni Loren again!

Loved the mental health representation in this one and my first book with a main character with Tourette's Syndrome. While I cannot speak to how well this representation is done because I do not have Tourette's, it felt very well represented both through Hollyn and her best friend, Cal. I loved the friendship between Jasper and his childhood friend, who also bonded as foster children. The friendships that Hollyn and Jasper each had felt special to me and gave the cast of characters lots of depth. I loved the steamy parts of this book - very natural consent and tons of heat!! Yay! Can't wait to read book 2!!

My first book by Roni Loren and I was not disappointed! We have two very real and genuine characters who come together - one with Tourette's Syndrome and some social anxiety and one who is an actor who is working as a barista after coming back from LA. Both characters bring a lot of their personal history and experiences to the table and form a tentative relationship that turns into some hot times! The sexy parts of this book were definitely spicy and the struggling actor situation felt very real. There was just the right amount of tension (and stress) between the characters that made the situation believable. I love a romance with some substantial life issues and this definitely delivered. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!

This amazing book published yesterday and I’m going to go ahead and say it…it is TOP NOTCH and will probably be one of my favorite romances of the year! Thank you so much to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Netgalley for my gifted eARC!

I just loved everything about this book and wanted to hug it when I was done. It is such a unique rom-com that also deals with heavier issues, but it kept me smiling (and blushing) the entire time!

The Tourette’s and ADHD representation was on point and I applaud Hollyn’s growth to love herself just as she is, but also to find ways to push herself to achieve the life she wants. Jasper is the kind of sweet, funny, and tender hero that I love. I think the #cinnamonrollhero trend is becoming my thing!

This book is way steamier than I anticipated and I thought the chemistry between Hollyn and Jasper was going to ignite my Kindle on fire! I’m not complaining though. The improv storyline was so much fun in addition to the romance, but it also created some steamy scenes that I will not soon forget!

Basically, what I’m trying to say is READ.THIS.BOOK!