This was a light, fun, remarkably fast read.

Maybe a little too fast!

While there were aspects of this book that I really enjoyed, it ultimately felt rushed, especially in it’s resolution. I’m not saying every book needs a lengthy epilogue, but this conclusion felt abrupt. I wish there had been about 50 more pages – maybe slow down the transition from roommates to fake dating to actually dating. Sol falling so fast and then, later, giving up so fast both make her seem a little immature.

I did, for the most part, enjoy both main characters, just wish they’d been a little more developed. I loved getting the insight into Copenhagen and Danish culture.

3.5 stars rounded to 4. No glaring issues, just wish there had been more. A good book, but slightly underdeveloped.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Romance for the advanced reader copy of this book, provided in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

This book has the trifecta of tropes I love: roommates, forced proximity, and fake dating. It’s a short, sweet read. Lots of tender moments and the spice is just right. The only complaint I have is that it could have been longer to flesh out the relationship better, but honestly a very enjoyable read I got through in an afternoon.

“Never Date a Roommate” by Paula Ottoni is her debut English-language adult romance. It’s a delightful journey through the cozy streets of Copenhagen, where love blooms unexpectedly in the most mundane of places, like your very own apartment.

Meet Sol Carvalho. She’s a Brazilian game developer, dreams of advancing her career in the happiest city on earth: Copenhagen. But beneath the city's charming facade of cozy sweaters and hot cocoa lies a vibrant culture waiting to be explored. Sol's boss dangles a promotion, but there's a catch: she needs a steady place to live and a significant other. Unfortunately, Sol has neither. That is until she hatches a plan: convince Viking look-alike Erik Storm to be her roommate and, perhaps, her fake boyfriend.

Meet Erik. He is scarred by a past roommate disaster, is wary. He lost everything: the app he developed, his job, and his peace of mind. Yet, Sol's proposition intrigues him. As long as he can ignore her captivating presence and the way she fills a room with her broad chest and stoic brooding, he might just agree. After all, their mutual tech nemesis awaits defeat.

But lines blur, and their ruse becomes more than just a game. As Sol and Erik navigate their fake relationship, they discover that sometimes the heart doesn't follow the rules. Can they trust their feelings this time, or will history repeat itself?

“Never Date a Roommate” is a heartwarming tale that balances humour, chemistry, and vulnerability. Ottoni's writing is fresh and engaging, capturing the essence of Copenhagen's streets and the quirky dynamics of shared living spaces. Here's why this book deserves a resounding five stars:

Sol and Erik leap off the pages with their distinct personalities. Sol's determination and wit are irresistible, while Erik's brooding exterior hides a tender heart. Their banter crackles, and their chemistry sizzles. The fake relationship trope is executed brilliantly. Sol and Erik's interactions create a delightful tension. Their emotional journey feels authentic and relatable.

Amid the laughter, there are poignant moments that tug at your heartstrings. Sol's vulnerability and Erik's hidden scars make them endearing. You'll root for their happily-ever-after. The subplot involving their mutual tech nemesis adds intrigue. As Sol and Erik work together, the stakes rise, and the lines between fake and real blur. Ottoni weaves this thread seamlessly into the romance.

Copenhagen comes alive in Ottoni's prose. From cobblestone streets to cozy cafes, readers will yearn to explore this enchanting city. The blend of Brazilian and Danish cultures adds depth to the narrative.

In “Never Date a Roommate”, Ottoni crafts a romance that warms your soul and leaves you smiling. Whether you're a fan of enemies-to-lovers, slow burn, or quirky roommates, this book delivers. So grab a cup of cocoa, snuggle into your favourite sweater, and immerse yourself in Sol and Erik's charming world. Mark your calendars, fellow romantics, because this is a love story worth experiencing. You won't regret it.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Romance, and Afterglow Books by Harlequin for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

As soon as Erik said they would not be romantically involved it was game over for him. The Danish setting was fantastic, mentions lots of places that I had to google just to see for myself. Includes Brazilian culture as well. Opposites attract. Fake dating was believable, it was short but fulfilling.

I adored this cover and almost never turn down a roommates-turned-lovers premise, but this one I just didn't connect with. Loved the foreign setting - Copenhagen is never in romances and I was so glad to read about it!, loved that the heroine was from Brazil, and I liked that she was in the gaming industry. But the storytelling didn't grab me and at times it felt unrealistic to me. Also, the chemistry between the roommates was just meh.

Paula Ottoni's 'Never Date a Roommate' Sol Carvalho, a determined Brazilian game developer on a mission to advance her career, has moved to Copenhagen, the happiest city on earth. Unfortunately, as she navigates the challenges of her professional life, she faces a dilemma – she needs a stable living situation and a fake boyfriend to secure a coveted promotion. Enter Erik Storm, a Viking look-alike with a troubled past involving roommates. Despite his reservations, Sol convinces Erik to take a chance on her plan, sparking a delightful dance of fake romance and real feelings.

Ottoni's storytelling is filled with humor, heart, and Nordic charm. The chemistry between Sol and Erik crackles off the page, drawing readers into their witty banter and simmering tension. From Copenhagen's picturesque streets to its vibrant culture, the city becomes a character in the story, adding depth and richness to the narrative.
With its lovable characters, sizzling romance, and laugh-out-loud moments, 'Never Date a Roommate' is a delightful romp that will leave readers eagerly turning the pages.

"Never Date a Roommate" is a quick and charming story set in Denmark. Sol, a game developer from Brazil, meets Erik, a former game developer who needs a roommate. They hit it off and become friends, but their relationship slowly turns into something more. The plot mixes friendship and work drama with the sweetness of budding romance.

The author paints a vivid picture of the characters, Danish and Brazilian cultures, and the setting in Denmark. The book is rich in detail, making it easy to get lost in the story. It also helps you understand the differences between the characters' cultures. For instance, I learned about the Danish concept of "hygge" through the book's descriptions.

Erik and Sol are captivating characters. Their chemistry is palpable, and you can feel their hesitations and desires as they navigate their relationship. Erik is a great love interest, supportive and encouraging of Sol's ambitions in game design. He sees her worth and helps her see it too.

Overall, "Never Date a Roommate" is a delightful read, earning a solid four stars from me.

A super quick super cute read! I loved the setting of Copenhagen and the culture differences of the two main characters. I loved the two main characters and always love me a friends to lovers story. I thought the work “games” that they had to attend was a little strange and out of the box, but this was a light escape read so I let it go. The ending felt a tiny bit rushed but I loved how it all came together. This book releases July 30 and I’d highly recommend reading it!

Very sweet and very fast paced story! The author certainly has such a way with words that makes this book very easy to get sucked into! I fear I may never get out! I cannot wait for the release of this title! I will be purchasing a copy!

A quick, fun read! The story of the immigrant experience felt incredibly authentic. Clinging to that dream life while a job becomes a golden cage – oof, did that ever resonate! I also loved the peek into Danish culture -- made me want to bump Denmark up my travel list. And the app they were working on sounds so good -- I need someone to build it for real.

The writing wasn't flawless, but it felt genuine for someone whose first language isn't English. That added a layer of charm and authenticity. The pacing and the romance felt rushed at times, but the fake dating trope was well-executed.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Harlequin Books, and Paula Ottoni for an early copy in exchange for an honest review!

Never Date a Roommate is a sweet, fast-paced story set in Denmark. The main character, Sol, is a game developer from Brazil working for a video game company. She meets Erik, a former game developer, who needs a roommate. Luckily, they meet each other right when Sol also needs a place to stay, and from there, they become friends, but their relationship continues to develop throughout the book to lovers. There is intrigue, interest, and deception related to friendship and work in the plot of the book mixed with the sweet romance of a budding relationship.

The author does an excellent job of weaving together the plot with detail about the characters, cultures of Danish Erik and Brazilian Sol, and location in Denmark. The book was a vivid picture that wove together the exposition of the story with intricate visual details of the story and setting. The author certainly has a way with words that made this book engaging and easy to get sucked into. It was also easy to understand more about the different cultures of the two main characters and the differences and similarities between them. For example, I had heard of the Danish term "hygge" before, but was not clear on the meaning until reading this book due to the specific details provided by the author.

Erik and Sol are intriguing characters. Their passion builds throughout the book and the tension between them is written well. It is easy to feel the palpable yearning and hesitation of them both as concerned with a relationship with the other. Erik is a strong book boyfriend - he himself is resilient, powerful, giving, loving, ambitious and sweet. He encourages and pushes Sol in her work with video game design and is unafraid to utilize her expertise in his own design work as well, which I consider a plus. He is a person that sees the worth in Sol and pushes her to see the worth in herself throughout the book.

This book was a sweet and engaging read with a strong four star rating from me.

I recently read the book Never Date a Roommate by Paula Ottoni and found it to be a delightful and engaging romance novel. The story follows Sol Carvalho, a Brazilian game developer who moves to Copenhagen to advance her career. To do so, she needs to convince Viking look-alike Erik Storm to be her roommate and fake boyfriend.

The characters in the book are well-developed and likable, and I enjoyed the dynamic between Sol and Erik as they navigate their fake relationship. The author does a great job of building tension and chemistry between the two characters, making their eventual romance feel both satisfying and believable.

What sets this book apart, however, is its setting. The descriptions of Copenhagen and its culture are vivid and fascinating, and I found myself completely immersed in Sol's experience of the city. The book also touches on some deeper themes, such as the challenges of navigating a new culture and the importance of taking risks to achieve one's dreams.

Overall, I would highly recommend Never Date a Roommate to anyone looking for a fun and engaging romance novel with a unique setting and well-drawn characters. The book is a perfect escape from reality, and I found myself completely engrossed in Sol and Erik's story.

I am very excited to be reading this book! My full review to follow.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

CONS:
- writing feels childish at certain points, very much like picking petals off a flower of “he loves, he loves me not” and the random third act break up 91% in was just a waste of plot in my opinion.
- The time jumps were hard to keep track of as well, they were just having a blast together and so in love and suddenly it’s been weeks since that moment and they’re actually upset with each other right now.
- Sol was kinda all over the place at times, one minute she was happy and confident in herself then randomly she didn’t want to show who she was or her Brazilian background.
- her love for Erik seemed fast paced? I felt like she was really attached to him because she was alone and didn’t really have anyone in Copenhagen. And instead of her character developing by making her own friends in the company and developing her own routines it was all about her and Erik being together. It felt like she was infatuated with him and he tolerated her.
- I also felt that Sol could be very selfish, she loved Erik but was really upset when he was like 1000% dedicated to completing the app she was ENCOURAGING him to put out ASAP! He was “neglecting” her just like he did in the past but she’s not helping him on the app so he obviously has to be the only one to finish it up which means he’ll be busy?
- I also felt like we didn’t really get to know anything about Erik, he just kinda felt like a background character sometimes. The majority of the book was about Sol and her family. I think this book could’ve been really good if it was marketed as Sol discovering herself in Copenhagen and her falling for her roommate as a subplot.

Despite this list of cons I will say that the book was still a fun read, and even educational. I learned so much about Danish and Brazilian culture which I thought was a really fun way to show more insight into the main characters. The romance was really sweet when these two were “dating” for fun season! and their ideas for the app were so cool to read about, especially in the end when you get to see it all coming together.

I wish the app was real because it sounds fun! there was also some spicy scenes thrown in the mix, I skipped over them but from what I skimmed I’d say the spice was about a 3/5. Everyone’s spice scale is different but this fell right in the middle of spice but not too spicy. I am really happy that I got to read this book and be able to share my honest thoughts and reviews🤍

This was a very relatable read for any woman in the workforce. Sol's got ideas that keep getting stolen by her nemesis, who honestly seems clueless at his job. She's up for a promotion and willing to do anything to get it. Unfortunately, she's suddenly homeless and at the mercy of the only available roommate in Copenhagen or she will be forced to return home where her job prospects are limited to returning to the family business. Convincing Erik to be her fake boyfriend when he used to work for her company surely won't go wrong, will it? Their chemistry is instant and fun to watch. She easily breaks through his "absolutely no dating" rule. It's even relatively easy to forgive his flaw of getting consumed by his work. If I wanted anything more from this book, it would have been more interaction between Sol and Erik. Seeing them together, getting to know each other, their dates through the city - that's where the magic was. Even when they were on the fake work dates, their chemistry was off the charts. Erik sure made me swoon!

This was a short fun read! At times it felt awkward, and clunky, but I loved the characters and their relationship! The plot of this book felt well thought out and doesn’t fall into a lot of the common traps that books with the fake dating tropes often have. I loved that Sol has other relationships outside of her relationship with Erik, her family and best friend, as well as her coworkers really made it feel complete. Don’t hesitate to pick up this book if you come across it!
Thanks to netgalley for the arc!

3.5⭐️

Marisol ‘Sol’ Carvalho is a Brazilian game developer currently living in Copenhagen, Denmark. She is in desperate need of a new apartment when she comes across the hunky Danish Viking, Erik Storm, who is looking for a roommate. She convinces him to let her move in, and when he finds out she works at the same place he used to work, he gives her tips to help get a promotion. To help her seems like she has roots in Denmark they start fake dating.

Never Date a Roommate is relatively short for a full length romance novel, so some aspects felt rushed and I wanted more. Additionally I felt a disconnect with myself and the characters bc the conflict between the pair didn’t seem to make much sense.

Overall, this is a quick, steamy, fun, fake dating romance that I would recommend to readers who enjoy fake dating, hot Viking men, and diverse romance.

Thank you to Netgalley and publishers for giving me a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an early copy in exchange for an honest review!

Rating- 3.75

Never Date a Roommate follows Sol, a game designer from Brazil currently chasing her career dreams in Denmark. However, when she is forced to find a new apartment in the incredibly competitive housing market of Copenhagen, she finds herself matching with the very guy who could solve all of her problems on a dating app. After convincing him to let her stay in his place, only under his strict rules of nothing romantic EVER happening between them (so obviously that means nothing), she begins to battle her way towards a promotion.

But then she is forced to again ask Erik, her sexy roommate, for another favor, in the form of being her fake boyfriend. And thus begins a mashup of some of my all time favorite tropes, and while it was a quick and fun read, I found myself wanting for more.

The book is fairly short, and because of that, some of it feels rushed. Sol and Erik, for example... I felt like their relationship so rapidly changed from 'we can never be more than roommates' to 'damn I want to jump your bones', and that made it seem inorganic. There were many moments that I loved between them, but I think that the author, if she had chosen to make the book just a touch longer, could have given us more from those interactions. I wanted to know more about Erik's family and his ex- honestly, I just wanted to know him a bit more. He had a lot of swoony moments, to be sure, but again, I felt like there were times that we could have gotten more out of his character and his interactions with Sol.

In addition to their love being a bit quick, I felt like the reconciliation was the same. Their conflict, honestly, didn't make enough sense for me to truly feel invested in their struggles and angst. I was just frustrated at them both, but I can recognize how that is an effective way to play on the emotions of readers... however, here, it just didn't fit as well as it could have.

I did like the side characters, but again, I wish we got a little more of them. It was nice to see Sol find her place and her friends in this new city, so far from what she knows, and while I know that the author wanted to represent some of the struggle that comes with finding your place, I thought that the friendships she had outside of Erik could have really shown that.

The spice was written really well and those moments had a lot of chemistry, but I don't know how I feel about the expression 'come in' during sexy time... to each their own, though.

Overall, this was a quick, steamy, low-stakes read that could definitely fill that need for a fun romance! If you're into hot Viking men and a few hours of escapism, I would pick this one up! Despite the things that I didn't like, I did enjoy myself and am curious to see more by the author!

3.5 stars

On the surface this felt like a book I would enjoy. It’s got roommates to lovers, fake dating, a fun setting - all things that I like. However, I found that just didn’t connect with this book. The writing was a little clunky at times, it felt like I was being talked at rather than a cohesive narration (I’m not sure how to describe this but I guess parts felt like an interjection where the narrator was talking directly to the audience but not in an intentional way). I also didn’t love the fmc. She was very hot and cold and didn’t really seem to have her own personality. She jumped back and forth between emotions in a way that didn’t really make sense.
The workplace aspect was also super weird to me. The employees are forced to compete in these absurd games outside of work hours (presumably unpaid) where two of them are competing for a promotion and the rest are just… there? It didn’t make a lot of sense to me.
The last 50 or so pages of this book were so chaotic and rushed that I had a hard time keeping up. The third act conflict seemingly came out of nowhere and then everything g else didn’t really make sense either.
I had high hopes for this one but unfortunately it just wasn’t what I was hoping for

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for the ARC!

I think this book was good. I requested it because it sounded interesting, and it was. The cast of characters was interesting and all so different from one another. I love the setting and environment this book created it really helped to create well rounded and dynamic characters