The general premise sounded fun and exciting but overall I found this didn't quite hit the mark for me.

"The Spare Room" is the first book I've read by Laura Starkey, but it won't be the last! In this book, Rosie has been in a long-term relationship for almost 10 years. Although her boyfriend is selfish and self-centered, Rosie is still convinced that he's doing his best and will propose soon. But when he unceremoniously dumps her one day, she finds herself in trouble: single and now having to somehow pay for their apartment by herself. And when she quits her job after repeated insults from her boss, she's even more desperate to find a roommate. When her new landlord (Aled) needs a place to stay for a few weeks, she offers up her spare room to him. But is this really wise when there's so much chemistry brewing between them?

I enjoyed reading about Rosie's transformation into discovering that she is worthy of more than what she's been putting up with for years: from her romantic relationships and her family relationships. Aled's sweet and soothing presence is exactly what she needs, and I can understand how she would fall for him so quickly! This was a sweet and enjoyable romance. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

The blurb for this drew me in, but unfortunately I found it a bit predictable and lacking a little in the plot. I did enjoy reading the characters and the slow burn of their relationship.

A fun, easy read with no surprises but a lot of satisfaction. The characters are really appealing and there is plenty of humour here. I really liked the writing style and think this is the sort of book which will appeal to many.

Thank you to NetGalley and Embla Books for the ARC of The Spare Room. This debut novel is such a delight. I fell in love with Rosie and Aled and their love story. The characters are so quirky (in the best possible way), and I loved the slow burn romance as well as the personal growth that so many of the characters experience. I'd definitely reread this one and recommend adding it to your TBR!

This was a DNF read. The biggest thing I struggled with was the writing style. I didn't care for the third person narrative or the FMC. I did think there were some funny aspects to the story! Thank you to NetGalley and Embla Books for the ARC.

While the description hooked me into requesting the book, once I started reading, I realized it was not working for me. I think this will be a good book to add to my library, so once the book is released, I will be on the lookout for a reasonably priced physical copy.

I received this as an Arc through NetGalley.

A cute romance novel, this story follows Rosie’s life.
-A decent job that pays the bills ✔️
-A long term boyfriend (living together) ✔️
-Wedding bells and children are the next logical step in life …🤷‍♀️ maybe, but maybe not.

While Rosie’s life is seaming going according to plan her partner James has his own plans. So what happens when their plans collide and a handsome new tenant moves into the building? Read to find out :)

I did find this story dragged on at times and fairly predictable.

If this book isn't on your MUST READ WHEN IT COMES OUT in 2024 book list then it needs to be. Like, right now. Go do it. I'll wait.

The main characters are well written, the story line is suburb. I absolutely loved seeing Rosie's evolution, from being a pushover to placing boundaries where they needed to be and standing up for herself. And what's not to love about Aled? yeah, the mysterious quiet guy persona was a bit weird in the beginning but I can understand why he wanted to just fade into the shadows and not make much of the new situation.

The story was one of my favorites, strangers, becoming unexpected flatmates, to friends to ........... you'll just have to read this to see. Seriously, you won't be disappointed. It gave me all the feels.

If I could give this a ten I would, just for the When Harry Met Sally references. HAHA

Thank you Netgalley, Laura Starky and EmblaBooks for letting me read the ARC copy.

I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy to read the book again.

#TheSpareRoom #EmblaBooks #LauraStarky
@EmblaBooks

I really loved reading this book! It honestly took me by surprise! I expected it to be a cheesy and unrealistic story (because who movies in with a total stranger in real life yaknow?) however, it wasn’t that at all! It was such a beautiful story about self love and sacrifice and what it means to be a person. I especially love when Rosie realizes that she does all of this stuff for her ex and he just takes it and doesn’t realize how much work it is. How he hasn’t done laundry or cleaned for years but suddenly she’s too much. Also the single Taylor swift reference was the best part (also when we find out he’s been crying and locked in his room for a week at the end because I love drama and a lovesick man).

Thanks to EmblaBooks for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Spare Room will have you laughing out loud, and whooping triumphantly for our main lady Rosie as she trips through what life throws at her.
A wonderful portrayal of what your early thirties look like especially when you feel like everything is falling apart.
i love this book Rosie was such a heartwarming and relatable character. I think we can see a lot of ourselves in her especially within her relationships. her best friend was always in her corner sharing laughs and a drink going over the tough times. Rosie has the same somewhat traumatic relationship that millennial have with their parents. And finally being in a toxic relationship for way to long! We can all relate to that!
The Spare Room is all about loving yourself, being true to your Color’s and finally learning to be outside your comfort zone, it was truly a wonderful read.
I love it and the relationship is stunning, so believable and romantic, it is so incredibly human!
The purpose of this book is to tell you that the best revenge is being happy and that is so true, especially as we witness what Rosie will do for what she believes is right.

The Spare Room is a fine romance novel that will probably not stick with you after you read it. Rosie and Aled have a predictable friends to lovers arc going on, and there are a few expected roadblocks in the way.

I really enjoyed this slow burn romance!

The story starts out with our FMC, Rosie, feeling insecure about herself and her relationship. He takes advantage of her and It’s NOT a good situation. Luckily (for her) he ended it and she becomes desperate for a roommate. Aled, the new landlord, decided to move in while renovations were being done. Aled was such a great character, way better than her ex!!

I absolutely LOVED them as a couple, if you like slow burn - then read this book! It has great characters, romance building, and an ending that causes you to leave feeling good❤️❤️

My only criticism on this book is that it did bother me HOW much the FMC talked about her weight in the beginning. I get that it’s important to understand her, but it felt like a lot!

Tropes:
*forced proximity
*slowburn
*landlord/ tenant

Thank you Embla Books and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to Net Galley and Embla Books for my advanced copy!

This was delightful. The way Rosie grows into her self-confidence, Aled’s thoughtfulness, and the delightful cast of side characters had me yearning for more. Some truly profound quotes here. This one was a joy, a warm hug on a cold day.

Read if you enjoy:
- Single POV
- London Setting
- Plus Size Rep
- Fade to Black/ Closed Door
- 3rd person POV
- Slow burn

Fun easy read. I loved both Rosie and Aled’s characters. I enjoyed the slow burn and the dynamic between Rosie and Niamh. Rosie went through a lot of self confidence issues throughout the book and seeing her self discovery/self love journey was encouraging. I do wish we saw more of them together at the end and gotten to see more of what Rosie ended up doing career wise.

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 4


Thank you to NetGallery for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.

Rosie got dumped by her bf unexpectedly. But she still need someone to help her with rent. Reluctanly, she rent out her spare room to her upstairs neighbour while he's renovating. Will they fall in love?

I like both Rosie and Aled. Aled is so sweet. Rosie wasn't that confident in the beginning but it's nice to see how she grows. Great characters. I love the slow burn. Terrific characters.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

this was very like the flatshare by beth o leary and i liked that book so i also enjoyed this one. i liked the writing style but i wish it was a little more different, but it was still fun

3.5 stars rounded up
When Rosie's boyfriend of ten years unceremoniously dumps her for better pastures three weeks before the rent is due, she finds herself renting her spare room to Aled, her taciturn new neighbour.

Laura Starkey's 'The Spare Room' is a fun, easy read about one woman reclaiming her self-confidence and power after being a doormat for her selfish, lazy ex-boyfriend and her parents who treat her like a servant and side with her bully of a brother.

Rosie is the sort of woman you'd easily be friends with, though you'd be frustrated by how she allows herself to be walked allover. And Aled? Well what a sweetheart. He loves literature, rom coms and is a quiet, supportive rock for Rosie.

I really enjoyed how this book is mostly low in melodrama, but I did find at the 60-80% mark the pace really dropped off with Rosie repetitively ruminating how she's attracted to Aled but he's not attracted to someone like her, and how hot he is. I would've preferred to see Rosie firm up her future career/education plans, instead of rushing it through at the end as an afterthought because someone else made a deal with her. I also found resolution with her ex and family rushed through a bit too easy given what they put her through. Words mean nothing if action isn't followed through.

Overall this is another delightful Laura Starkey book, featuring a relatable heroine to root for and a sweet, supportive hero to drool over.

Thanks to Embla Books and NetGalley for the ARC. I've pre-ordered a copy.

4.5 stars!

i was looking for a little palate cleanser to get me out of a reading slump and this book did the job!! a cute little romance book that had me giggling and kicking my feet. i mean forced proximity?? sign me up.

i really enjoyed both aled and rosie. as a woman, i felt like i could relate a lot to rosie’s struggles and insecurities. i think her character growth throughout the book was amazing, i loved watching her confidence grow. and aled?? come on, who doesn’t love a brooding english teacher with a love for cats?? he was perfect in my eyes, he can do no wrong <3

i really loved the side characters as well! that can make or break a book for me tbh. the ending felt a little rushed which was why i knocked it down from a five, but i think i’m a bit tough when it comes to endings so that is more a personal issue.

all in all, this book was a light and easy read! i really enjoyed it!

thank you netgalley and everyone involved for providing me with this arc!