Calvin McLoughlin and Holland Bakker’s first interaction was pretty extraordinary and it was one that ultimately saved Holland’s life, so it makes sense that she would want to return the favor, and while her assistance is beyond what a stranger should do, it also makes sense given Holland’s selfless nature of always putting others in front of herself.

Even though Calvin and Holland become husband and wife for reasons that have nothing to do with love, their backwards relationship provides them with the perfect opportunity to get to know one another and to perhaps realize that what started off as a glorified showmance just might be the best thing to ever happen to their lives as well as their careers.

The setting of Roomies is a secondary character in its own right; New York City as well as Broadway provide the perfect medium to play pretend and to get swept away in the illusion of love that’s become second nature to both Calvin and Holland. The theater is where both characters shine and while Calvin may be the star of the performance, he’s only one part of the dynamic duo and they both need to be front and center in order to make their union believable.

The fake marriage/marriage of convenience trope is one that I’ve read quite a few books in, and I was pleasantly surprised that Christina Lauren’s take on it added new twists and an array of new issues to deal with in this commonly used plot line.

Calvin and Holland are both interesting characters, and as they get to know who one another is, readers also get that insider information, making it easy to see just how much of a gentleman and good guy Calvin is and just how loving and compassionate Holland has always been and continues to be with Calvin, her Uncle and those who mean something to her.

Calvin and Holland’s relationship is a slow burn because they know nothing about one another when they become husband and wife; the whole ‘getting to know you’ step in their courtship has to be done after the fact and because of the type of person Holland is, the build-up of their feelings is a gradual process - one that needs to be treated with care, resulting in a whole lot of sexual tension and a bevy of lust filled exchanges.

I’m a huge fan of Christina Lauren, and the interesting story line as well as the dynamic characters created in Roomies showcases exactly why so many romance readers can’t wait to get their hands on a story from this dynamic duo!

4 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)

First I should start that I have been a fan of these two ladies for years! Starting with Beautiful Bastard!! I'd read romance but these ladies introduced me to RomComs, and for that, I'm beyond grateful. Now back to this book now that I've gushed about the Authors! Roomies is the perfect blend of comedy and drama. This would make for one hell of a movie. I was hooked from the first page. I felt the emotions, and just overall did not want to put this book down. I read it in about five hours and neglected the adulting I should have been doing. I should probably stop gushing now. Great job again ladies! I can only hope to be as impressive as the two of you one day.

Another fantastic standalone from powerhouse author duo, Christina Lauren!

Roomies is a book about a marriage of convenience that isn't so convenient. I really loved our main characters, Holland and Calvin. I felt the chemistry between them and I loved reading their story. I felt the plot was well developed and overall it was a perfect swoon worthy romance.

Roomies is such a delicious read. I devoured it within a day and I have no regrets! If you're looking to get lost in a book... pick this one up!

As a romance reader, the marriage of convenience trope is one with which I’m well familiar. I’ve read many books that have utilized this trope but I can’t say that any one book particularly struck a chord with me…at least until I read Roomies by Christina Lauren. Part romance and part journey of self-discovery, Roomies is the story of a woman who has a crush on her husband. Doesn’t sound out of the ordinary, right? Well, what if I️ said the husband isn’t aware of said crush and the two only got married so he could stay in the country to perform on Broadway (think Smash meets The Proposal)? Talk about a plot twist. And that’s just the start of the book! With a love story that’ll make you swoon, characters that’ll tug on your heartstrings, and a narrative that will have you completely and utterly captivated from start to finish, Roomies is an addictive, entertaining page-turner.

After months of anonymously admiring musician Calvin McLoughlin (his looks and his talent) from across a subway platform, Holland Bakker finally gains the courage to interact with her longtime crush. To say the meeting doesn’t go smoothly would be a bit of an understatement, although what it does do is steer them toward an unexpected path – one that includes a marriage of convenience, a hit Broadway musical, and two strangers that discover a mutual attraction, a shared love of music, and an unmistakable connection that strengthens over time. For Calvin and Holland, theirs is a romance in reverse, in which they undergo a crash course in getting to know each other after they say “I do”.

Calvin and Holland have an easygoing banter that’s a mix of lighthearted flirtatiousness, giddy hopefulness, and more than a little uncertainty, which, when paired with a tentative, slow-burning chemistry, made each page filled-to-bursting with vitality, excitement, and wonder. With a narrative that is as complex as it is compelling, I couldn’t help but be emotionally invested in these characters, to the point where it almost felt as though I had a personal stake in the outcome of their story, which appealed to the hopeless romantic in me.

If I️ didn’t have to put the book down for things like work or sleep, I️ wouldn’t have willingly taken any breaks while reading Roomies because this book demanded my full attention for the entirety of the story. The narrative is sweet, humorous, and heartfelt, but also messy, awkward, and maddening in a way that had me wanting to scream even as my heart threatened to burst out of my chest. The characters drove me crazy yet I️ couldn’t seem to get enough! Based on sheer readability alone, Roomies is a 5 Star read.

*complimentary copy provided by publisher for an honest review

4.5 ****

This was one of the most original plots I have read in a while. I absolutely adored these characters. I kept trying to turn the page when there were no more pages to turn. The characters made me laugh, weep, feel so many emotions, and by the end, I was filled with so much hope.

For once, I could not completely guess where a story was taking me because it worked a little ass backwards!! But it made the story so much richer, I was completely enamored!!

I wouldn’t walk to buy this book, I’d RUN!!

Christina Lauren consistently delivers incredible books. They're full of heart and humor, clever and charming characters and heartwarming storylines. Roomies proves the consistency of this rule! Holland and Calvin are each searching for their own fulfillment. They want to lead meaningful and enjoyable lives, but they're both a little stuck for a variety of reasons.

They come together in a marriage of convenience that quickly becomes a marriage of love and mutual adoration. Their journey to discover themselves and discover each other is absolutely delightful. This was a combo read and listen and both were equally compelling. This title comes with a little higher price point, but it's worth every penny!

This book received a 4.5 rating on BFF Book Blog. An advance copy of this book was received. The reviewer purchased the audiobook copy. Receipt of the advance copy did not impact the content or independence of this review.

Maybe you've been there. Maybe you've been quietly fascinated (obsessed) with a stranger you frequently see. Maybe you go out of your way to chance a sighting. Maybe you think about this person you do not know and imagine what would happen if you spoke to him or introduced yourself.

Holland certainly knows these feelings. So when she gets her chance to actually (gasp!) talk to the guitarist who busks by a NY subway station, she becomes even more fascinated by his Irish accent. Another layer has been added to her interest. Imagine how all of her emotions become even more amplified when the object of her adoration rescues her from an attempted robbery.

Christina Lauren set up this story by putting you squarely into Holland's perspective. You understand how she feels and that tremor of excitement that hits her when Calvin (the guitarist) speaks to her for the first time. You understand her desperation to stay connected to him.

What makes Holland relatable is how she views herself. As her uncles keep pointing out, she does not see her own value, to the point that taking a risk petrifies her. What she does with Calvin certainly represents a break from the patterns she established, until you realize that she really hasn't broken away from her inability to put herself first.

You may not anticipate the tears you will shed, but Christina Lauren make you do so. Your sympathies with Holland are so entrenched that you will fear for her heart. You also can see things that she can't: for instance, you know how Calvin feels about her, even as she is blind to that.

There are many layers at play here, and there is even a sexy time or two. What you come to realize is that the true "roomie" Holland needs to get to know and learn to live with is herself. How Christina Lauren get you to that is a fun, poignant read.

I don't even know where to begin with this review. I can't tell you just how much I adored Roomies. It was perfect! I would have read it all in one day, but you know, life, work and kids tend to cut my reading time. LOL But I did read it in 2 days! LOL So I still read it pretty fast.

I am going to do something a little different with this review because I honestly feel like I need to share everything I love about this book.

Is there romance? Yes, Yes, YES! And the one thing that I love the most is that it's not that insta-love I despise. I can't stand when characters just magically fall madly in love with one another. Infatuation, lust, yes, but I don't think it's called love. Holland was lusting for Calvin big time when she first met him in the subway while playing his guitar, but Calvin had no idea. When she had her little "accident" in the subway that made their two world's collide, is when the wheels we set in motion for any type of feelings.

For some reason, I have a soft spot for secondary characters. In this case I fell madly in love with Holland's uncles. Their love for their niece is unconditional and I just love them as a couple. They are the sweetest and cutest and I wish they were real so we could be BFFs!

Calvin and Holland are perfect. They are meant to be together. I just had so many emotions and feelings going through me when they were "almost" together. I swear it's like they were teasing me. lol The sexual tension was very present and I was cheering them on from the sideline. lol

So, if you are looking for a fast-paced book with memorable characters, that will stay with you even after weeks of finishing the book, then Roomies is the book for you! Get it for yourself and/or give it as a gift to someone who love it too!

If you are in the mood for a solid young adult romance with a fake relationship plot then Christina Lauren’s latest is a pretty good bet. Holland Bakker recently completed an MFA program and is kind of biding time working as a gopher of sorts at her uncle’s theatre while she figure out her next direction. Daily visits, far out of her way, to listen to a handsome subway busker and maybe lightly stalker said busker are pretty much her main source of excitement. When an accident leads to Holland and the busker getting a little more up close and personal than just tentative smiles, the plot thickens.

Thickens is probably a poor understatement for “goes completely bonkers.” Coincidences of coincidences, the busker (real name Calvin McLoughlin) turns out to be a classically trained guitarist, Holland’s uncle’s Hamilton-esque play is in desperate need of a lead musician, and everything would work out perfect if Calvin wasn’t in the US illegally on a years-expired student visa. A green card marriage is the perfect solution, right? No, not at all, but the bonkers plot demands what it demands so just roll with it.

The beginning of this book is a bit of a struggle. Holland is pretty privileged and it’s hard to relate to her. She eventually turns things around by finding her passion and pursuing it whole-heartedly but it takes a while to get there. The relationship between Holland and Calvin is superbly easy going. The green card marriage forces them into close proximity, they already like each other, and hot sex on top of that only makes this better. Learning to communicate with each other is their biggest roadblock but they’re younguns so it’s not an unreasonable plot point.

I enjoyed the story overall but it does skew hella young for me. It’s easy to scoff at Holland being praised for her advanced degrees, living in a NYC studio mostly paid for by her rich uncles, and getting to work behind the scenes at the hottest play of the year. She’s not a bad person, just young, so it’s not unbearable but it’s definitely challenging in spots. Ultimately, I think my desire to read young adult romance is seriously wearing thin. I also think Christina Lauren and I are drifting out of sync and this will likely be my last new read by them.

Reading Christina Lauren's romances feels like getting together with a smart and witty friend (who has great stories). Her characters feel real and relatable, and Roomies is no exception. A marriage of convenience plot will always seem a bit contrived (especially in a modern setting), but Lauren makes it work here, and the situation is completely believable. I got completely caught up in Holland and Calvin's manufactured-and-then-real romance (we should all be so lucky as to have to marry a sexy Irish musician), and can't wait to read more of Christina Lauren's work.

Christina Lauren flex their creative muscle with Roomies. A departure from the smexy romance we know and love from the dynamic duo, Roomies showcases the depth of their writing talent by giving us two somewhat lost souls navigating their way into adulthood and finding themselves and love along the way.

Fate, attraction and navigating the pitfalls of life in the spotlight all play a part in Holland and Calvin's story. Told from Holland's perspective, Christina Lauren perfectly captures the insecurities young women face when trying to find their place in the world. Holland especially has never felt as if she has fitted in or had a purpose in her life. to this end, she carries a large amount of guilt on her shoulders that she alone hs placed there. I adored the way in which Holland developed throughout the story, and in tandem with the growing relationship between herself and Calvin. 

Roomies is a sweet romance with (to my mind) a coming-of-age undertone, it is the characterizations that truly make the story and will ensure you fall in love with Holland and Calvin.

Christina Lauren does it again! This one did not disappoint - it gave me all the feels. I was having heart palpitations and even had to put my kindle down at times but highly recommend this modern romance!

At this moment I need to express my awe for the research these authors put into their books. I’m floored. I loved the attention to detail – it was truly outstanding work.

Roomies by Christina Lauren was sweet, touching and romantic. It was the perfect combination of all of these attributes.

A sweet and swoony hero, down on his luck but a gentleman through and through.

A heroine that was loyal, strong and genuine.

A location that inflicts dreams and memories in most everyone that has ever heard of it.

And a popular trope.

Out of loyalty and love Holland offers to marry Calvin, because his talent had to be heard, and her family needed him. There was no lack of attraction between those two. From the very first moment Holland saw him playing she went out of her way to watch him. And Calvin noticed her as well.

Bringing those two together was bittersweet. Because it was obvious what was coming. Marriages of convenience in romance novels go always a certain way. I’m not going to go further than that.

The story was enjoyable, enchanting, and sweet.

I read this book in one sitting and can honestly say that the author couple has found a new fan in me. Because, what I can say with certainty – they put thought and research into their novels and that’s something that sells me again and again. If authors can’t put the time into researching topics, like sports, cultures and languages then they lose my interest.

Roomies as well as Autoboyography had me glued to the pages because of their dedication to detail and specific facts. Big authors like Nora Roberts have research assistants. They even visit countries to make sure they get descriptions etc right. The amount of research Christina Lauren put into this novel can be compared to the BIG names out there, and that’s why I’m going to continue reading their work. Knowing this, makes me excited to see what this author couple is coming up with next.

So, even though marriage of convenience is not my favorite trope, I nevertheless enjoyed reading ROOMIES – but the one thing I’ll be shouting from the top of the roof is this author couple knows what they are doing.

When I settled in to read this one, I was excited to read another romance from Christina Lauren. I thought for sure I'd love it. But the love interest immediately put me off. The whole point of a romance novel is to fall for the characters as they fall for each other, but the love interest's actions turned me off from the start. I just can't fall for a guy who leaves a woman stranded, unconscious, on train tracks, no matter his reasons.

Roomies was my first Christina Lauren novel. Something drew me to this one and I am happy it did. I enjoyed these characters and storyline immensely.

Holland is obsessed with a subway musician who plays classical guitar. She call him “Jack” knows his schedule and although she can walk the few blocks to work, she takes a train well out of her way just to hear him play. It is just a harmless infatuation until her uncle’s hit broadway show is about to lose their main musician just as a new lead is about to take the stage.

It is Holland who thinks that the new lead has a voice that would be better suited to a guiter soloist than their former violinist. She convinces her uncle to come listen to her “Jack” play and while he is reluctant, he goes. As soon as he hears the music drifting up the stairs, he understands what Holland is thinking and is introduced to Calvin McLaughlin. Calvin comes to the theater to perform for the cast and the producers and everyone agrees that Calvin is the perfect replacement.

But when they offer Calvin the position, one which has been his dream since he came to New York, he is forced to turn them down. Calvin stayed passed the expiration of his student visa, four years past his expiration. He is in the United States illegally and can’t take the job which was one of the reasons he wanted to stay in New York.

What starts off as a joke that Holland can marry Calvin for the good of the production becomes Holland’s decision for the good of the show. She goes to Calvin and offers to marry him. This would save the show and allow Calvin to fulfill his dream. She just needs to make sure the Calvin doesn’t know about her bizarre and slightly obsessive crush.

It was a nice story of two stranges who come to care for each other and dealing with issues of getting to know each other and the odd issues which come up with suddenly putting their prior lives on hold. As the production comes together, so do Holland and Calvin as their own feelings toward each other develop.

I was a little put off by Holland constantly berating herself that she just graduated with a Master of Fine Arts degree but hasn’t begun writing anything yet. I mean, really, she is barely 25 years old and has no life experience but she sucks because she hasn’t written, or even started, the great american novel yet. I understand being nervous about her life choices but she spent more time berating herself on not writing than on what is she doing marrying a stranger.

I also believe that Calvin makes a choice near the end of the story, that is one of those big, clueless guy mistakes where he can’t understand the problem until someone all but draws him a diagram, but I would think would be really hard to get past. That whole twist was kind of over the top in a story where a girl fakes marries a man she met in the subway to keep in him the country, but overall I did enjoy this story and the romance between Calvin and Holland and how their fake marriage turns into a real relationship.

Since this is my first Christina Lauren novel, I don’t know if this was a plot twist that we would normally see, but on its own it was very delightful story.

I’m a huge Christina Lauren fan and have loved everything they’ve written. I find their books to be both laugh out loud hilarious and swoon worthy. While this one was no exception, I didn’t gravitate towards it as much as I thought I would. I loved the idea that Holland has a crush on a subway street performer. She’s built up his story over the last six months and has named him Jack. After one too many drinks, she gets the courage to talk to him and finds out that his name is not in fact Jack, but Calvin. Long story short, she talks her uncle, who just so happens to be the composer of a massive Broadway musical, to give Calvin a listen, and pretty soon he’s ushered in for an audition. The only problem is, he’s in the States illegally and is unable to take the job. A job that would not only save her uncle, but be her crushes lifelong dream. So, what does any sane, single, female in her 20’s do? She marries the guy. Yup, she marries a street performer in order to save her uncle’s Broadway show and her crush.

My problem wasn’t with the story itself, but rather with the lack of communication and intelligence between these two. Actually, more so on Holland’s part than Calvin’s. Obviously their relationship starts off as a fake relationship but soon they find themselves living their happily ever after. Except, there has to be drama. More drama than the immigration department looming over their head. I just felt like a lot of it could have been resolved, if not completely avoided, if Holland had not only talked to Calvin, but took a step back and assessed what was going on with the actions Calvin had displayed leading up to that moment. While some of her ire is justified, I just felt like a simple talk would have cleared the air. Which brings me to the fact that I felt like this story lagged a little big. I found myself getting a teeny bit bored in the middle. Which is really rare when I’m reading a Christina Lauren novel. I usually love everything they write but there was just something about this one that didn’t quite jive with me.

Now that’s not saying that I didn’t laugh my butt off or swoon heavily over Calvin. It’s just that I found myself wishing for more and less. Less random stuff that took up way too much time in the novel, and more progression into everything that was happening. There were a lot of loose ends that never get resolved. Do the cops ever find the homeless dude who pushed Holland onto the train tracks? Do her parents ever get clued in that their daughter is married? What about Calvin’s family who was there one moment and then just left without a word? I just felt like a lot was brought to the table, but then just sort of got pushed aside and forgotten in order to further their romance and angst.

While Roomies wasn’t my favorite novel by this amazing duo, I didn’t hate it. I suppose I just expected more from them and I felt let down when I didn’t get it. I honestly was hoping that in the end they would make it a unhappily ever after, like The Breakup with Jen Aniston and Vince Vaughn, but that wasn’t the case.

I really enjoyed this one. I really would like for them to write characters a little older though. Every book is starting to feel the same.

Great read! Loved both the main characters and the female protagonist is completely relatable. Sweet story that readers will be quick to finish. The only qualms I have would be that the female lead doesn't know how to productively argue with her "husband" and does a lot of leaving instead, and that some of the writing doesn't sound authentically American. I can't really think of an example, but it was distracting at times.

Roomies is Christina Laruen's newest treasure. The synopsis drew me in on this one. Irish musician? Yes, please! But I knew the writing would be fantastic and I would laugh and cry. Just what I needed! Holland has had a crush on the sexy musician for a while, but she's a stranger to him. He's more than just talented, he's perfection on the guitar and Holland knows he's perfect for her uncle's Broadway Musical. But he's illegal and when she suggests they marry so he can stay and work, it's a whirlwind of activities that bring Calvin sleeping on her couch for the next year. It's all pretend until it isn't. But can she ever really trust what he says? How can she tell what's real? Calvin is eternally grateful to Holland for giving him the opportunity of a lifetime. But he's not just using her to stay in the country and work. He truly cares about he, but she doesn't trust him. Can Calvin get Holland to believe his heart isn't pretending? I loved this story. Calvin is so sexy with his accent and his music. I could hear his Irish lilt while I was reading! Holland is talented but unsure what her place in the world is. She just needed the confidence to believe in herself and in Calvin. I loved the relationship she has with her uncles! Overall, I laughed, cried and laughed some more. Their chemistry was on fire and I loved their banter!

Tonight, I've concluded two things about gin: it tastes like pinecones and is clearly the devil's sauce.

Calvin is the human equivalent of a joint. It must be the soothing sound of the guitar.

"I've never done this before. I just know I'm falling for the girl I married."

"You mean, you weren't sure I still loved you after only two months apart? What kind of heart do you think lives inside here?"