Christ on a cupcake that was good...

Christina. Lauren does it again. They never fail to disapoint with their stories, and they alway manage unique, fun reads. This story takes two New York City strangers and throw them together in a very unique relationship. However they start to wonder if there more to it than originally planed? Can they make it work? I adored Holland and Calvin so much. They were such wonderful characters that fit together perfectly. Also the broadway setting of this story was amazing, such a great idea for a NYC based book. I love all of Christina Lauren's books but this one might have just jumped to the top of my list!

This standalone romantic comedy from the writing team of Christina Lauren was quite a pleasure to read. A twenty-something heroine trying to find her way in the world, Holland lives in New York largely at the behest of her uncles, one of whom is Broadway’s most famous music director. She has been mostly adrift since graduating with an MFA in writing. Hollands works a somewhat menial job for one of her uncles at his hugely successful musical as photographer, merch seller, and all around gofer. Holland yearns to a successful novelist, but she has been stymied by a lack of self-confidence and feelings of inadequacy despite her talents. Holland loves music as much as she loves breathing so when she encounters an ethereal, supremely talented street musician named Calvin, he becomes a bit of an obsession. She secretly watches him from afar until he saves her life after someone pushes Holland on to the subway tracks.

Holland knows that given the chance, Calvin will stun the theater world with his brilliant classical guitar playing. When she gets him an audition which is his dream job of a lifetime, he reveals an illegal status since his student visa expired four years previously. With his Irish accent, affable personality, and joy for life, Calvin inspires Holland to take a crazy chance and offer to marry him so he can attain citizenship. The tentative relationship begins to be more than about her doing something selfless and his desire for a career. From the beginning there’s quite a bit of chemistry between the two, and as their relationship grows along with Calvin’s fame, the falls and missteps juxtaposed with the passion and a developing genuine love make for an entertaining and enjoyable story. Roomies is clever without trying too hard to be cute. It’s not all antics and hijinks though there are some of those. I liked the trope of the protagonist being a writer. Anyone who has ever written stories or thought of being a writer will recognize the authenticity in Holland’s self-doubts and yet burning desire to makes words sing on a page. She has always been a giver helping others live their best lives while quietly cheerleading in the background and never seeing the brightness of her own star. Calvin helps Holland to unlock her own talent in a loving but sometimes painful way. Calvin is quite appealing and their romance works very well in this tale with smart dialog and heartwarming affections

The humor, love story, and personal journey for Holland are well done. Some of her choices I didn’t agree with, but for the most part, a very good story with some quite lyrical writing about the beauty of music and the joys of discovering what well-crafted words can do for one’s soul.

This book was sweet, funny and heart warming. It really did have it all, from laughter, anger, tears, and love. Both characters were so lovable and sweet. I really loved Calvin, he was so swoon worthy and Holland was so cute and funny. They really had a connection, but neither knew what to do with it. This was really a great book and I highly recommend it.

Roomies was a delight to read. I read many romances and am usually disappointed in some aspect or other of the story. This one checked all the boxes for me: great characters, smart dialogue, a believable if improbable premise, well-written. And no annoying, stupid, I’m-not-worthy angst. The female protagonist comes into her own as a smart, talented, confident woman as the plot progresses. I’m going to go back and check out earlier books by Christina Lauren in hopes of finding more to like.

Twenty-five year old Holland Bakker, is the youngest of 6, born in a cab, and would have been lost in the brood if her uncle's husband, Robert, had not declared, that he'll take care of this one. She became the child they never had. After graduating with a MFA in creative writing, wanting to be a novelist, she has not been able to write at all, and only thanks to Robert has a job as a concession worker at the theater on Broadway where his production, It Possessed Him, is performed. He is Broadway’s hottest musical director and he composed the music.

For nearly 6 months, she has been quietly crushing on the busker (guitar player) who plays in the subway station near her apartment, even giving him a fake name, "Jack". Fate takes a hand and one night she is pushed on to the track by a drunk. "Jack" saves her by calling 911. She learns his name is Collin and he is Irish.

Soon afterwards, her beloved uncle is in need of a new musician and Holland brings Robert to hear Collin play. He is offered an audition, but although it is is dream, he must turn it down because his student visa ran out 4 years ago. As a joke, someone suggests a marriage of convenience, and as Holland feels she owes Robert so much and that Collin deserves the chance, she proposes to him.

While they start out as roomies and learn to know each other well enough to convince Immigration, they form a closer bond. Holland is afraid to tell Collin she loves him as she doesn't believe someone like him could ever have feelings for her. She pulls away and he is afraid too. They also are keeping secrets, which always backfires, especailly when one jumps to conclusions. Will these two e able to over come the obstacles they create in themselves? Will Holland find her passion?

I received an ARC from netgalley.com for an honest review. I found this book a delight to read. The author has found her muse. The characters are engaging, the conflicts real, a couple "villains" thrown in for good measure and resolution that leads the reader wanting more.

4-4.5 cute stars

I had so much fun while I was reading it.It was sweet,cute, lighthearting and sexy.The book keep my interest throughout and I was intrigued with the concept of a fake marriage contract.

Roomies has it all, steamy moments,lovable characters,and an intense and full of emotions romance.Calvin is a swoon worthy hero,I adored him and I fell for him hard.Holland is funny and cute.I could easily relate with her.They try to deny the connection both are feeling but this can't be for long.These two were so intense.

Roomies is a fast paced read,if you are looking for a quick, fun and sweet story this one is perfect for you!

I whipped through this contemporary romance about a marriage of convenience that turns into love. I couldn't put it down. Very romantic! I loved the characters of Holland and Calvin and even Holland's uncles who help out both their careers. This was my first book by Christina Lauren, but it won't be my last!

Wow, such a captivating story!
Really, I devoured it, I immersed myself in the world of Holland and Calvin and didn't want to leave it 😂

This story is really unique, and this is one of the reasons why I loved it so much.
Calvin is a busker, a great musician who didn't manage to find the right opportunity to go big after finishing his education. We can say he's a prodigy, such is his musical talent.
Holland, on the other end, is the niece of a famous music composer and director, but is not herself a musician. From the first time she saw and heard Calvin play she was a goner for him.

I loved how the story unfolded, with its ups and downs.
I totally understood also Holland's difficulty to trust Calvin, especially after some particular episodes.
Their story for sure had a unique beginning, and it gave reason to some trust issues that probably wouldn't have been reason to exist in a normal relationship.

Music was an important, foundamental part of this book, and as a musician I appreciated really much the description of it, of what Music inspire in people, what it provokes.

The only thing I would have loved was a deeper insight in Calvin, meaning a male POV, especially in some emotional chapters.

But anyway, great great story!
4.5 stars

4.5 stars!
This is my favorite Christina Lauren book to date. This talented writing duo is back to give us a look into a marriage of convenience between a wonderfully romantic Irish musician Calvin and a heart of gold writer Holland.
These characters meet in an unlikely place as Calvin plays the guitar in a subway station and she is his "not creepy in any way" stalker drawn to him by his good looks and musical talent.
As their lives intersect because of extenuating circumstances and they enter this marriage of convenience to keep Calvin in the country, what starts off as a business arrangement becomes something so much more.
In any marriage of convenience, you always have the thoughts and questions of "could this be more more" or "does he/she feel the same as I do"... the insecurities, the getting to know each other, the passion, the friendship and ultimately the love took center stage and I fell in complete love with this couple. Their bantering, the texting, the slow build to that something more had me glued to my kindle. I smiled, I laughed, I cried because the emotions consumed me and I didn't want it to end.
What I loved most about these characters was Holland's character growth and finding herself and Calvin always staying true to his feelings never wavering and never changing despite his growing fame. Together they just made my heart melt ❤️
This writing duo can certainly write seamlessly and have given readers an epic romance that will remind you of why you love to read... the characters, the music so unforgettable... so beautiful... so perfect that you will close your book with a smile on your face and joy in your heart for a story so completely amazing!

I've read and loved every Christina Lauren book I've ever read. So it pains me waffling back and forth between 2.5 and 3 stars for this one.

Roomies follows the story of Calvin and Holland. Holland has been crushing on the talented musician who she sees on her way to the Subway. When he saves her life, she realizes he is in the country illegally and proposes marriage as a way to save her uncle's music performance (of which Calvin can star). Initially their relationship is platonic but of course they fall in love as they get to know each other.

I'll be honest, I had a hard time moving past the first 20% or so because it was... boring. Lots of words and I felt nothing was really happening and nothing hooked me in. I'm not sad I finished it because parts of it were very cute and Calvin and Holland have good chemistry. Some of their scenes together made me melt.

But overall the story was a little underwhelming compared to what I'm used to from this writing duo. It just felt a little flat and I'm not sure I can explain exactly why. So I'm hoping this is an anomaly and I will continue to love all of Christina Lauren's books in the future!

Title: Roomies
Author: Christina Lauren
Publisher: Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Roomies" by Christina Lauren

My Thoughts....

What a interesting read of "Roomies" where I found myself not being able to put this one down until the very end wanting to know what was going to happen to Holland and Calvin next. I like how this author was able to deliver such a good read that involved the 'musical aspects and the Broadway musical' that was so important to the read. Truly this marriage of convenience due to immigration was delivered so very well in this well written story. The two main characters Holland and Calvin were simply off the chart being to incredible and even somewhat realistic with each having some issues of their own. It was even great as the reader will see Holland finally finding herself by figuring herself out which was so very important in this story. It was also interesting seeing how this story wasn't just about romance but of...well this is where I will stop and say you will have to pick this novel up and see how well this author gives it to the reader. Even though I felt this some of this story was somewhat predictable it was still a good read where I enjoyed the journey. Be ready for a marriage of convenience that will grow into something much more with 'emotion, drama and even sexual tension.'

Even though this story may have had a good ending it would have been even greater if this story had a epilogue but yet I guess the reader can assume it was all good in the end. Would I recommend? Yes!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I wanted to like this one as Christina Lauren's last book was a fun rom-com romp. However, Holland's extreme privilege and cluelessness frustrated me, and there were times the pacing just dragged for no reason. This will be popular with those that enjoy the new adult genre

This was book was Kindly provide to me by Gallery Books through netgalley in exchange of a honest review. I knew the moment I would take this book I will read it in one sit. As usual my girls doesn't dissapoint.

Easy plot, Holland has been watching Calvin play his guitars for months in the subway, he's talented and well very hot but there's a problem is not legally in the country, with the help of Holland and her uncle she gives him the opportunity to make his dream come true by marry him but can Holland keep it simple when she has been admiring him and developed a huge crush on him.

It was fun a breezy read yes but there were moments that it hit home for me because there's a lot of Holland in me, and i know what is to do things for others and lived and being the side character for others and that's what I loved about this two authors they make their character real and for me it make this book extra special. Calvin was wow, what can I say? Lovely, Irish and amazing with Holland and I loved the way he encourage her to be and do more and for me that's a two thumps up.

The romance was sweet and sexy, though is not as erotic as theirs other books I quite enjoyed the intimacy that Calvin and Holland developed. But you know what I enjoyed more? Her relationship with her uncles, gosh that was beautiful written, how they care so much and love Holland, wow I really liked that because is not the typical character that comes from a desfunctional family. Robert and Jeff are the best and I like when family has such importance for the main characters I love that.

My only, tiny problem with the book and why i gave it a four start was the conflict of the story, it didn't felt rushed but it didnt fit quite well for me, the last 10% of the book it was a little messy and bit in the cliché territory but in the end it works out fine.

But aside from that this is a solid book, not my favorite favorite but is memorable and Holland had a very solid character development which seemed believable and achievable.

Hoping to hear from this girls soon enough with another of their brilliant work.

GAH! I loved this story so hard! I truly didn't want it to be over. I wasn't ready! I'm writing this review two days after finishing it because it still had its hold on me. Talk about epic book hangover! I was completely immersed in Holland and Calvin's lives. Christina Lauren write in such a way that the reader is quickly drawn into the story and feels the emotions. I enjoyed Holland's relationship with her uncles. It's unique, but suits them. I enjoyed watching Holland discover herself and determine what it was SHE needed. Holland is a unique character and has an interesting crush. Several people she works with know about said crush and give her a crazy idea. But it's one that she can't let go and I loved seeing this story play out. Sure it's unconventional, but it's sweet, endearing and has ALL THE FEELS! I don't want to ruin this story for you by giving too much away, but know that you absolutely need this book in your life! I feel like I can't give this book justice. But know it's a top read of 2017 for me! Hurry and grab your copy today!

Cute romance with a lot of laugh out loud moments. Loved reading about the music too.

Looking for a quick, fun, and yes, sexy read? Holland has a crush on a guitar playing subway busker, unaware of his Juilliard background. When she introduces him to her uncle, a famous playwright looking for a unique musician, Holland comes up with a way to keep her Irish musician, Calvin, in the country and available to take the job. Not literary fiction, but a really fun book.

Super sweet love story. A marriage of convenience. Friends to lovers. Amazing supporting cast. And genuinely honest and charming writing from Christina Lauren. I read this book in two days and felt up swept up in the setting of Broadway in New York City. It's a fast and easy plot structure affording you the opportunity to really relax into the reading.

If you're wondering why not 5 stars? It's because I do think a little more depth to the story could of made it a little better and there was a section or two where I felt it started to drag in terms of advancing the relationship.

Overall though any romance reader will enjoy this. It's crisp and delightful to read with memorable characters full of charm and spunk. I fell for not only the main characters but the support cast as well and I loved the premise of how the two met and the why of their marriage. Roomies is perfectly entertaining and fun.

Theatre archivist Holland Bakker has crushed on subway musician Calvin McLoughlin for months. One night, after a few cups of liquid courage, Holland approaches Calvin to confess her undying love... for his music. When a subway attack leaves her unconscious on the rails, Calvin steps in to contact the MTA and the police, but he doesn’t stick around for small talk.

Determined to pay him back, Holland lands Calvin the Broadway audition of his life with her Uncle Robert, a famous director. Robert is blown away and immediately wants to hire Calvin for his musical’s orchestra, but Calvin reveals that he’s in the country illegally on an expired student visa. When Holland proposes marriage, the arrangement is just crazy enough that it might actually work.

There are a lot of romance tropes that I like, friends-to-lovers and fake relationships being somewhere near the top of the list. There are also a lot of romance tropes that I’m iffy about, and a marriage of convenience is one of them. That said, I thought that Roomies was an adorable and (quite nearly) perfect romance about two people who are thrown together and have to work to make it work.

So often in the romance genre, the heroine takes a backseat to the hero. And while, yes, Calvin was certainly something else (and I wouldn’t mind picking up my own Calvin on my next subway ride), Holland was a breath of fresh air. She’s neither a doormat nor a brat. She knows that she wants to make her own way in the world, but she doesn’t know how to start. She’s head-over-heels in lust with Calvin, but she marries him solely to give him the opportunity to realize his dream.

This plot could have gone in a lot of less-satisfying directions, but this author duo did a great job of making it feel realistic while still keeping it entertaining. I saw the first big conflict coming and it didn’t bother me. The second big conflict, though, seemed like a lot of drama for no real reason and felt a bit out of character. BUT, that’s the only real criticism I have of this entire book. Overall, it was cute, it was funny, it was swoony, and it was hard to put down. This was my first Christina Lauren book, but it won’t be my last.

Final rating: 4.5 stars, rounded up to ★★★★★

I received a free copy of Roomies from the publisher (via Netgalley) in exchange for an honest review.

Roomies is unexpected and fun and romantic and I LOVED it! This isn't my normal read and I was not sure that I was the right audience for it, but as I was reading Calvin and Holland's story I didn't want it to end!

Everything about the evolution of this story is relate-able, readable and you really FEEL everything that happens to Holland. You can't get much better than a marriage of convenience turned romance in New York City and this book filled my heart with unexpected tenderness.

It is a very well written story full of all the emotions - well done! Thank you NetGalley - Christina Lauren (Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings) are an author collaboration not to be missed!