Book Review – My Roommate’s Girl (4 Stars)
In hindsight, the story ends the moment it begins. I park in front of the apartment building, my new roommate, Jerry, comes out to help me bring in my meager belongings, and everything is fine . Then he says, “This is my girlfriend, Aster.” I look at Aster and I’m done. So if you think about it, Jerry kind of started it.
That statement right there made me like Aiden Shaw immediately. This guy had a wit about him that I couldn’t ignore. However, the more I read the more I started to question just how witty and charming I initially thought Aiden was.
While second chances aren’t all that unheard of, Aiden just landed the ultimate second chance. Fresh off of being arrested he’s given the option to go to prison on a take a one way ticket to Holsom College and turn his life around. Although he never pictured himself going to college, he’s no fool and he jumps at the offer. Fast forward and Aiden is starting his third year and doing quite well. He manages to snag an apartment off campus with a roommate and for all the trouble he’s managed to avoid the past two years…this roommate situation and makes up for it. One look at Aster, his roommate’s girlfriend, and Aiden is determined to have her. So Aiden sets a plan in motion to break them up (insert where I start to question my initial judgment of him) and he succeeds. Unfortunately for Aiden, the breakup backfires because Aster does a little digging and discovers the truth about the breakup and wants nothing to do with Aiden. Not only does he now have to deal with the unexpected guilt he’s dealing with as far as Jerry is concerned but he has to figure out a way to make it back into Aster’s good graces.
I can’t quite put my finger on what made me like this book so much but it just really clicked for me. I liked the characters and the storyline. I initially thought this was going to be from Aiden’s POV but I was pleasantly surprised to get a little deeper and realize it was told from Aiden’s and Aster’s POVs. Neither of these characters were what I expected them to be, and that’s not a bad thing. Like I said, I did question Aiden but in the end I realized he was a pretty good guy. Even when he thought he was doing something underhanded or shady, he kind of learned a lesson from it.
I took the scholarship they probably could have given to some kid who wasn’t faking his gratitude. But hey, I figured I’d made a living taking things that weren’t mine—why stop now?
This was another statement that didn’t quite set well with me but then I realized that Aiden realized what a golden opportunity he had and he didn’t squander it.
What also made me like these two was the wit and the drive to succeed. How each took their pasts and eventually embraced it, learned from it and make better decisions because of it. At one point they might have just been going through the motions but it clicked for them that they had a bigger purpose. This is one of those stories where you can actually see the growth in a character and the character also recognizes their growth. I think what really made this book work for me wasn’t so much that Aiden’s plans blew up in his face but the way they did and how he had to face it all.
This book is definitely worth adding to your summer/beach reading list. This is only my second Julianna Keyes’ book but I’m seeing she’s definitely one to stalk!

Aidan was given a second chance by the judge when he was caught stealing cars. He chose college over prison in a second chance program. Aidan’s roommate is Jerry who is a pre med student. Jerry is a nice guy. Jerry’s girlfriend is Aster. The minute Aidan is introduced to Aster he wants her and is determined to get her and starts to plan how to break up Aster and Jerry so he can have Aster for himself. Aidan is not a commitment type of guy. Aidan invites Jerry to a bachelor party and makes sure he gets drunk. Once Jerry is drunk Aidan pays a prostitute to hit on Jerry and Jerry cheats. Jerry immediately tells Aster about cheating and they break up. Aidan goes to Aster as a good friend and a shoulder to cry on knowing her caused this.
I liked this story a lot. It is a deep story. I felt bad for Jerry who is a nice guy and got hurt and was set up to cheat while drunk and then was honest immediately afterwards. I didn’t like Aidan at first but then he started to change and grow and couldn’t help but love him in the end. This was a quick read with a good plot. I loved the characters and twist and the ins and outs of this story and I recommend.

I wanted to love this book, I really did, especially after drooling over that hot man on the cover.

However, I was barely able to tolerate Aiden at the beginning of this book. He was conniving and didn't not care about the consequences of his actions. That pissed me off! And he was keeping secrets from a lot of people, including Aster (his roommate's girlfriend). Nothing unusual there, right?

But then, I was thrown when I found out someone else was keeping a secret and I got excited about the future interaction with Aiden and Aster.

Unfortunately, the book just fell a little flat for me.....I needed more, more, something.....just not sure what that something was.

I do love the author and will continue to buy and read her books.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this book. The title is a bit polarizing, and so is the blurb, so I was scared that it would be a bit too weird and just too much, and for the first 20% of the book, it was. I hated Aiden’s attitudes and the decisions he made. But somewhere along the way, the book got loads better, and I grew attached to the characters, and I understood them. And I ended up liking it a lot.

The same happened about the writing for me. I wasn’t quite sure at first, even though this was my third book by Julianna Keyes, but then everything got better, eheh. But I have to say that the formatting of this book felt weird for me. The book is told through Aiden’s POV for the first third, and then suddenly it goes to being dual POV. I was a bit confused about this change, though I understood it story wise, for 20 chapters we had no title, and suddenly we have the narrator’s name… it was a bit weird.

Even though Aiden didn’t always make the smartest decisions, I ended up loving the guy, his determination to be better, even when he didn’t believe himself capable of it. And I ended up loving Aster too, especially because she put her life and her future ahead of anything else. She knew what she wanted and needed and she fought for it.

The story turned out to be so much more than I was expecting, and WOW, it was so amazing, and so full of character growth. I loved it. The theme about second chances and knowing what’s best for you and that you alone are responsible for your life. Amazing.

Guys, don’t be put down by the original idea of a triangle and cheating, the importance of those things is minimal to non-existent in the book, so go ahead and pick this one up. You won’t regret it.

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***

My Roommate's Girl by Julianna Keyes
Publication Date: June 12, 2017
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

The day a judge gave me the choice between going to prison or going to college was the day I vowed to stop stealing. Never again would I see something beautiful and beyond my means and take it, just because I wanted it. Just because I could.

When I moved in with Jerry, it was with good intentions. I needed a place to live while I got my degree, and he needed a roommate.

Then I saw Aster.

Blond and beautiful, good, pure, sweet, smart…and Jerry’s girlfriend. She was everything I never thought I could have. Except…maybe I can.

So I put a plan into action. Yeah, I’d probably go to hell, but it would be worth it. I wanted Aster. I wanted her yesterday and tomorrow and every possible way.

But you know what they say.

Be careful what you wish for…because you just might get it.

What I Liked:

Y'all, this should not have been a book for me, based on the title and synopsis alone. In what world would I be okay with a guy literally trying to steal someone else's girl - especially his roommate's? It sounds bad, I know. I wasn't all that excited to read this book when I first heard about it, but I've read five of Keyes's previous books and I have yet to be disappointed. With a little push, I decided to give this one a chance, and I'm glad I did. Keyes always has a way of surprising me, with every book I read. I should just turn off my brain and try every and any book she writes, because clearly she writes romance novels that work for me!

My Roommate's Girl is told mostly from Aidan's POV - the first 30% is, anyway. Aidan used to steal cars, got caught, went to juvie, but was offered a second chance and a fresh start. He was placed in a program that helps troubled teens, a program that got him on his feet and into college, where he is pursuing a degree in social work and he has an on-campus job. Aidan is done stealing... until he meets Aster, his roommate Jerry's girlfriend. Aster is perfect in Aidan's eyes, and he decides that he wants her, badly enough to break up her and Jerry. When his plan works, he doesn't expect to feel bad about it. He doesn't expect Aster to find out so quickly. He doesn't expect to actually fall for her. He doesn't expect to find out that she isn't who she seems to him, anymore than he is to her.

"Be careful what you wish for" is right! Aidan wanted Jerry's girlfriend and he devised a plan that would break them up - which, in his mind, would "free" Aster to be able to have sex with anyone, but specifically, him. Some plan, huh? Aidan is so shameless and without inhibitions. I like that he goes after what (who) he wants, though you really want to smack him at first. I'm not saying what he did was okay or right, but I forgave him after a while, and so did Aster.

This story constantly surprised me. I fully expected a story that involved cheating and sneaking around behind Jerry's back and all kinds of forbidden romance that I hate (because of the cheating). But. There is no cheating in this book. No real sneaking around. Jerry and Aster break up fairly early on in the book, which eliminates the possibility of cheating. Also, time moves by in this book, days and weeks at a time. It isn't until the 50% mark that Aidan and Aster do anything physical together - fine by me. I was happy that there was no cheating (in terms of Aidan and Aster).

There also was no love triangle, which was surprising. It turns out, Aster and Jerry had been together for a while (a year, I think? I can't rememeber), and they loved each other, but it almost seemed fake, like plastic. I don't know how to describe. Like a bland kind of love? Eventually Aster realizes that she didn't really love Jerry - and Jerry didn't really love her. He didn't even know her (because she didn't let him know her). Anyway, after they break up, Aster doesn't pine for Jerry, and Jerry doesn't pine for Aster. No messiness. No love triangle. No rebounds. No make-ups.

I adored Aidan. He's shameless, determined, stubborn, and a little wicked. He's trying to better, but going after his roommate's girlfriend probably isn't a sign of trying to be better. He actually feels bad about taking Jerry to the party that ruined things for Jerry and Aster. Aidan realizes he made a mistake. I liked seeing Aidan grow a conscience and realize that his actions have real consequences that affect real people. Aidan grows a lot during this spring semester of college, and not just because of a girl (Aster).

Aster was a mystery at first, because in Aidan's eyes, she is so perfect. Hot, smart, kind, a good girl. But it turns out that she wasn't always "good", she still isn't "good", and she shouldn't necessarily be on that pedestal that Aidan has her on. I like that Aster had a lot more depth to her than we initially see. Aster is a nice person and she's very likable. I feel like I would get along with her really well - she's an introverted extrovert and she is pretty awesome when she isn't yelling at Aidan.

The chemistry between these two picks up after Aster breaks up with Jerry. It's not an instant thing - Aster isn't looking for a rebound - but you can see it simmering beneath the surface. These two make each other burn and there are a lot of intense scenes full of chemistry without anything physical happening between them. In fact, they don't have sex until the midway point, if I remember correctly. I liked this setup - the romance didn't feel rushed, and the story progressed nicely, around the romance. No insta-love, lots of chemistry and a number of hot sexy times - perfect for a New Adult romance novel.

Of course there is some drama around the climax, but it's not too bad! One thing I hate is dramatic, over-the-top climax scenes that lead to one of the protagonists messing up, and then a grand gesture is needed, and blah blah blah. The drama wasn't too bad, and while one protagonist does mess up, it doesn't take long before they are back together.

In addition to the yummy romance, there are quite a number of good friendships in this book. Aidan has good relationships with a number of other college boys in the same program as him, who are trying to do better for themselves. I love the one guy who is not a college student but a 23-year-old who got married to his sweetheart. How adorable! And on Aster's side - she kind of has no friends but she makes a friend (and a surprising one - this girl is not who I expected to be friends with Aster!). I always like to see positive, non-toxic friendships in books, and this book had some good ones.

In general, this is a fantastic New Adult novel that has a steamy romance, some "tough issues" that don't dragged the story into a dark story, a strong male and female lead pairing, positive friendships, and a good story. I was rooting for Aidan, on his journey to be a better person. I'm glad he got his happy ending!

What I Did Not Like:

I can't think of anything that really stuck out to me except that I wasn't totally sold on Aidan at first, because of the active role he played in breaking up Jerry and Aster. Of course, given how their relationship seemed, I didn't think they should have been together in the first place, but Aidan playing a role in forcing the breakup was a low move. The good thing is that he recognized this and grew from it, and I liked him more for that. But yeah, initially I was turned off by this whole thing. If you experience the same, keep reading! Aidan won't disappoint you.

Would I Recommend It:

If you like New Adult contemporary romance, this is a great new standalone novel to try. I've moved entirely away from New Adult "powerhouses" like Colleen Hoover, Jamie McGuire, and Elle Kennedy, but I'm 100% sold on Keyes's books (New Adult, yes, but also her adult books). There is no love triangle or cheating or sneaking around in this book, I promise!

Rating:

4 stars. I know Keyes has said that this would be a standalone novel only but I wouldn't mind reading about some of the other characters! But I'll always look forward to reading more from her, regardless. Hopefully some adult romance novels next! You think her New Adult books are hot? Hehehe...

Title: My Roommate's Girl
Author: Julianna Keyes
Genre: Contemporary Romance/New Adult
My Rating: 4 tattooed Stars!
Swooning Level: 5/5
Release Date: June 12th, 2017

*I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*


Aiden Shaw has a past of taking things that aren't exactly his. Literally. And he was in deep...facing jail time. So, when he's given the opportunity by a judge to either go to prison or get a free ride to college as part of a second chance program for troubled young adults, Aiden *graciously* accepts.


Now at the age of twenty-two and fully committed to making the most of this second chance work, Aiden finds himself moving in with a new roommate, Jerry. On move in day Aiden meets Jerry's blonde & breathtaking girlfriend, Aster. Now, Aiden is faced with desiring what's not his...again. As a result, he makes a plan. A way to steal Aster right out from underneath Jerry. Even if she is this perfect angel who he's sure reads to blind kids, and even if Aiden believes she's too good for him, He wants her. Bad. Aster may be someone else's girl but Aiden won't let that stop him from hijacking her anyway. Old habits die hard...


But what if Aster isn't the goody two-shoes that Aiden believes her to be?
What if she is more like him then she's letting on?
They both have pasts.
They've both been given second chances.
They both need the healing of two hearts finding their home.


"I let her see it, see me, showing her everything I have, all the flaws, all the truths. She doesn't even flinch."


My Thoughts:
Can somebody say ANGST?!?!?! My Roommate's Girl has some of the finest back and forth banter I've ever read. The beginning of the story is told in Aiden's perspective,and honestly I loved how the author chose to write it that way. I instantly fell in love with Aiden and felt drawn to him. I was rooting for him and Aster to find their happily ever after from the start. The humor and angst was off the charts and made this story stand out from others of it's kind. I felt the alternating POV between Aiden & Aster was seamless. Keyes wrote from a guy's perspective with perfect believability. And Aster was a strong female lead. I was thoroughly shocked learning of her unexpected past, but think it worked perfectly. It was inspiring to see Aiden & Aster take the second chances they'd been gifted and choose to live freely.


"The best part is what we have between us, the promise and potential that's always felt like a myth, but is now clear and present."


Overall: My Roommate's Girl is a book that I will most certainly want to reread! It's a very solid 4 stars! I can't even tell you how many times I laughed out loud. (Aiden really is just a big ol' cutie pie behind that tattooed, bad-boy exterior.) Then there were numerous times I was blown away by the deep emotions. Lot's of heartbreak, angst, sweetness & swoon-worthy moments. I definitely want to read more from Keyes! Her writing style was refreshing and unique. I'd recommend My Roommate's Girl to all romance lovers! Go check it out loves!


P.S. I've fallen in love with Aiden Shaw and I don't care who knows it! *winks*


Thank you to the publisher and author for giving me the opportunity to read My Roommate's Girl!


~KristaMae~

A great entertaining read I've come to expect from this author. Well written story line that held my interest the whole time

I loved this book far more than I initially thought. I was a little nervous going into it because I hate cheating tropes. But this wasn't anything like that and while I definitely had my doubts about Aidan to start, he definitely won me over by the end. I loved Aster's unexpected backstory and I thought the whole twist was pretty brilliant and also helped to redeem Aidan. The characters were engaging, even the side characters (ohhh Jerry...) and the plot was well-paced. All in all, Julianna Keyes has written another winner!

This was the perfect New Adult read! I loved the forbidden concept and the romance between the two characters.

Julianna Keyes writes some of the best new adult romances!

Full review to come...

The title of Julianna Keyes’s new adult romance My Roommate’s Girl gives a pretty good hint as to the subject matter, and the synopsis fills in some of the details. But what’s delivered is so much more than what’s expected and this is one of those stories you’ll be hard pressed to put down once you start.

Aidan has gotten into his share of trouble and his last chance to make something good out of his life is to take a judge up on his offer to go to college with a scholarship program for troubled kids, instead of a stint in a local jail for car theft. His roommate Jerry is a nice guy, a doctor’s son who's been handed a much nicer life than Aidan, including a stunning girlfriend. Aster certainly fits the part of a perfect girl to hang on the arm of a successful man. But Aidan is struck with some very lustful intentions. He hatches a plan to break up the happy couple in hopes that he’ll be the one Aster turns to, to pick up the pieces. But actions have consequences. Has he ruined a happy ever after for three people in his quest to steal his roommate’s girl?

So clearly, Aidan is a selfish prick. His intentions are never in doubt, and obviously he’s not hero material. Right? RIGHT? I mean, what kind of guy does that? The manner in which Aidan goes about his plan to break up Jerry and Aster is very sly, very well planned, and has consequences that don’t quite fit what he’d envisioned. I don’t want to give away too many spoilers because there are some really great plot twists in this story that have to be read to be appreciated. But there are a few things I can say, in hopes that you will be willing to give this book a try, despite how bad things look for Aidan.

As it turns out, Aidan ends up being one of my favorite heroes! (I didn't expect that either!) He has to deal with the consequences of his actions and the real results of what happens when you interfere in someone else’s relationship for your own personal gain. He’s forced to take a good hard look at himself and make some serious changes. Yes, there are some extenuating circumstances that led to his decisions, but he owns up to them and his mistakes. His character growth from start to end is impressive and definitely one of my favorite things in this story.

Aster seems to have the perfect life but we learn a lot more about her as the story progresses. She has a strong friendship with Aidan at the beginning of the story, one that is shattered by Aidan’s actions and one he will have to work hard to regain. The feelings the two of them have for each other are complicated because of their history, and it’s a slow burn romance as they find ways to fix things between them. There are some sexy scenes in this story as Aidan and Astor connect but it’s not how Aidan had first envisioned. The ending of this story made me cry, that’s how invested I felt in their relationship. Redeeming a villain is not easy, but Julianna Keyes does it remarkably well in this angsty story of love and consequences. It’s definitely one of my favorite reads of the year.

This review has been posted at Straight Shootin' Book Reviews and feedback updated with the link. An abbreviated version will be posted at sale sites during release week.

I really wanted to love this but I didn't It's more a 2.5 star.
The writing style is stilled and hard to read. It reads like a robot with no real feeling or emotion behind it. At the beginning of the novel you are thrown so much information and not all of it was needed. So of the stuff dumped right at the start was a huge turn off. I got to about 80% and couldn't read any longer.
The writing style, lack of developed characters turned me off.

‘My Roommate’s Girl’ was my first book by Julianna Keyes and I didn’t really know what to expect. I was expecting a story about a bad boy going after his roommate’s girl / a love triangle / full of drama. I am really happy that the book is not what I expected.

Aidan Shaw got caught stealing cars but he was given a second chance by the judge. He was either going to go to Holsom University, which has a scholarship program that gives troubled kids a second chance or jail. As expected Aidan picked going to Holsom. From the start you know Aidan is a trouble and I got the feeling that I wasn’t really going to like him. But I was sooo wrong. On his third year he cannot stand living in the dorms and decides to find a roommate, which will lead him to meet Aster. Aidan rents a room from Jerry, who is sweet, honest, friendly pre-med student. On his move in day Aiden meets with Jerry’s girl friend Aster, who is really pretty, nice and giving good girl vibes. After meeting Aster, Aiden is attracted to her immediately. Even though he knows that Aster is not the type of girl who will sleep with him when she is in a relationship, Aiden cannot get her out of his mind. So Aiden comes up with a plan that will break Jerry and Aster up. But there is something he didn’t see coming. He never considered hurting Jerry and Aster would make him feel so bad about his plan and himself. So instead of trying to sleep with Aster, he offers being her friend. Aster Lindsey seems like a goody two shoes but you will be surprised when her secrets comes out and see she is not really the person she portrays. She is ambitious, feisty and doesn’t take crap from anyone. Later in the story you will see different part of Aiden, which will make you swoon. He is loyal and sweet. It was really nice to be part of Aiden and Aster’s journey, their friendship evolving to love and watching the growth of their characters. At the end of the book you will be surprised to see the change in both Aiden and Aster.

‘My Roommate’s Girl’ is a sweet and hopeful second chance romance that is a quick and easy read. Overall, I really enjoyed Aiden and Aster’s story. After I finished the book I checked out some of Julianna Keyes’ books and I think I will be reading ‘Undecided’ and ‘Undeclared’ soon.

P.S. I would really like to read Jerry, the roommate/ex-boyfriend & Missy’s story. So I am crossing my fingers that they will get their story too 🙂

Would I recommend this book: Yes.
Would I re-read this book: Maybe later.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.

I have absolutely loved every Julianna Keyes novel as she has an incredible ability to combine humor, heat, and heart in her novels. They are so darn funny that sometimes I have to catch my breath laughing so hard as her heroes and heroines are so real and honest but sarcastic AF when they need to be. Aidan and Aster were really perfect together. They weren't perfect people but together made each other better. I really loved this book!

At first glance you read the title of this novel and immediately think "Uh oh.....pass. I don't do love triangles and/or cheating." But let me SCREAM something: (without giving away spoilers) this story has none of that! None! This is probably one of the most unique stories I have ever read. It was funny, smart, sexy as heck and fantastic. At first glance when reformed Bad Boy in progress Aidan Shaw saw Aster Lindsey he wanted her. He knew it was wrong and unthinkable. She was his new roommate's girlfriend. But once he got to know her more and more..it was on. She became his endgame and he needed to figure out how he could win the girl. But what happens when things get complicated and lines get blurred? Can Aidan escape his past and the man he was and become the man he was always destined to be?

My Roommate's Girlfriend is a unique and compelling story that grips you from the first page. And I'm warning you now: GET READY for some twists, people. I was FLOORED and I thought I've seen and read everything. Aidan and Aster have crazy chemistry and are the perfect complement to each other. All in all, this novel was amazing and I could not get enough. I can't wait for Ms. Keyes next one! Bravo! 4 stars! ~Ratula

On the day Aidan moves into his new apartment, he meets his roommate's girlfriend,  Aster. He can't stop thinking about her and decides one way or another he will get what he wants, and he wants Aster.

But things are not always what they seem, and although his goal in the beginning was superficial and temporary, once he and Aster start to get to know each other, everything changes. Will the secrets he keeps ruin them before they even begin? Or will Aster see him for what and who he is...

I loved this book, and it was not what I was expecting! Aidan starts out as a very unlikable character. While he may have his 'reasons' for being that way, he really doesn't use them as excuses. When you really start to see his inner depth and how he grows and evolves, you can't help falling for him, too! Aster is not what she seems... once we find out all of her innermost secrets and what kind of a caring, strong person she is, I believe she grows from a simple conquest to Aiden to the ultimate prize.

I loved the storyline centered on second chances for young adults to make something of themselves and get them away from the lives that had been bringing them down. The characters were interesting, flawed and trying hard to navigate this new life they had been given. A unique, multi faceted read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.

this is the first book i've read by this author and sadly it will be the last.
Don't get me wrong i loved the plot, i loved the main characters i loved the story as a whole it just that the author's writing style just isnt for me

I was so excited to see a new, standalone new adult romance from Julianna Keyes on NetGalley. It's no big secret that I've loved her Burnham College series — and her adult offerings, for that matter — but I was still looking forward to seeing what she would do with new characters. I'll admit, I was a little leery going in because of the subject matter. A guy trying to steal his roommate's girlfriend? Would there be cheating? Could I find a guy like that swoony? There was NO REASON for me to be concerned. Julianna did an amazing job with this book and even if I was a little iffy towards Aiden in the beginning, it didn't take long before I was singing his praises and putting him on my swoony book boys list.

I don't want to get too far into the storyline on this one because, honestly, I think it's a book it's just best to experience. What I will say is that it took me by surprise in a lot of ways. Both Aiden and Aster were multi-dimensional and they each had some great development over the course of this book. For some reason, I expected this book to be a light and maybe even dirty book. It wasn't heavy, but it did punch me in the feels quite a bit. Unexpectedly, even. I was in deep with these characters and rooting for them both together and separately.

I read this one from cover to cover in a matter of mere hours. Aiden and Aster were totally addictive and I couldn't stop once I started. The romance was sweet and, yes, sexy. I enjoyed the character development nearly as much as the romance. It was wonderful to watch these two learn who they really are and come into their own. I absolutely loved this book. It's definitely going on my "reread in the future" pile.

FAVORITE QUOTES

"If someone cheats, it's not out of character. It's out of line. Out of bounds. Out of the realm of possibility. He's just another guy who looks like one thing but acts like another. I've had enough of that."

When I met Aster, I thought she was the light I'd been waiting for. But I was wrong. She was the spark.

Aiden's the only guy in my life to see all of me. The person I was and the person I want to be and the person I am now. And for whatever reason, he's still looking.

I didn't think happiness was real, and I definitely didn't think it was tangible, something you could hold, touch, feel. But now, as I slide my fingers through Aster's hair and press my lips to hers, I see that I was the best kind of wrong.

My Roommate's Girl is such a fun read. There is a nice balance of comedy and drama. Or the comedy of drama, more or less.

Immediately in the book you understand that Aiden, our hero, is a bad boy that may in fact be a bad man. You also understand that Aster, our heroine, is a lovely young lady who is so perfect and unflawed she is practically pasteurized. Basically, Aiden is shady and Aster is a sunny day.

I cringed watching Aiden's machinations to break up Aster and Jerry. Aiden's behavior was appalling. He destroyed a good relationship so he MIGHT have a chance to have sex with Aster. However, I always liked the Aiden character and came to really like the Aster character as well. No one is perfect in this book, even Jerry, and he comes close.

The character development in the book was really good. The characters actually learn from their mistakes! Also, I'm always happy to read a book where you don't know everything about a character by the third page of the book. I didn't know how the story would resolve itself by the third page either.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys New Adult or Contemporary Romance.

Wrong choice of title and cover, if you ask me.
It made me go into this book with pretty low expectations. Made me expect a light-hearted, rather shallow story about a bad boy going after the good girl, maybe even a little love triangle thrown into the mix. Some steam, a lot of fun and forgettable characters.
What I certainly did not expect was all the emotions, ranging all the way from hate to love, from compassion to anger, from aggravation to amusement.

Aidan in particular was such a sneaky little bastard. God, I hated his guts in the beginning. What a despicable asshole, and a constantly horny one at that. Really not my kind of book boyfriend.

Still, I kept reading because I thought, even though he doesn't seem to have any redeeming qualities, I kind of like the other characters well enough to keep going, and it was pretty entertaining. But then, about halfway through the book, it suddenly struck me: I'm crushing on Aidan. Well hell, when exactly did that happen?!
Well, I'm still not sure. I guess at the beginning, what made me gradually warm up to him a little was his dry sense of humor. Later, I caught myself swooning over his determination to have Aster and his lack of composure and self-control at times. What eventually really won me over, though, was the immense character growth he went through within just a couple of months without losing any of the few appealing character traits he had in the beginning (don't you hate it when a bad-ass hero gets all mushy and limp once he falls in love?).

As for Aster, she started out as such a bland and dull goody two-shoes character and, while I didn't exactly dislike her, I just didn't care about her, either. Surprisingly, she quickly grew on me too, and I couldn't have been more surprised at the turn of events when I finally learned that she had secrets of her own. I loved how ambitious and proud she was, and that she didn't take crap from anyone, including Aidan.

The romance is beautiful and real, a classic slow-burner with heaps of tension, but it's a lot less focused on sexy times than one might expect, given the cover and the blurb.
Rather, it's a story of personal growth and wanting the best for yourself, and how friendship and love can help reach your goals. And while this book deals with some heavier subjects, the tone is still light and hopeful, backed with endearing secondary characters, subtle humor and a lot of fun and witty banter.

This book was such a pleasant surprise to me. It's so much more than meets the eye.

3.5 Stars!

Julianna Keyes is an author I've come to love this year. I became a fan of her writing after reading her Burnham College series. I was very excited to get to read her new release, My Roommate's Girl. From the title, I could tell this was going to be one of those books that was going to have some uncomfortable moments, but I had faith that Keyes could make me fall in love with her story.

I didn't immediately fall in love with My Roommate's Girl. It wasn't the dreaded love triangle that kept me from it. It was the main character, Aiden Shaw. His cocky, tough guy talk didn't endear him to me. He seemed really scuzzy and I didn't like his tactics. I think my biggest problem was that his motives weren't good. Everything was based on his lust. It wasn't until he and Aster truly started to form a friendship that I could see the good in Aiden, and appreciate him. There was more to him than I thought, and it took until half way through the book to understand that. I wish it would have happened earlier.

Aster wasn't what I expected at all. I was pleasantly surprised by her when her point of view finally showed up. She was more than the princess Aiden described her to be. I loved her back story and how it affected her feelings for Aiden.

Aster and Aiden had a very unique connection. Their similarities tied them together in a special way. It enhanced their already sizzling chemistry. The more they discovered about each other, the more I liked the story. I wish more time had been spent within their relationship. There was so much build up to it. I only got to experience their relationship for what felt like a minute before a conflict started to ruin things. I wasn't a fan of the conflict, so that time in the book frustrated me. It did lead a super cute ending, though.

I probably would have given My Roommate's Girl a higher rating if I had immediately connected with the characters. I liked them, but I never really got the chance to love them. The book was still a lot of fun to read and it was incredibly fast-paced. If you're looking for a college romance that isn't centered around sports or normal college students, I would recommend My Roommate's Girl. It's different from any college romance I've read.