Wat als het echt is?

Say Everything #3

by Roni Loren, Tasio Ferrand (Translator)

Het leven van therapeut Eliza is perfect. Tenminste, als je haar social media mag geloven. Als ze plots viral gaat met de meme ‘Slechtste Date Ooit’ begint haar Instagram-filter langzaam af te brokkelen. Ze ontmoet de knappe en onuitstaanbare Beck, met wie ze een weddenschap aangaat. Zes maanden overleven zonder social media. De altijd eerlijke Beck leert Eliza de wereld te zien zoals hij écht is. Maar wil ze dat eigenlijk wel?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook, Friends To Lovers, Fiction, Adult

368 pages, Paperback

First published July 5, 2022

About the author

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. She holds a master’s degree in social work and spent years as a mental health counselor, but now she writes full time from her cozy office in North Texas where she puts her characters on the therapy couch instead. She is a two-time RITA Award winner and a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author.

Reviews

[jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

theres always one book in a series that gets designated ‘least favourite’ and the award goes to this one, unfortunately.

i just… didnt believe it. any of it.

theres no way, in any fictional universe, that this main character is a therapist. she doesnt act like one, doesnt work like one, doesnt think like one. i would never go to her for therapy. lol.

and then beck. my poor, sweet beck. hes been given the most terrible backstory that honestly doesnt fit the tone of the rest of the book. it comes up towards the end and just throws a wrench in the entire story. very jarring. especially because it feels so unresolved.

i mean, true to RL fashion, this does have some nice moments, for sure. its an easy read and good for some light entertainment. i just think it missed the mark as a whole when it comes to plot concept and characterisation.

the first two books are great, though! so if youre looking for a new romance series, definitely pick those up!

thanks, sourcebooks casablanca, for the ARC.

↠ 2.5 stars

[Whitney Erwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

For You & No One Else wins best book of this series for me, hands down. Beck is my favorite male in this series, he is super swoon worthy and just perfect! I found the storyline of his history unraveling throughout the book to be super interesting. Eliza is also my favorite female with her storyline feeling just a bit deeper and genuine than the others. The spice factor of this book is super high!! This book and the other 2 in the series can be read as stand-alones. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and if you are looking for some spicy romance, this is the one for you!

Thank you Sourcebooks Casablanca, and Net Galley, for a copy in return for my honest review!

[Kaceey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever ask yourself…who helps the therapist when she struggles!?💁🏻‍♀️

Eliza presents to the world as someone who really has it all together. Meanwhile, inside she’s twisted in knots, desperately struggling. Did I mention Eliza has made a career as a therapist? Obviously no one is exempt from life's many troubles.

Meanwhile she has a huge following online, social media being her primary outlet. What she really wants is that good old-fashioned marriage, kids and a white picket fence!

And Eliza is convinced it’s all going to happen until one disastrous date brings her fragile world crashing down.

And then there is Beck. A techie specializing in cybersecurity, but living his life completely offline. He works in the office next to Eliza and while they tended to ignore one another in the past, that’s about to change in a big way when Beck introduces Eliza to another world - offline.

Roni Loren once again brings us two real characters with real life issues. Mental health is front and center in all her books and always addresses the topics in a sensitive, but matter of fact kind of way. This is the third book in the Say Everything series, (though it can easily be read as a stand-alone.) And it has quickly become one of my favorite rom-com series!

As with all of Roni Loren’s books, the chemistry between our characters sizzles! Oh yes there is heat!🔥🔥

The audio is the truly the best way to experience this entire series! As always, the narrators did a fabulous job bringing the characters to life. Already looking forward to Roni Loren’s next release!

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media 🎧.

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

For You & No One Else by Roni Loren
3rd in the Say Anything series. Contemporary romance. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Eliza and Beck are neighbors in a rent-an-office building. She has a private practice as a psychologist and does social media posts encouraging healthy living habits. Beck is an internet security expert and refuses any personal social media. Their attraction grows as they get to know each other even though their goals are conflicting.

Fun romance with typical dating fails and very real personal issues as Beck and Eliza grow closer. I totally understood each stance on social media and it was interesting how they worked together to get over the hurtles.

🎧 I listened to an audiobook version narrated by Desiree Ketchum. I found the performance engaging and flirty. There were distinct voices for two main characters. I listened to this at 1.3 which is my preferred speed for conversational comfort.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media

[Aoife - Bookish_Babbling · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this as much as the previous instalments, I can see what Loren wanted to do with these characters but sadly I found it fell short 🫥

The groundwork and premiss were there and it was super fun in places, especially the opening with the shelter visit and their honest sniping at each other was endearing + the NoPho party sounds super fun even if I could never & *shudder* at the thought of playing any of those games...made me feel sick way back when I certainly have no wish to revisit them now 🫣

Where this fell over sideways for me was particularly the ending. The hints were there but the reveals didn't feel organic, they felt forced and then the actual ending itself was so rushed when I didn't feel like it had to be - there were secrets kept for reasons, but once revealed there was scope for more exploration which just never materialised which in turn left me wanting more from the read and not in a good way...it felt unfinished not to mention the ploy to bring them back together after a bust up felt mismanaged in that they immediately get back together - just a no for me 😶
So much more conversation was needed before that! I mean c'mon lady, you're a therapist!!! Y'all have so much to unpack 😶‍🌫️

Anyways, I liked the earlier books enough to check back in with Roni Loren's future releases this one sadly didn't work as I'd hoped 🤷‍♀️

3.25*

[♥Rachel♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eliza, a successful therapist, doesn’t want to play games dating. She’s thirty-two and ready to settle down. Marriage, kids, the whole nine yards. Dating apps have had less than stellar results and when one date goes wrong the situation is made ten times worse when a video of it goes viral and the effects impact her career. This is where Beck, her work neighbor, comes in. He’s smoking hot, and usually closed off, but a chance meeting at the office brought them together, bonding over a lonely Christmas. Since then, they’ve struck up a friendship, the mutual attraction growing more every time they’re together. However, Beck has made it clear he isn’t up for marriage or commitment, so clearly, they’re not right for each other. Or are they?

Beck has sworn off of social media, factors from his past soured him from sharing anything public. When he finds out about Eliza’s situation he offers to help and suggests she ban social media from her life, live life without the performance, meet people naturally and see what happens. Beck evens offers to help in her social media free journey. Seeing Eliza with anyone else drives him nuts, but after how he’s grown up, he doesn’t want any part of the traditional married/kids situation.

The start Eliza and Beck’s relationship had me cracking up! Really, all through the book there were lots of laughs. Trent the cat was priceless! They had all kinds of chemistry and got along so well, but of course Beck’s hang-ups put the breaks on things. Of course, I knew that wouldn’t last for long, but I didn’t want Eliza to settle either, but I knew once Beck got things figured out the rest would sort itself out.

This was the last in the Say Everything series and it was a satisfying conclusion, getting to see all the couples in the future, together and happy brought a smile to my face! Such a wonderful epilogue!

A copy was kindly provided by Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for an honest review.

[Mel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book. It had tropes in it that I really like, from friends to lovers to lets just have hot sex and leave the feelings out of it to oops I've fallen in love. But after finishing the book, I thought about the characters and I had some major issues.

First of all, let's take Eliza, the therapist and FMC. For someone who is a therapist and an actual trained expert on human emotions, she sure did lack a lot of self-awareness. And I don't begrudge her that - but I do wonder why Eliza herself never sought therapy. She has ample reason to (aside from the fact that I think everyone should have therapy regardless of whether they have trauma in their lives). But when the book starts, it's only a couple of years since Eliza suddenly lost both her parents to a car accident. She's got no siblings and is, by all accounts, alone in the world in terms of family. That would cause a lot of trauma and grief, I imagine. The book literally opens on Christmas Day with Eliza trying very hard to not have an emotional breakdown because she's all alone. A prime candidate for therapy if I ever saw one.

Eliza is also described as a "sexy Latina" in the book, in what could best be described almost as a throwaway line from a secondary minor character. That is the ONLY time her heritage is mentioned. And literally, if it weren't for that one throwaway line, nothing in the book would suggest that she's Latina. So...why even include it? What is the point of that line if that is the only time it's ever brought up or referenced? I guess I don't understand the point of including one single throwaway line that mentions she's Latina and then never ever refers back to it.

There's a scene in the book where Eliza's best friends, Hollyn and Andi have come over to commiserate with a depressed Eliza after the dark moment in the book. Andi delivers a line that really resonated with me when Eliza comments about shouldn't she want a happy ending for herself?

"Honey," Andi said with a little laugh, "a happy ending is the one that makes YOU happy. The hard part is figuring out what that is."

The whole conversation seems to suggest that Eliza already has her life together and doesn't really need a husband and a child to complete that picture, even though it's what society seems to tell her she should need or want. And maybe that's the reason Eliza always pushes men away is because she doesn't actually NEED them. It was a really interesting conversation and I loved the idea of a romance novel giving us a happy ending ending that wasn't about marriage and children, that maybe Eliza could define and find her own happiness on her own terms. But then, cut to the epilogue and there it is: marriage, a kid, the hallmarks of a traditional HEA. And I had to wonder, what that conversation was even about when the epilogue just gave us the traditional HEA. And yes, it's a romance and it's SUPPOSED to have an HEA but there is nothing in the romance rulebooks to suggest that the HEA has to include marriage and kids. I would have loved to have seen Eliza define her own HEA as one where she and the MMC are in love but never really feel like they need or want marriage or kids.

And that leads me to the MMC. Beckham, formerly known as Matthew Joseph Lakeman. In his past life, Beckham was the oldest of 7 kids raised in a fundamental Christian church that his father led. (Think of the Duggars but with way less kids). They starred in a reality tv show but Beckham always rebelled against the church and his father's dictatorial teachings. He has premarital sex with his girlfriend, someone catches it on tape and leaks it and he is forced to marry his girlfriend to save her reputation. It's....a lot. Cut to present day, Beckham has left his wife, annulled his marriage, is estranged from his family, and continues to allow his father to control his life...this time by doing the opposite of everything his father wanted him to do. He is a recovering alcoholic, has tons of tattoos and a nipple piercing, doesn't believe in marriage, and is a professional corporate hacker, making sure big businesses have websites that are safe from being hacked. He is also an absolute sticker for privacy, having had his own privacy violated at such a early age.

All of this comes to a head when in a scene that is really off-putting, Beckham breaches Eliza's privacy. I already had issues with Eliza by that point but in that moment, I couldn't really figure out Beckham and why he made that choice because his backstory was still such a mystery. And even when it is all revealed in a scene that is brought about because Beckham's ex-wife shows up, demanding he return to her or else she's going to kill herself, it just seems so much to take. Honestly, the end of the book falls apart because of all the external influences that have to coalesce to bring Eliza and Beckham back together.

At the very least, Beckham decides he needs therapy to deal with his long-standing issues and asks Eliza to wait for him. Eliza though, isn't down with that. She wants to be with him NOW. For a therapist, she makes a lot of choices that I don't really agree with or understand and while the book ends with a HEA and an epilogue that involves a glance several years down the line to them married and with a kid, it also leaves me doubting their HEA. Because it all comes too easy and too quickly for two people who have a whole host of issues that only one of them ended up dealing with because there is never any mention made of Eliza ever seeking therapy for her own issues.

All that to say, the premise had potential but the execution just fell apart for me.

ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley, opinions are all mine.

Content notes: older woman, younger man, Beckham was an alcoholic, fundamental Christian church upbringing, off page parental death, breach of privacy, Eliza's date gets her drunk and videos her having a total meltdown, Beckham's ex wife shows up and threatens to kill herself if he doesn't return to her; I'm sure there's more I've left out but I think these are the big ones.

[Antonella · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had such high hopes for this book because I enjoyed both previous books in this series. Sadly, it missed the mark for me. I couldn't connect with the heroine and for a therapist, she lacks self-awareness and the hero wasn't all that better. I found myself skipping toward the end because I just wanted to be over it.

*Thanks to NetGalley for the copy of the book. All opinions are my own.

2.5🌟

[Mia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good friends to lovers story. It had sweet and heartfelt moments, funny moments, and overall entertained me. In regards to the romance, I thought the build-up was so cute. Eliza and Beck are my favorite couples in this series and I enjoyed their chemistry.
If you're looking for a work-place romance with age gap, pick up For You & No One Else.

Special thanks to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca, for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

[Bookgasms Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like I forget about how much I love this series until the new one lands on my Kindle and I fall in love all over again. Each story so far has offered the perfect balance of smart banter, sizzling chemistry, and this emotional connection that just settles so perfectly in my heart - and For You & No One Else was no exception.

I freaking loved Eliza and Beckham so much!

Good gravy but I love how Roni Loren infuses these characters with real life baggage and emotional trauma - done in a way that is respectful to their lived experiences, and focused on the way they are overcoming the challenges. But also? This tremendous love story that delivers all these delicious aches and swoons and pinchy little bruises on my heart- but leaves me feeling so happy in the end. It was impossible not to love these characters, even when I found myself delivering side-eye, my heart wrapped itself around them so completely and I loved every moment I got to spend with them.

Was I frustrated with them sometimes? Yes, absolutely. But in a way that I also understood they were acting out human nature. They were working through insecurities and making some questionable decisions - but life doesn't come with an instruction manual and the head and the heart don't always get on the same page. So I got it. And my heart hurt over it. But, for me, in the end, it was absolutely worth that bit of angst.

And can we talk about the sisterhood between Hollyn, Andi and Eliza? So much goodness there. I love the way these women show up for each other. The real talk and the way they support each other and polish each others crowns and square their shoulders to set them straight. They are funny and strong and smart and wonderful and it has been such a joy to have gotten to know them through these lovely stories.

This was another HUGE hit for me. I cannot recommend this book (all of these books!) highly enough! ~ Shelly, 5 Stars

[book bruin · Rating 4 out of 5]

For you & no one else was one of my most anticipated reads and though I enjoyed many parts of it, something was unfortunately missing. It was on the heavier side emotionally at times (please see CW’s), but there were lots of laughs and nerdy humor too. The story features tropes like age gap (7 years), workplace/office romance, friends to lovers, and friends with benefits. I appreciated the discussion about the darker side of social media and I thought the concept of NoPho gatherings was really interesting. The banter between Eliza and Beckham was a highlight, but I wasn’t totally sold on their romantic connection. Their progression from friends to friends with benefits felt a bit forced, but their scenes were definitely spicy!

Perhaps my expectations were too high after reading and loving what if you & me, which was one of my favorite reads of 2021. I felt that certain plot points weren’t fully developed or explored, especially Beckham’s past and the resulting trauma. The ending felt very rushed and I wasn’t a fan of the conflict/late stage drama. It was wonderful to see the previous couples and get updates on their lives though and I loved each time they were on the page. The epilogue had me smiling ear to ear and completely warmed my heart. It was the perfect way to bring this series to a close. Overall, a good read, but sadly I didn’t love it.

CW: discussions of mental health, anxiety/panic attacks, death of parents (past, drunk driving related), grief, alcohol addiction (past), escaping a religious cult, suicidal thoughts, revenge porn/release of sex tape (past), FMC is intentionally overserved alcohol and is recorded in a drunken viral video

*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*

[Yany · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the last book in the series and honestly—my least favorite. While I did enjoy the book at the beginning, the H grated on my nerves later on lol and then I wasn’t excited for the couple anymore. I’m glad they got their happy ending though, even if it was a slightly disappointing end in a otherwise amazing series!!

P.S. I will definitely be re-reading this series in the future!

SAY EVERYTHING SERIES

#1 Yes & I Love You – 4.75 stars
#2 What If You & Me – 4.25 stars
#3 For You & No One Else – 3.5 stars

[Wendy W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four and a half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
For You & No One Else by Roni Loren is the third book in her very popular Say Everything series. This spicy and emotional, friends-to-lovers story was a wonderful addition to the series.

Eliza Catalano is a therapist with a youtube channel. She gives advice to her clients and to her channel subscribers, and she believes she has a perfect life. So, when a bad date goes viral, she decides, to withdraw from all her social media accounts. Beckham, a computer security expert, who works in the office next to hers, decides to help her withdraw from her social media. They make a bet to see if she can make it 6 months without any social media.

I really enjoyed this story. Roni Loren knows how to make relatable characters and give them a great story. The romance was believable and pretty steamy too! Both Eliza and Beck have some heavy emotional baggage, and I enjoyed watching them both work through their issues. They supported each other and complimented each other's personalities. I always like it when a couple becomes or are friends first, and this is the case in this book. They really enjoy each other's company, and the attractions come later. As an animal lover, I especially enjoyed their trip to the local animal shelter together.

The pace seemed a bit slower than in her previous books, but not too slow. It’s sad that this is the last book in the series, but I’m confident that Roni Loren will come up with a new and exciting series.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This is my favourite in the series.
I love how Roni Loren doesn't shy away from heavy topics in her romances and how she handles them deftly and with care.
Older heroine - younger hero. Friends with benefits while she is looking for Mr. Right.
I was fully sold on the romance, the issues and the struggles the MCs faces felt real and relatable.
My only minor complaint concerns the epilogue which though lovely felt wat over the top for me. It wraps up nicely the whole series but it didn't feel really necessary. I was perfectly OK with MCs getting together with the promise of him having the counseling he needs, her working on figuring out her own dreams and goals.
Longer review to come soon.

CW: religious cult, addiction (in the past), loss of parents in car accident (in the past), embarrassing video leaked out

[Kimberly Carrington-Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nuestra reseña en A la cama con... un libro

Me encanta Roni Loren. Aunque no he leído mucho de ella, a todo le saco chicha y todo me interesa. Esta serie mezcla las historias de amor con diferentes problemas de salud mental y es un balance que puede ser complicadete pero Roni Loren sabe combianarlo todo perfectamente. No es un libro redondo pero desde el principio me ha tenido enganchada por la naturaleza sincera de los personajes (lo de sincero tiene tela por determinadas cosas que no cuento por no hacer spoiler), tienen una relación en la que se hablan directamente, con cero tonterías. Me encanta la atracción que desarrollan, cómo evoluciona su relación. Luego el maromo tiene sus cosas que hacen que se merezca un sopapo pero es bastante adorable de un modo nerd. Ella es fabulosa.
La parte final es lo más flojo pero el libro es muy digno y entretenido.

[Dali · Rating 4 out of 5]

For You & No One Else is book 3 of the Say Everything series by author Roni Loren. It's a contemporary romance, dual POV with a HEA.
Tropes:
- friends to lovers
- tortured hero
- age gap
- big city
- workplace romance

By the numbers quick review:
★ Performance.: 👤👤👤👤
★ Character dev.: 👤👤👤👤
★ Plot: 📚📚📚📚
★ World building: 🌎🌎🌎🌎
★ Romance: 💕💕💕💕
★ Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥
★ Overall Rating: 3.6

The main reason I read this story is because I had heard/read so many great stories about the previous two books in this series. Especially the first book. When I realized I could get an audio ARC of this I took the chance right away.

The performance by Desiree Ketchum was incredible. She did both Eliza the therapist heroine is who desperately wants to find THE ONE and Beck the hero who found himself helping Eliza out over and over until they fall in a no strings arrangement and then in love was incredible. I was hooked by her performance from the start and I was reluctant to press pause.

The story however will stay with me for different reasons. Mainly two: Eliza’s bad date going viral and Beck’s backstory which was… interesting to say the least.

I really liked Beck and Eli’s friendship. From their Christmas pet adoption adventures to their no-phone get together. It was apparent they became close and enjoyed each other’s company which then translated into an intense physical and attraction.

I will for sure be making time to read or listen to the previous book in this series.

★ I was given an ARC of this title by the author via NetGalley. I am voluntarily reading and reviewing it.
★ Check out all my book edits over at my Bookstagram

[Michelle’s Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my least favorite in the series. I didn’t feel the chemistry between the two MCs and then he gets her name tattooed on his chest lmaoook no cringe

[Kari Ann Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last fall I read and enjoyed 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐𝘧 𝘠𝘰𝘶 & 𝘔𝘦 (Say Anything #2) and thanks to @sourcebookscasa and @netgalley I was able to read 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐘𝐎𝐔 & 𝐍𝐎 𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐄𝐋𝐒𝐄 (Say Anything #3) (Pub 07.05)

This contemporary romance has some heft/depth. The author note includes a content warning: mental health, alcohol addiction, loss of loved ones, escaping a religious cult, and suicidal thoughts (secondary character). I appreciate Roni Loren's writing for the emotion it invokes and the authenticity it portrays.

This "coworking space-to-friends-to-lovers” story has complex characters, snappy dialogue and contemplative writing. Both Beckham and Eliza are coming to terms with who they are and who they truly want to be. I loved the way they came together with honesty, communication and consent while overcoming past trauma and lack of self worth. It's salaciously steamy yet also full of heart.

While these books are part of a standalone series I enjoyed seeing characters from past books make an appearance. And the epilogue was the frosting on the cake!

SIDE NOTE: I came to the realization recently that I am burned out on the "She/He/They are a Social Media Influencer" character in contemporary romance novels. I need a break. However, the themes of the public narrative (Eliza) vs. the desire for privacy (Beckham) totally work here. After an online date gone wrong, Eliza commits to taking a 6 month social media hiatus. The author made me ponder the logistics of an online detox without being heavy handed. My favorite part was the NoPho (disconnected no phone) parties. I kind of want to plan one.

[LianaReads blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 “bare chested Viscount “ stars

One of my favourite books of the year!
I loved it so much and I really wanted that regency part from it to be something real, some real book that it’s out there available for us to read it in full.
The chemistry and build up tension in here was amazing and I loved how they learned to love each other slowly.
Beautiful romance story that it’s unmissable!

NetGalley arc

[Lorena ♡ (semi-ia) · Rating 3 out of 5]

So... this is kinda awkward. You see, I was feeling their friends-with-benefits arrangement, and even after they started to have feelings for each other, but everything else was just not right. I don't believe that they're in love with each other; their confessions were cute but they were so sudden; there's no way that Eliza being a therapist made a certain decision she made because it makes no sense; and Beckham's backstory, even though hinted, was incredibly underwhelming. I do believe that they're good for each other but I just needed more to believe that THEY believed and understood that (does that make sense?). This book could've benefited from some more chapters focused on (1) them realizing (more slowly) that they had deeper feelings for each other and (2) giving Beck's story the depth it deserved.

The three stars are because of some cute moments Eli and Beck had that made me smile and the epilogue that was the best epilogue ever (I mean it, it was adorable, more epilogues should follow this format) ―I also loved seeing my girls Hollyn and Andi here, I love them very much―, but uhm that's it. In hindsight, this one might actually be a 2½ star read :( I don't know, I'm conflicted.

Though, to end this review on a more positive note (and super random), whenever I read a book and someone makes a reference to the title I'm like "cool!" or "hey, that's the title!" but when it's been referenced in the books in this series I've felt my heart being squeezed and my eyes fill with tears. They've been mentioned in such heartwarming moments that the titles feel precious to me now.

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

TW: Discussions of mental health, death of parents, alcoholism, religious bullying, and suicidal thoughts.

As much as I loved the first book in this series, for me the last two haven’t been my cup of tea. For You & No One Else is my least favorite of the three. It had some good moments but most of the time I found it uninteresting and a few times I felt myself wanting to roll my eyes. I get the message author Roni Loren was trying to convey with this book, but overall it fell flat.

Eliza played a pretty big role in the last book of this series as Andi’s friend and free therapist. In some ways I felt her character was completely different from that book and it was very obvious that as a therapist Eliza very much needed therapy of her own and failed to realize it or didn’t want to admit it and to be honest it makes me wonder how good a therapist she really is if she doesn’t recognize the signs in her own life that she needs it badly. I enjoyed her friendship with Beck and felt he was good for Eliza and treated her well, but they had very different idea about relationships and other aspects that affected both of their lives.

I felt this book was meandering and trying to find a main focal point and it never really succeeded. The first part of the book was better than the second half and Beck’s background coming to light and being wrapped up way too quickly; same with the relationship between Eliza and Beck.

The epilogue was cute and wrapped up the series nicely; however For You & No One Else was a bit of a disappointment for me.

Review copy provided for a voluntary review.

[Amelia | All in with A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4/5
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Read If You Liked: Say Everything Series or Part of Your World
Steam: 3/5
Tropes: Friends to Lovers, It’s Just A Hookup, Age-Gap, Workplace Romance

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for proving this advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. For You & No One Else will be released on July 5th, 2022.

The Say Everything series is a dark horse of a romance series….These books are so good, talk about relatable humans and I don’t think they get enough hype. So I’m you’re hype girl now!

Things I loved: The bold honestly between these two humans, they were also so kind to one another. Eliza was so relatable. I loved the pets. All of the NOLA foodie mentions. Star Wars. I loved the concept of going off social media and going analog. Sleepover/Pajama party was so much fun. The way it tackled aspects of purity culture, self-improvement and therapy. That epilogue was so perfect I could cry! The friends! Age gap was handled well and didn’t feel odd, especially with Beck’s history and maturity.

Things I didn’t care for: Something was missing, I can’t put my finger on it. The middle of the book was fun, looking at their F2L/FWB story, but I wish we got a deeper look into who each of them were. We get glimpses of their stories when there was an opportunity to do more with it.

Overall, I really suggest this series! Sad it’s over but can’t wait to see what Roni Loren writes next.

[Afi (WhatAfiReads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edit Review: Thank you to Times Reads for also providing me a copy for this book!

One of my most anticipated releases and sadly, I had mixed feelings about it.

Roni Loren has definitely climbed to one of the authors that I highly anticipate. The first two books from these standalone series were so great! The mental health representation, the romance was well-written and overall I liked Loren’s writing style.

For this particular one, I would say, it was okay but not so okay? Its the kind of book that makes you happy at one moment, then makes you go ick at some parts. These emotions went back and forth and I almost gave this 3 stars if not for the wholesome epilogue, which bumped if a tad to 3.65🌟.

Short Summary
Eliza is a therapist and a romance believer. She believes in the idea of a perfect marriage with kids and a stable life. Comes Beckham, her work neighbour-hacker-tech-engineer that is the opposite of all her beliefs due to this past. Two individuals that somehow clicked even in the weirdest circumstances - a story of a rediscovery of love and mostly, a discovery of one’s self.

Personal Thoughts
I would say this book fell into the “i-dont-know-what-to-feel-but-its-still-cute-but-still-meh”

Roni Loren has a style of writing in her book that I am not too keen in which the second end always seems so rushed and it happened in this book as well. However, that wasn’t the deal breaker for me as I’ve come to accept that’s her writing style, but what made me just Ehh about the book was mostly the overall plot and pacing?

Ngl, the storyline was cute on its own. Beck and Eliza are such two individuals that are so interesting and filled with their own humour. I love their moments nerding out with each other and their love for animals is just 🥰 It was cute at best but I think what made me feel Ehh a bit was the overall conflict that they had, in a sense.

As usual, Loren writes really good spicy scenes but somehow their relationship was one that made me just felt… hmmm.. Am I convinced? I didn’t like that Beck’s problems was just somehow mentioned but didn’t explored properly as it was the biggest problem and inferior complex that shaped him as a person. Eliza as a character is almost borderline annoying but it didn’t go pass the line in which she’s tolerable. I do understand her worries and qualms and it depicts the struggle that most women at the age felt in which I loved the representation for that, but there are parts that I’m not too sure that I liked her character. I felt that it was a bit of missed opportunity in a sense that the overall plot felt iffy and inconsistent.

Overall, would still read Loren’s other works as I love that she introduces various conditions and situations of people that struggles with not only mental health but also an abusive family. I loved that she sticks to her formula in writing but this one is more of a missed opportunity rather than it being a dissapointment. Still liked it and the epilogue was so wholesome!

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Sourcebook Casablanca for this e-ARC!

[Jessica Paige (Exercise_Read_Repeat) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is rare to find a series that keeps getting better with each book published, and I am SAD that this one is now over. I loved the emotional depth within this romance and how despite all the swoon-worthy moments, the characters were flawed and made mistakes along the way. Eliza and Beck were lovable, kindhearted characters with intense chemistry and immense character growth. It was also nice to see Hollyn and Andi, from the first two books, and I loved the role they played in Eliza's life. Seeing them emotionally support her, after the strides that they made with therapy and knowing their history with mental health, was heartwarming to see. And the Epilogue was the absolute best closure to the series as we got to see what the future looks like for Eliza and Beck as well as Andi and Hollyn :) I will say that I did an audio/read combo and do wish there was a different narrator for the male POV. While this book can 100% be read as a standalone, I highly advise committing to the entire series!

Read if you like:
-Friends with benefits turned more
-Age-gap trope (older heroine)
-Lovable and needy pets
-When Sally met Harry references
-Positive discussions about therapy
-Realistic portrayals of mental health

Thank you MacMillion Audio for this ALC in exchange for an honest review. Pub date 7/5/22

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mostly liked this, but as with many contemporary romances these days, I thought the bleak moment happened far too late in the text (approximately 85%.) The couple had JUST started to finally start to define what they were to each other, and then some fairly nasty accusations were flung between them, in a way that an epilogue of showing relationship milestones was not enough for me, personally, to adequately resolve.

This trilogy of books has been interesting--they did not at all hit the highs of the author's school shooting series for me emotionally or the sexiness of some of her work before that--but they were a big swing, and they have my respect for that. Will be curious to see where they go next.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casa and Dreamscape Media for gifting me review copies of For You & no One Else by Roni Loren.

Oh Roni, you have 100% of my heart. Your books always speak to me on a deep level, while making me guffaw (startling other passengers on the plane, my husband asleep next to me, or well, you get the idea).

This is the third in the Say Everything series, and while they work perfectly well as stand-alone books, why wouldn't you go back and read the first two...they're magical.

Eliza Catalano has to appear perfect and put together at all times. She's a therapist, she's got to at least look like she has all the answers...doesn't she? The truth is, she still struggling with the grief of losing her parents. Determined to 'get back out there' and not spend another holiday crying under a blanket, she goes on a date with someone she met on a dating app, which turns out to be the worst date ever...and to make matters worse, he films her and posts it online.

Eliza turns to her techy neighbor at the coworking space where her office is located, to see if he knows how she can get the video down. Not only does he help her with the video, but he challenges her to get off the apps and try going analog for a while.

Eliza and her sexy work neighbor, Beck, start spending more time together, but is their budding relationship standing in the way of Eliza finding her true match?

Oh I loved both of these characters so, so much. They were flawed in the most beautiful and relatable ways, and watching them both grow over the course of the story was pure magic.

I switched between reading and listening to the audiobook, which was SO great. It's narrated by Desiree Ketchum, who also did the first two books. It's just over 10 hours long.

Do yourself a favor and pre-order a physical, digital or audio copy of this one....or all three. It comes out July 5, and gets all the stars from me!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't get enough of the Say everything series and this final book did NOT disappoint!! A dual perspective, workplace, friends-to-lovers, opposites attract, reverse age gap romance, this story has witty banter, STEAMY sex scenes and a level of emotional depth not often found in the genre.

Beck is an anti-social media computer privacy hacker with a secret past and Eliza is a therapist with an addictive social media presence. When one of her online dates ends in disaster Beck challenges Eliza to take a six month social media detox.

With undeniable chemistry the two eventually give in and agree to try a no strings attached arrangement while Eliza keeps looking for her 'Mr. Right.' The relationship between these two MCs was so strong, they have such honest and open conversations that were truly enviable and refreshing to read. I loved how Beck introduces Eliza to a "NoPho" (No phone) friend group, showing her that it is possible to have fun without devices.

As expected from Roni Loren, the mental health rep in this book is amazing. Beck is a recovering alcoholic and a friend from his past comes to him for help overwhelmed by depression and suicidal thoughts. Beck's background as a former member of a cult-like fundamentalist religious group had long-lasting impacts on his outlook on marriage and life and through therapy he is able to deal with his issues too.

But the best part of this book?? The AMAZING epilogue!!! Possibly the VERY best ending to a book/series ever. The author seriously delivers in a BIG WAY to help us see where all these characters end up in the future.

If you haven't yet had the pleasure of reading these books you need to make it a priority to fix that as soon as possible! Great on audio narrated by Desiree Ketchum and perfect for fans of authors like Helen Hoang or Rachel Lynn Solomon. Much thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for my advance review copies!

[Abby Diana Star · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m so happy my physical copy of this book came early and thank you NetGalley for the audiobook ARC!

GOSH I LOVE THIS SERIES!! ❤️

Roni Loren knows how to write some swoon worthy funny male MCs. This book had…great character growth, amazing banter and spice, and EVERY CHARACTER IN THIS SERIES IS WONDERFUL!

What I especially love about the book with the open discussion about the expectations put on women to have a certain kind of happily ever after…when a happily ever after is whatever makes YOU HAPPY!!! I’m so glad Eliza and Beckham found each other...I love their love!🥰

[Shadowbooker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roni Loren did it again. I was drawn into the story and the characters right away, their chemistry was palpable and I just LOVE friends to lovers in an almost unhealthy way. Both characters had flaws and their own ghosts but they were really mature and talked it all out so it was quite refreshing. The ending felt slightly rushed but that could have been just me wanting more more more!!! It was a fun, sexy read and I cannot wait for her next book whatever that is.

[Ilaria 🌸 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eliza Catalano is a couple therapist and ends up to be a meme for worst dare ever
Follows social media tornado and epic fail
Enter Beck sweet beck my lovecdecent guy beck that has kept this book alive
Eliza is immature and not skilled therapist no self correction and immature
Not what I was expecting from this author
Nice cute n army mildly. Good
2.5 stars
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC