Yes & I Love You by Roni Loren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What an uplifting story! I always love a “fake dating” troupe and Ms. Loren throws in a “love triangle” at the end just to spice this romance up. Our heroine, Hollyn, is struggling with her Tourette’s and fear of social interactions with strangers or just about anyone she comes in contact. Which is a strange fear for someone who’s job involves going out and about to review entertainment venues in New Orleans. Nevertheless, she is a successful blogger – as long as she stays incognito as Miz Poppy (her alter-ego pen name.)
Jasper is almost the exact opposite – a outgoing improv actor – struggling as a barista in Hollyn’s trendy workspace office building. He sees her beauty even thru her twitching Tourette’s tics. Once she confesses her disability, he really does not notice it except to help her overcome her anxiousness. This is so touching, and he is constantly encouraging her. Although he is working thru several personal setbacks, he offers free “improv acting lessons” to help her with a new work demand that she starts video blogging. An actor with a dream as well — the opportunity to open his own theatre. Which he kind of needs help from Hollyn’s Miz Poppy blog review. So a little tit for tat — pun intended 😉
Hollyn also enlists Jasper to be her fake boyfriend which leads to the inevitable not fake relationship status. Oh, the sparks that fly with this office “romance.” There is some major drama with exes that stir the pot that is Hollyn and Jasper’s budding relationship, but in the end Hollyn gets her confidence and the Jasper gets his girl.
One added benefit from this story – the improv lessons are absolutely enlightening. Almost as if our authorette Ms. Loren has a side gig as an improv actress herself. I have been a Roni Loren fan ever since her “Loving on the Edge series” – some fab binge reading if you are up for some major contemporary romancing.
Yes & I Love You is a charming story about overcoming obstacles and taking risks to attain your aspirations. Along with the hot guy who falls for the smart girl, you will get an inside look at living with Tourette’s. The balance between romance and drama that Roni Loren is so adept at makes for a delightful read. Looking forward to her next installment “What If You & Me” starring Hollyn’s quirky friend Andi and her hot firefighter neighbor – swoon!
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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