I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for my review. I normally don't give my full opinion of a story until the end, but I LOVED this book! I was only half-way through the book when I started telling all of my friends about it. Holland Bakker is a writer without a story to tell, so she finds herself working as a photographer/memorabilia salesgirl for her uncle-in-law's Broadway hit musical. She is getting her uncle coffee when she comes across Calvin McLoughlin playing guitar on the subway stop. She is so impressed with his playing and his looks that she brings him to audition for uncle. Her uncle immediately knows that Cal is the perfect person for the job, however he is in the country illegally. Holland decides that she should marry Cal in order to give him a green card and save her uncle's Broadway hit.

The plot isn't new or especially tricky to figure out, but the interaction between the characters is just so great, that you don't really care that you know what is going to happen, you just want to enjoy the ride. If you are a fan of Mozart in the Jungle, it really reminded me of that show. Awesome story!

This book is excellent! One of their best. It takes a point of view I did not expect and was a unique turn of events! What a way to start a relationship. Definitely worth a read.

Got this as an Advanced Reader Copy. I liked the premise, and it intrigued me.

I enjoyed the book, it was fast paced, interesting musically, and Broadway theatre wise.

It read a bit like fan fiction, which isn't my favorite style of book.

Definitely a fun read, if you need something to take your mind off of things.

Five relatable stars.

I requested Roomies from NetGalley because I've seen a lot of raves for Christina Lauren's books but I haven't read them before. Well, I appreciate being gifted this ARC because I am impressed. This book is a great introduction to new-to-me authors and I will be adding their books to my TBR mountain ASAP. What's admirable is that they are two writers but Roomies has one unified "voice". You cannot tell who wrote which part. It was so seamless.

I normally don't read NA books, I feel that they're too young for me. I also don't usually read first person singular POV. I broke both of those rules for The Hating Game. I'm glad I did it again for Roomies.

When I say I can relate, I mean it. Holland's background is so different from mine but I took to her right away. Being mid-20s and still not knowing who you are, who you want to be? Having a crush on a musician not because of their looks but because of their artistry? Being snarky about someone's grammar? Going through USCIS interviews to validate/defend marriage with someone from another country? Been there, done them.

Calvin might share in the title, but Roomies is 100% Holland's book. The development of her character from the beginning until the end is tremendous. She grew up. She found herself. She wasn't just a niece, a wife of convenience, a friend who's always there. She became her own person, independent and strong. I love that.

I also love that everyone in the book feels real. Holland, Calvin, the uncles Robert and Jeff, Brian, Lulu, Davis, Dougherty, Lulu, and others are people you know, people you can imagine existing in New York, in LA, in Des Moines, in Galway.

Calvin is a heartthrob but he is oh so human. As someone who followed all the rules before legally being able to remain here in the US, I thought I would resent how easy things were for him, how lucky to have been the object of Holland's crush. But, as I kept reading, I realized that I couldn't be resentful of how fast the process was going for him. Because it wasn't truly fast and it wasn't very easy. He had to go through four years of being an overstaying illegal, having to tell lies to his family, having to swallow his pride and busk on the subway, being fearful of the authorities. These were communicated beautifully in the book. I thought it was well done by the authors how he came about his legal status in the end. Very convenient, but acceptable.

The dialogue flowed smoothly. The situations, the characters' actions and reactions were all realistic, plausible. There was no suspension of disbelief. I laughed, I cried, I gushed with the romance, I blushed during love scenes, I got angry, I sympathized. I felt everything Holland went through. That's why I am giving Roomies all the five stars. Books that engaged all my emotions usually get the top score. Roomies deserves nothing less.

Christina Lauren’s latest romance Roomies contains storybook characters with fairly uncomplicated lives, or at least easily resolved conflicts. No impasse is too difficult for the hero and heroine to surmount. Any tension between the two is easily vanquished. The novel takes readers out of reality and into a world where no condition exists that would stop romance from prevailing. Lauren spins a yarn that appeals to the romantic soul even if it has no chance of ever happening in real life.

The story and characters share traits with Disney’s version of Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. The narration feeds the imagination without infusing the harshness of reality into the picture. Written in first person from the point of view of the heroine, Holland Lina Bakker, readers view the series of events from her perception.

Her voice is in the reader’s mind, which has the effect of making the reader choose between quarreling or agreeing with her decisions, opinions, and actions. Holland Bakker has a spirit that is optimistic, resilient, and uncontrollably impulsive. All the traits that readers of romances would like to see in themselves. The author reinforces the notion that taking the leap, choosing the risk into the unknown pays off with positive consequences.

The hero in the tale, Calvin Aedan McLoughlin, is a street performer in a subway station who moonlights as a guitarist for cover bands. The author weaves a fantasy between Holland and Calvin that aims to hook audiences who are hungry for romantic tales. Calvin has as much depth as Prince Phillip in Sleeping Beauty. The most important factor about Calvin is he is Holland’s love interest.

The author spins a minor complication in the story to bring the couple together. Calvin is an Irish immigrant who isn’t naturalized. Although, the illegal immigrant theme is relevant in present day society, the way it is presented in the story makes the reader think back of the early 20th century, when immigrants came to Ellis Island, moving to America to escape the hardships of famish-ridden, war-torn Europe.

References to the Vampire Diaries program and the posh section of Park Slope, Brooklyn bring the story into the 21st century. The author never specifies what makes Calvin come to America or why he stays in the US when Ireland isn’t ravished by hard times currently. This complication comes off as contrived, serving only to bring the couple together in what reads like a fantasy, a dream that a romantic school girl spins and imagines how it would unfold if it was to really happened.

The conversational tone of the story keeps the tale moving, flowing at a comfortable pace. There is a simplicity in the string of events that brings Holland and Calvin together, which appeals to readers who gravitate to fantasies, enchanted by the ease of finding a compatible mate. Roomies is all storybook fiction from start to finish, making for a cozy love story.

I have a soft spot for Broadway and this hit the mark. Roomies was a case of the right book at just the right time for me. Full of the wit and heart we have all grown to love from Christina Lauren, Roomies almost seemed to have just a bit more. The story relieved heavier on the connection between these two and the drawn out angst that follows them and slightly lighter on the humor and non-stop sex some other stories from them have had. I loved this style but can admit I did miss the dual POV, but that is mostly just a personal preference.

Roomies was a romance like I've never read before! A marriage of convenience between two denying their true feelings. But the real star of the story was the music. It was clear from the start that Holland fell for Calvin's music before she ever even heard the Irishman speak and oddly as it is, I feel the same. Even though I as the reader never got the chance to hear him play, through the way Holland describes it and feels the music I felt like I did too.

Besides the music there was one other aspect of Roomies that had me in love with this story and that was the texts. Using text in books is nothing new for this duo, and they always do it in such a sexy way that has the tension built so high I am dying for more to happen long before it does. Roomies took this to a whole new level and I was sad when it ended. I loved each and every text that Calvin sent to Holland and was already eager for more before I even finished reading one.

Roomies was the best kind of fun. It was deeper than I anticipated and I loved every moment

This book was provided by Netgalley for an ARC.
Holland has grown up in the theater and around music her whole life. She lives in New York City and works with her uncle who is a composer for a musical. She finds the love of her life playing the guitar in the subway station quite a few stops from where she lives and works. She keeps going back everyday to hear him play. Calvin is from another country Holland ends up marrying him so he can stay and play in the musical her uncle composes.
I couldn't put this book down I read it in a very short period of time. Its a wonderful story that works itself out in the end. A great escape from the daily grind of real life. Happy reading friends!

What a lovely story! I wasn't sure when I started reading whether this would be just another formulaic romance, but it was a touching, complex and entertaining story about a vulnerable young couple. I enjoyed the author's writing style and look forward to reading more of her work. Great job all around!

I really, really liked this book. The first few chapters had me thinking that this would be some spoiled little rich girl story. I expected it to have the rich girl, get her way and her man (who turns out to be a secret millionaire), then ride off into the sunset . I was pleasantly surprised as I continued to read that Christina Lauren was able to develop the character to a point that I realized the story wasn't about the romance (even though that was a part of it), but it was a story of a young, spoiled adult emerging into a strong adult capable of dealing with life on her own. I loved the characters in this story, the two Uncles showed an amazing family dynamic that supported Holland to discover her dreams. Lulu, the college friend that you think knows you the best but in reality doesn't know you at all. Jack the busker (Calvin) who is a charmer, but is dealing with major issues of his own. I love the way the story shows his growth as a person as well. The inclusion of the theater and music just added to the novel in my opinion, it added depth to the story and characters. I would recommend this novel to anyone wanting a easy, relaxing read with just the right amount of romance and naughtiness to keep it fun.

This one felt like a major shift from the writers' previous books, even Dating You/Hating You--but in a good way. Calvin was a very sweet, almost shy male lead, a HUGE change from previous male protagonists and Holland was a quirky, not-quite-perfect female lead; both were unlike previous characters who always seems so polished and perfect with forceful personalities. This novel was such a sweet surprise from these two authors, I thoroughly enjoyed every second and hope they write more like this. HIGHLY recommended.

This was a really sweet and different story than usual from Christina Lauren. Yes, it had its funny parts, but this one took on a more emotional tone than typical. Overall, it was a great read that kept me up late since I couldn't put it down with just a few chapters left.

Holland lives in NYC, has a MFA degree but no future in sight for using that degree and works for her uncle's hit broadway show. She's become obsessed with this guy who plays guitar in the subway several times a week and goes out of her way to see him at the station during her commute. Six months later she finally learns his name, but a few minutes later, she's pushed onto the subway tracks and he ends up saving her life. Only he runs away without any explanation.

Turns out, Calvin, has been in the country illegally for 4 years since his visa expired, so of course he doesn't want to get caught and deported back to Ireland. He's a classically trained guitarist though and is incredibly talented. So when Holland's uncle has a sudden opening for a new instrumental lead, Holland suggests they give Calvin a chance to try out. Only they don't know at the time that he's in the country illegally.

Holland ends up suggesting they get married so that he can get his green card and she can be the hero to her uncle and provide him with the musician of their dreams for the production. Holland & Calvin do just that.

There's obvious chemistry between the two, but they're both kind of scared to take that next step in their marriage. We get a slow build-up of love in this one with lots of sexy moments thrown in there. They were friends first, which I think really helps making this one believable.

There were a couple parts that I didn't really care for - like the fact that communication is a key part of every successful marriage and they both did a lot of withholding information and not communicating. Had they communicated, a lot of drama could have been avoided. I also didn't like the lack of an epilogue - they get their HEA, or we have to assume they do, but questions were left unanswered (how things went after the announcement, the status of things with their families, etc.)

I did enjoy all of the musical references since I'm a musician, but I can see how it would be a bit too much for someone not familiar with the details of music or Broadway. Still, it was another great Christina Lauren book that I'd recommend.

My first foray into these co-authors work.. Holland has been secretly going down in the subway listening to this musician who plays the guitar. Unbeknownst to him she's being doing this for months. Being raised by her uncles Robert(the broadway director) and Jeff(the account) has giving her the ear for quality music and that is how she knows that this individual this young man music is quite exquisite. One night she finally decides to go close and compliment him on his music. As she eventually backs away and heads to the train still shocked that she finally met "Jack" as she calls him she is attacked by a homeless man who pushes her. She comes awake later in an ambulance wondering what has happened to her only to see Jack who is Calvin watching from afar..
Later on she wondered why he never let the EMT/police knows that he witness what happened and was the one who called it in.
So begins this story of a talented musician who just needed a break to be heard and got that by marrying a woman who has been secretly infatuated with him. This is my first book about marrying to stay in USA so current for today's time. I loved that Calvin didn't try to be intimate right away with Holland. I like the process of them getting to know each other building up to the ultimate lovefest. Being a New Yorker it was great to see the process of how a broadway show gets set up and be made. My only negative about this book is I would have loved an epilogue. Reviews on goodreads and amazon.

It's been over a day since I finished reading this book, and I still find myself thinking about the characters. I feel like that's the sign of an excellent writer at work - the characterizations are so spot on, so mesmerizing, so real. I've always enjoyed Broadway, so reading a bit about some of the behind the scenes work that is done to make such a hit show work was fascinating as well. The details included did not detract from the story but enhanced it greatly. Holland is interesting, and funny, and very down to earth - she is great as a narrator because she evokes your sympathy and gets you to root for her. Her infatuation with Calvin, and how it unfolds into a real relationship, with its own troubles and strengths, makes for a great read. This is the first book I've read by this author, but it won't be the last.

Holland Baker is kind of just floating through life. She works a job that’s not really her passion and she kind of just stands on the sidelines and watches life go by. The one thing she is very sure about though is the guy who plays the guitar on the subway. He is HOT. She’s dreamed up a whole lifestyle for this guy, even his name. When a would-be mugging brings them together Holland learns more about Calvin (that’s his actual name) and she’s even more taken with him. When her Uncle’s play loses its lead musician Holland wastes no time introducing the two. Soon Calvin is being offered the gig of a lifetime, only problem, he’s not in the U.S. legally. Much to the dismay of those who know her, Holland does something very un-Holland like….she acts on impulse. She offers to and weds Calvin. Finding themselves married to virtual strangers, a putting up a major charade for immigration Holland and Calvin have to figure out if it’s really a charade after all.
It took me quite a while to get into this story, the actual plot was good but it just didn’t grab me the way I thought it would. As usual with me, the female character seems to be my least favorite. I liked Calvin but I had quite a time trying to like Holland. In the end I don’t think I ever did get around to liking her. Her insecurities drove me bananas. As much as I liked Calvin, it kind of weirded me out a little that he so eagerly fell right into marriage thing. It was almost like he was just waiting for someone to swoop in and agree to temporarily marry him. What I did like about Calvin was his honesty, for the most part he more or less but his feelings out in the open. The only time his honesty came into play was telling his family about Holland.
For the most part this was an okay read. Did I love it? No, but I liked it enough. It didn’t make me feel all warm and fuzzy the way I thought it would but it did make my heart pitter-patter a bit.

Holland has gone out of her way for months to catch glimpses of Calvin, a talented musician playing guitar for tips in the subway. She's too shy to actually talk to him but lives for those moments. One day, a terrifying incident occurs that brings them together. Holland learns that Calvin is in the country illegally so for the good of his career, and because she secretly in her heart of hearts wants to, Holland marries him so he can get his green card. That's when the reality of what they've done begins. A beautiful love story about overcoming adversity and triumphing,

4.5 Wine Glass #ARC #Review of Roomies by Christina Lauren
*Posting 1204/17 @ 8pm EST

With Roomies, Christina Lauren weaves a delightful tale of music, love, and mayhem set in the heart of New York that is both fresh and inventive.

This author duo is a bit of a hit or miss for me; some books I really love while others not-so-much, so I wasn't sure what to expect from Roomies when I first opened this book. However....Centered around a cast of lovably flawed characters, I was swept away by this charming story of a fake romance turned all too real. Calvin McLoughlin is a brilliant and gorgeous musician who captured Holland Bakker's heart in the dank depths of the New York subways. But Calvin has no idea that Holland has been watching him play for six long months before she finally finds the nerve to talk to him. After that first painful conversation, the story quickly develops as Holland brings her uncle to listen to Calvin play and later audition for his Broadway musical only to find out that he is in the country illegal and can't accept the position. Of course, the only logical solution is to marry him for a year so that he can get his green card. Calvin is skeptical at first but agrees and these two embark on a whirlwind journey that starts out as adorably awkward but rapidly turns excitedly ardent.

From the onset, I loved Holland's character. She's quirky, fun, and incredibly caring. The story is told from her own point-of-view so readers get a front row seat to her thoughts and feelings. An aspiring writer who has lost her muse, and the niece of two wildly successful uncles, Holland feels adrift in life. When she see's a chance to help her loving uncle, she jumps at it, even if she feels that she's bitten off more then she can chew with a marriage of convenience. I sympathized with her feelings of inadequacy being surrounding by all of these amazingly talented people. She doesn't see in herself what everyone around her does. Holland quickly falls for Calvin's swoon-worthy persona, as did I. Talented, yet humble, Calvin's character intrigues. You know that he has his secrets, but what? He seems to be at the advantage in this relationship. Holland is riddled with doubt and questions her growing feelings for Calvin, and those that he seems to have for her. Is it all a game to him to obtain his dream job and stay in the U.S.? They both hunger for love in this modern day fairy tale and there is no denying the chemistry they share when they both finally admit their mutual attraction.

I could perfectly picture this Broadway musical from the author's vivid painting of each scene and you could feel Calvin's music through Holland's narrative. The romance was balanced with the over-all story, never one overtaking the other. The root of Roomies is Holland's journey of self-discovery and loving herself, but it is also so much more. Heavy with emotion, the angst and sexual tension kept my heard pounding. I found myself eagerly turning the pages and reaching the end all too soon.

Basically, you're not going to want to miss this release from Christina Lauren. It was a thrilling romance with entertaining characters and a unique setting. I was left with a happy sigh and smile at the end, and will definitely be looking forward to more stand-alone romances from the writing team. I recommend you pre-ordering a copy of Roomies today!

I enjoyed this book. I especially liked how Holland grew thru all the situations she faced. The theme was not one you usually find in a romance but it worked. A great cast of supporting characters too.

Reading this book, I laughed out loud, read passages to my sister (which she found amusing too), and stayed up way too late considering I had work the next morning. But I genuinely could not put the book down. This book is a modern day marriage of convenience and talks about the immigration process in a real way and I wanted to cry with joy because yes, immigration forms are the longest and so ridiculous. In a way, this book is like a mixture of The Proposal, The Wall of Winnipeg and Me, and August Rush, which is to say that it is unique and wonderful. The characters are both so amazing and I just absolutely adore Holland. I'm almost 26 and, if I remember correctly, Holland is 25 and her inner voice felt so similar to my own. The worries of whether or not she's doing enough, what she really wants to do with her life, does Calvin actually like her or no? I identified so strongly with Holland.

I also fell in love with Calvin and Holland's relationship, with the way Calvin so obviously valued Holland as a person. The way Calvin took her advice seriously and just respected the hell out of her. I genuinely cannot say enough good things about this book or this relationship. I highly recommend it.

Another wonderful book by Christina Lauren! I could not put it down.

I have a soft spot for Broadway and this hit the mark. Roomies was a case of the right book at just the right time for me. Full of the wit and heart we have all grown to love from Christina Lauren, Roomies almost seemed to have just a bit more. The story relieved heavier on the connection between these two and the drawn out angst that follows them and slightly lighter on the humor and non-stop sex some other stories from them have had. I loved this style but can admit I did miss the dual POV, but that is mostly just a personal preference.

Roomies was a romance like I've never read before! A marriage of convenience between two denying their true feelings. But the real star of the story was the music. It was clear from the start that Holland fell for Calvin's music before she ever even heard the Irishman speak and oddly as it is, I feel the same. Even though I as the reader never got the chance to hear him play, through the way Holland describes it and feels the music I felt like I did too.

Besides the music there was one other aspect of Roomies that had me in love with this story and that was the texts. Using text in books is nothing new for this duo, and they always do it in such a sexy way that has the tension built so high I am dying for more to happen long before it does. Roomies took this to a whole new level and I was sad when it ended. I loved each and every text that Calvin sent to Holland and was already eager for more before I even finished reading one.

Roomies was the best kind of fun. It was deeper than I anticipated and I loved every moment.

4.5 Smooches
~miranda