Sometimes you read a book and you are so immersed in it you don’t want it to end, and that’s exactly what happened to me with Roomies by Christina Lauren. I kept swiping my screen hoping for another chapter or an epilogue or twelve, but they didn’t appear and it wasn’t because I was unhappy with the way this book ended, not in the least, but because I wanted more time with this couple. I wanted to see very bit of their live together, like a cheesy movie where it flashes pictures of every significant moment in their lives, that is how much I loved these characters and their unconventional story. This isn’t a typical romance and in fact this book is more women’s fiction with romantic elements to it, but it is a love story and it is beautifully written.

For months Holland Bakker has gone out of her way to a subway stop to hear “Jack,” the busker, play because his music speaks to her. She knows he’s incredibly talented, she thinks he is beautiful, and so one night she asks him his name and so begins the story of Holland Bakker and Calvin McLoughlin.

This story is complex in that these two really don’t know one another and because of his expired student Visa his dream won’t come true unless they marry. I’ll admit Green Card starring Andie McDowell and Gerard Depardieu is one of my favorite movies, so I was immediately drawn to this book, but Holland and Calivn’s story is much different. Holland is twenty five and still trying to find out where her place in the world is and while Calvin knows he wants to make music, he hasn’t been successful in landing a gig in a Broadway show. So between busking and filling in with bands here and there, he isn’t what would be considered a success except once the right people hear his amazing talent that all changes.

While Holland and Calvin work hard to learn what they can about one another to pass their Immigration interviews, they both still hold back some significant information from each other which leads to upset, heartache, and troubled times, but through this Holland begins to discover more about herself, and Calvin becomes a musical sensation. Figuring out who they are together, well that takes time, communication, a bit of groveling, and a whole lot of love.

Despite their faults and they both had them, despite the mixed-up way they came together, and despite their anguish, it was completely impossible for me not to fall in love with both of these characters. Holland was so selfless in her attempts to help everyone even when she knew it might cost her her heart. Calvin’s absolute joy in being able to perform in front of audiences who understood his passion was infectious, and the way he encouraged Holland and tried to make her understand her worth showed his feelings for her were deep.

Roomies was an outstanding story; these characters, their situation, the love they had for one another that they didn’t trust, and the beautiful way they complimented each other much like the way harmony and melody in a song work together, made this one of my top reads of 2017.

Super duper loved this book!
I completely feel in love with the characters, the storyline, and the musical aspect of this book that I had my own playlist playing in my head as I read this story.
Holland and Calvin romance had me swooning something fierce.
Their story was very well paced I liked the way the authors progressed their relationship throughout the book.
I think us New Yorkers can relate to Holland on how she spots Calvin on the subway tracks. It made this story even more for me to love because this New Yorker can totally relate with seeing people on a regular and wondering what if?
Such a well rounded romance filled with love & angst and that I highly recommend reading!

When Holland Bakker made her weekly (and completely out of her way) trek down to the subway station that evening, she certainly wasn't expecting to leave with a broken arm. All she'd wanted to do was catch another surreptitious glance at the gorgeously handsome musician she'd been stalking . . . um, scratch that - observing for going on six months now. From the first time she caught the sound of the perfectly tuned strings of his guitar begin to move together, Holland was transfixed. She knew her way around music, having been practically born and raised in the recesses of the stage thanks to her uncle, and she knew that the nameless musician had a singular talent. She just didn't know how to say hello without making a fool out of herself. So instead, Holland raced down to the subway station every chance she got, allowing the music to flow over her like the warm caress of so much sweet honey in warm milk.

While sneaking a peek at him as covertly as she can, Holland is caught off guard by a homeless man. In his blind attempt to force conversation with her, things go glaringly wrong. Before she has a chance to catch her bearings, she finds herself falling down, down, down onto the dirty subway tracks. Waking up in an ambulance with her skirt hitched up and her blouse torn open is mortifying enough, but when she gains consciousness just in time to witness the mysterious musician making a hasty exit, Holland almost wishes she'd stayed knocked out instead of being subjected to the knowledge that her crush not only saw her vulnerable and halfway naked, but also that he left her without so much as a goodbye.

But something about the way he looked at her in that final backwards glance is haunting Holland. As if it's not hard enough to focus (or rather, not focus) on her aspirations as a creative writer, not to mention the difficulties she has filling the gaps in her social life, but now she can't stop thinking about him. Making the trek back down to the subway to garner more information (complete with a girlishly pink cast on her arm), Holland learns that the guitar player's name is Calvin McLoughlin, and he's a sexy, Julliard-trained import from Ireland. In an effort to help save her beloved uncle's Broadway musical and repay her knight-in-skinny jeans-armor, Holland gets Calvin an interview with the powerful people behind the curtain. After everyone on the stage is as mesmerized and completely taken in by the way Calvin seduces his guitar during his performance, Holland is delighted when he is offered the coveted spot as the lead in the show. But there's just one problem -- Calvin is in the country illegally and can't accept the job offer.

Determined to continue on her pursuit to save the day and hoping to bring some meaning to her own life in the process, Holland moves forward with a crazy and kooky plan that doesn't have any hope of working out -- or does it? She offers herself up to Calvin on a silver platter with one question - Marry me? After a quick ceremony at the courthouse and the deposit of Calvin's one suitcase and guitar into her apartment, Holland wonders just how easily she will be able to settle into this new routine. And how is she supposed to even think straight with Calvin walking around half-naked all the time? Her thoughts linger on the happy trail of downy hair making its way past the waistband of his jeans, and Holland realizes that she may just be in over her head.

When the two strangers embark upon a green-card marriage and struggle to maintain their own lives on top of making sure their fake one looks as promising and real as possible, they both expect nothing but problems.But Holland isn't finding it difficult to pretend that she's the wife of the gorgeous new break-out star of the season, and her heart isn't having a hard time playing the part either. Calvin seems to be into it as well, what with the sexy text-messages he sends her and the constant brushing of their fingertips as they stroll the streets of New York together, but is he really "as-in" as Holland wishes him to be?

What ensues is a hilariously charming tale of what happens when you take a chance on love at first sight, and how you can find your own self in the process. Roomies is the newest novel by Christina Lauren, the duo who brought readers the cheeky and outrageous Beautiful Bastard series. Categorized as tried-and-true chick-lit with a dash of steamy love and riotous romance, Roomies is a novel that I plowed through in two days flat. I could not put it down, and couldn't help myself from laughing out loud. The acerbic wit of the protagonist, the deep-rooted relationships she had with her family, and the real-ness of the friendships she endured were all things that I could relate to. I always enjoy a flawed main character, and Holland was definitely that, but watching her grow into herself was an organic process that just felt right.  The sweet courtship between Holland and Calvin was definitely not traditional, but in a world where everything now moves as fast as your fingers can type it, it was an appropriate way to grow affection. I was so impressed with the way the story played out and so pleased with the perfect ending; I was desperate for more pages when the book came to a close. A sequel - pretty please?

Giving Roomies 5 out of 5 stars, I recommend it to anyone who loves a playful romance with startling circumstances and anyone who enjoys those little flirty nuances that get the butterflies in your belly really fluttering. Readers who enjoy contemporary romance will love this book -- think Sophie Kinsella with hotter sex.

I really enjoyed this book by Christina Lauren. This is the second book that I have read by this author and I love how their storytelling and writing style just suck me in from beginning to end. Throughout the whole story I felt like I was in the story as opposed to just reading the story. I was laughing out several times as I read this story. It’s so hard for me to find a good romantic comedy that doesn’t lose sight of the romance along the way! Christina Lauren nailed it with this story and you will not be disappointed with Roomies.

“I’ve never done this before. I just know I’m falling for the girl I married.”

Holland and Calvin are in a marriage of convenience but as time progresses real feelings emerge. I loved these two characters together but at times I wanted to shake some sense into them as I read. A lot of their issues in my opinion could have been solved if they just communicated with each other throughout the book. I did love how their relationship from fake marriage to real love was properly developed. You felt their connection as it happened and I love me a slow burn novel. We did have some angst filled moments that had me holding my breath as well. I also loved the secondary cast of characters aside from Lulu once you read you will see why! This book was the perfection combination of sweet, sexy and funny!

​​​​​Roomies by Christina Lauren, will tug at your heartstrings from the moment you are introduced to the main characters. Each personality is wonderfully developed, and getting to know them is a meaningful experience. This novel takes place in New York City, in the heart of the theater district. The authors brilliantly combine the hustle and bustle of the city, the music of Broadway, and unique individuals into this engaging narrative. Don't pass up the opportunity to read this well-conceived, marriage of convenience romance.

Holland Bakker has always wanted to be a writer. After earning her MFA from a prestigious school, putting words to paper has become impossible. Her uncle, a famous composer and conductor, gets her a job at the theater where his Broadway musical is thriving. She loves seeing her uncle everyday, but is not fond of selling t-shirts and running errands. Her boss, the stage manager, is a real jerk. She loves music and for the past six months, has crushed on an amazing guitarist playing for money in the subway. So when her uncle desperately needs a new musician for his show, she knows who to recommend.

Irishman Calvin McLoughlin is a graduate of Julliard, and the music he creates from his guitar is beyond intoxicating. Being discovered by Holland is a dream come true, however, his ability to work legally in the USA changed when his visa expired a few years ago. Holland secretly marries him, in order to help her uncle and the show. Overtime, they fall in love, however, their happiness is plagued with obstacles.

This is an amazing love story with a compelling plot and well-defined characters. I found Holland and Calvin to be resourceful and genuine, and I loved the way the authors developed them both as individuals and as a couple. Their time together was replete with angst and lustful attraction. A few of the secondary characters were quite fascinating, which brought an additional intensity to the storytelling. Overall, this is an exciting and slightly emotional read that twists and turns in all the right places.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

A beautiful, captivating, fun read!

Holland Bakker wasn't certain about much in her life except, when it comes to watching a man play his guitar at the subway station. For months she was held captivated by the beautiful sounds coming from his guitar. When suddenly her uncle is in need of a musician for his Broadway play, she knows without a doubt Calvin is just the right guy.

Everything is great, right? Calvin lands the job of his dreams and Holland gets to spend time with him. Wrong, one problem, his student visa expire. So, what are two desperate people to do? Get Married of course.

I fell head over heals in love with this story from page one. I loved the story-line and the characters so much. Holland I really, really connected with. I saw myself in her, and reading her story broke my heart. Her self worth and doubt tore at me.

Calvin I loved as well, I did get very upset with him at one point, but that is a good thing, here's why, it evoked emotions from me. I had happy emotions, sad emotions, and pure love emotions.

What a beautiful and wonderful story.

<em>Roomies</em> is the second book that I've read by Christina Lauren and it certainly won't be my last. This book was a lot of fun, once the story took off. Unfortunately, for me, the book didn't pick up until about 52% into the story. The beginning started off interesting but then for a long time, I read and read and read and waited for something to happen and felt like there was too much Holland and not enough moving the story along. That changed once the story took off and once it did, my enjoyment of the story picked up as well.

So Holland Bakker is a young woman living in New York City, trying to find herself. She's working with her Uncle, who is a musical director for a Broadway show and she's doing the little jobs that anyone can do while she figures herself out. She's not particularly happy with her life, there's some guilt over living off her Uncles and not really having a direction, or a purpose. She's got a huge crush on this subway musician and when her uncle needs help finding a new musician to step in for his play, Holland brings her uncle and the subway musician together and things really take off from there because before Holland knows what's what, she's got a new roommate who is her husband and her new Irish husband is on his way to being in the states legally.

The whole story is about Holland finding her purpose and her way. She does a lot of growing up in this book and there were times when I wanted to strangle her. I thought she spent too much time in her head and not enough time expressing what she needed and wanted from Calvin, her new husband. It was great to see her and Calvin growing closer and closer but because of the situation that they were in, I felt that they didn't communicate nearly as much as they should have. I mean, toward the end of the book and they were still not communicating clearly with each other and I kept thinking, "Ugh, not again!"

Aside from that, Hollands ends up being such a strong character in the end and I was glad for her. I was also glad that we got to see the growth in Calvin's character as well. We only got Holland's POV so Christina Lauren did a great job of showcasing the growth of the secondary characters as well. I adored Holland's Uncles and the small bits that we got of her brother, Davis. I did not really care much for Holland's friend, Lulu. I wanted to smack the shit out of her multiple times in this book because she was such a shit friend but alls well that ends well and even though she wasn't my favorite person, she came around.

Overall, this was a solid story. It had likable characters, a heroine that young women will be able to connect with, a sexy musician hero and a story that makes things interesting. The beginning was a little slow but when it picks up, it really picks up and I'm not at all mad that I read this one. It wasn't the most perfect of reads but it was entertaining and all in all, it was good. I recommend.

<strong>Grade: 3.75 out of 5</strong>

5 Stars!
Holland Bakker is a 25 yr. old woman living in Manhattan. She’s the youngest of six siblings & has a degree in English. She’s an aspiring writer who isn’t following her passion. She’s working as an archivist/errand girl at a theater. The highlight of her day is her not so random trips to the subway station to watch a busker play his guitar. She’s watched this street musician for months. She has an ear for music, & is drawn to him. His music demands her attention & makes her feel everything. They’ve never met, but that all changes when the beautiful musician rescues her when she’s in danger.

When the theater Holland works at is looking for someone new for their production, she thinks of the gorgeous, talented, Irish musician she’s been crushing on. She gets him an audition with the music director and they offer him a spot in the orchestra. His name is Calvin Mcloughlin, and his student visa has expired. He’s being offered his dream, but unfortunately he’s illegally in the country. Holland has never been a risk taker. She’s bored with her life & wants to help Calvin. She offers to marry the sexy Irishman so he can stay in New York.

Holland married the stranger she’s wanted since before they ever even spoke. Their sharing an apartment, & she’s infatuated with him & his music. He becomes a star & soon she has a famous Broadway husband. Roommates turn to lovers, and suddenly they’ve stopped pretending, and everything is so real between them.

I loved EVERYTHING about this book! It’s one of my top favorites for the year. I adored Calvin & the chemistry between them was amazing. This book was sweet, sexy, full of angst, & had all the things I look for in a book. It was fabulous!!!

***3.5 Stars***

I’m a fan of the fake relationship/marriage of convenience trope and since I’ve never read a Christina Lauren book before (I know, I know. It’s just one of those things...I have a couple of them on the TBR list but things happen) and Roomies was a standalone I figured this would be a great opportunity to experience a CL novel and though I enjoyed the book overall, I find myself waffling over ti as well. Certain aspects of the story I loved like the characters and the pace at which Calvin and Holland’s romance progresses, but I also feel like I needed MORE. More of an emotional connection, more of them truly getting to know each other...just more.

Calvin and Holland were extremely likeable characters. Holland was a bit quirky and had a penchant for babbling when anxious. She is still trying to find her way when it comes what she wants to do with her, but she is working on it. She has a good heart and a generally positive outlook on life that made it easy to like her. Calvin is easy going and though he knows he is talented, doesn’t have a big head about it. And though he is in the country illegally, and his reasons are his own, he doesn’t just laze about. He’s got a good sense of humor, is quite charming and is grateful for the good that comes into his life.

As for their romance. I honestly loved how awkward they were in the beginning and the slow build of it all, that totally worked for me. What has me waffling though is that even as they became more to each other, it never felt as if they went deep with each other ~ or at least not as deep as I’d have like. They got along great and I loved their bantering and interactions, but the passion was missing for me. There are a bunch of bumps in the road, which for the most part I thought were handled well, but big issue towards the end just didn’t have the gut punch I wanted and neither did the way it was resolved because I need more fight from them and it just kinda fizzled. In the end, I liked them together and am happy they got their issues worked out.

Having never read a Christina Lauren book, I had no expectations going into Roomies and I honestly enjoyed the book, but I just didn’t love it as much as I wanted to. The writing was engaging and seamless and the pacing was good. And though the solo 1st person POV was done well, I honestly think that more depth would have been added to the story if it had been done as a dual POV, even if it was only for a handful of chapters. As for the secondary cast of characters, I ADORED Jeff and Robert and loved what they brought to the story. The others? Well, I like how things ended up with them. This may not have been an amazing read, but it was a fun one and has me wanting to check out their other books.

ROOMIES is a backstage drama set in the New York City Theatre world. Don't be fooled by the title and book cover. This is a page turner. And if you are a Broadway Junkie, you are in for a double treat.

Christina Lauren's novel tells a story of a fake marriage that leads to real passion. There is more drama behind the scenes than on stage. It delivers everything you want: sexual tension and a sexy leading hero wrapped in an innocent romance. Its so much about the theater of real life and real issues - struggling career, starving musician.
This amazing duo team has taken the fake marriage theme and given it the perfect twist. This is not the usual sexy CEO with intentions of seduction.  Told in first person POV from Holland Lina Bakker, we have a recent graduate living in New York City with a MFA and writer's block. Her apartment and her job, basically as a stage hand, she owes to her uncles, one who is the musical director of the current Broadway hit - think Hamilton!!!

An opening becomes available for a musician and Holland thinks she knows the perfect person to step into the role. She's had a secret crush on him for month - Calvin Aedan McLoughlin. He's a subway street performer who moves her to take the subway even when she doesn't need to just to see him and hear him play. The opportunity arrives to make her move with Calvin —at least temporarily. A joking comment about marrying Calvin to secure his place in the musical is no longer a laughing matter. But what happens when the fake marriage becomes more than just an act?

Prepare for a roller coaster ride. Prepare for bouts of laughter as Holland and Calvin navigate falling in love AFTER saying "I Do". You will be swept into the spotlight of love, jealousy, betrayal and forgiveness. The story gets better as you continue to turn the pages. I want more Christina Lauren.

P.S. I'm not so sure you would call  Calvin "saving" Holland from an attacked in the subway. What do you think?

Holland Bakker can’t seem to find her place in the world. For now, she’s spends her days working for her uncle on Broadway and her nights having very inappropriate thoughts about the busker in the subway station.

When the theater needs a new star musician to save the show, she immediately thinks of the devastatingly handsome guitarist and his magic fingers. But there’s a few things that she needs to know if her master plan is to work.

“Use your words, Holland. Tell him it isn’t so much that you’re feeling regret as you’re feeling sheer panic at the prospect of sharing an apartment with a stranger who also happens to be the hottest man you’ve ever touched. What if you fart in your sleep?”

Calvin McLoughlin came to America from Ireland and he never went back. Even when his student visa expired. He recognizes the quirky and beautiful girl who he saved when she fell onto the subway tracks and he can hardly believe the opportunity that she's offering.

It’s the break he’s always dreamed of - to star in a hit Broadway show – and he won’t be able to pull it off if they can’t somehow find a way to cut through all of the immigration red tape.

With the fate of the theater on the line, Holland volunteers to marry him to save the production. But what starts out as just a marriage of convenience, ends up being the love of a lifetime.

“I think you might be the best girl there ever was.”
The heat of his bare chest against me sends a paradoxical shiver from my throat to my toes. I open my mouth to respond, trying to find words through the haze of the reality of him—the virtuoso musician, this silly boy rolling around on my couch, his shirtless form pressed so easily to mine—but when my simple “Thank you” makes its way to the surface, he’s already asleep.
“I think you’re the best boy there ever was, too.”

I love Roomies for so many reasons but the greatest among them is the character of Holland Bakker.

She’s adorably awkward with an inner monologue that is both hysterical and heartbreaking. Watching her blossom from an unsure girl to a strong woman who stands secure in the love of her husband and of herself make this book simply unforgettable.

The laughs, the swoons and the angst are second to none. It’s classic Christina Lauren and it’s fabulous…

Storyline: 5
Angst: 2
Tissue: 0
Value: 5
Panty Scorching: 5
Over All Rating: 4.25 Stars
Kindle eArc provided by Netgalley

After becoming infatuated with talented musician Calvin McLoughlin, Holland Bakker can hardly pass up listening to him play in the subway near her home. But when she’s attacked and Calvin comes to her rescue, Holland comes up with the plan to help her Uncle with his Broadway production by introducing them. Little did they realize that Calvin is in the country illegally. After Holland offers a marriage for a green card, these two roommates find themselves flirting and perhaps becoming a bit more.

“Is Calvin awake? Oh my God, did I wake him up by moaning? Was I loudly…masturbating?

I want to throw myself off the fire escape outside my window. This is only my first night having Calvin outside my room, and already I’m having sex dreams about him.

I am so fucking doomed.”

This story has that nice slow burn going on. Holland has a crush on a subway guitar player who appears to be some kind of hot, undiscovered talent. Calvin has some immigration issues and voila…what do you think they should do? With a quickie marriage and trying to fool the INS…this story evolves from pretend to maybes. I loved how the first inklings of feelings start popping up and once the flirting moves to something more real. They are married on paper…but are the really married in heart? I laughed at how much fun they had together and don’t even get me started on Lulu, her friend. The only issues these two have are when they keep secrets from one another whether it’s feelings or the past. I really enjoyed this quirky green card romance very much.

I’m ashamed to say this was my first Christina Lauren book I’ve ever read. What was I thinking? I definitely love their writing style and know that I’ll be diving into the Beautiful series the first chance I get! And The House! Oh and Autobiography! Too many!

Calvin and Holland have a marriage of convenience turned true love. Holland has lots of insecurities, even by the end that’s still true. Calvin on the other hand is talented and gorgeous with a sexy Irish accent, yet he’s still sort of a dumb guy. The author makes this work and the end result is an interesting story perfect for those who like young adult/new adult romances.

I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This was a great read! I have always love a marriage of convenience story. Could it get any better with the backdrop is a NY musical!
Holland is trying so hard to figure out what to do with her life. She wants to write, but not a word is on paper. She is crushing on a Calvin, a subway musician, who is illegally in America, just waiting for his big break. Holland can make it happen. All they have to is get married. Two strangers getting married. This is had so many awkward and fun moments for each of them. There were some very touching moments too! Love it

I’m not sure Christina Lauren can write a bad book, but I will say that this may be my most favorite book they have written so far. It had so much heart, heartbreak, and love between Holland and Calvin, that i have literally been sitting here all afternoon not able to get up because this book held me prisoner, and just slayed me. What a wonderful story it is, and the build up of this relationship to what it becomes is amazing. The plot of an illegal immigrant from Ireland, a young woman who marries him to keep him in the country, and the beautiful music that brought it all together. A great read, and thanks so much to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this for an honest review. I loved it and it is surely a 5 Star book for me.

Having been a HUGE Christina Lauren Fan from the start, Roomies did not disappoint whatsoever. I loved the idea behind it. What turns out to be a good deed turns into something more magical for these two. I adored their passion for each other even though they thought the other was "acting". This is a great story filled with laughs, swoon worthy moments and so much more!

Roomies was a fun read and it would have been a great one if not for its first person telling. But despite all that, I loved the story of Holland and Calvin.
Holland is a glorified gofer for her uncle’s wildly successful musical productions but she secretly longs to be something more. A novelist. But her own lack of self-confidence is getting in the way so she’s content-ish to keep working for her uncle.
Until she hears the voice of an angel in the subway, screws up her courage to go talk to him and then falls prey to a random attacker and her sweet singer steps in to protect her. What’s a girl to do? Honestly the only thing she can do is return the favor, in the form of her brilliant musically successful uncle. But this is a romance novel which means there is some sort of problem, which in this case, is Calvin’s citizenship status. Or lack of.
And that’s where things really get interesting!
His story is so inspiring and brave that Holland offers to help him with his problem because he’s talented and because it’s the right thing to do. One of the things I loved that Christina Lauren did with this story was, she made Holland honorable. Sure she was harboring a serious crush on Calvin, but it didn’t feel like that’s why she decided to help him. The chemistry was apparent from the moment she gave him an adorable mini-lecture about Holland. In the Netherlands.
And my goodness but unrequited love is the worst and I felt her pain. Down deep. But I loved how Calvin didn’t just take from her. Nope, Roomies is a tale about two good people who form a bond and help each other achieve their dreams. And that is what a really good romance is all about.
So I’m giving this story 4.5, it didn’t bother me that it was written in first person stars!

This is my first title by Christina Lauren. I am not even sure how that happened, honestly, as I have been hearing about them for a while, and everyone I know has read something by them...at least it feels that way.

So, I went into this with expectations, but no real idea what I was getting myself into.

What I ended up getting myself into was a well-written, well-plotted, believable romance about 2 people I genuinely liked and with supporting characters I liked as well (ok, there were a couple I think could have been left at the curb, but as Holland does just that, it all worked out just fine) and a setting that was both interesting and not too immersive as to lose you in the story of the characters because of the plot happening around them.

Calvin and Holland meet in a rather odd way, and in a way that I am not going to spoil. But I will say, the wry humor that is present in this book (and possibly all of the others, I am not sure) was apparent right away in the conversations immediately after what is their initial meeting and then their most memorable.

This book has emotion, and it has heart. You understand so much of where Calvin is coming from, and what leads him to do the things he does, even though he colossally fucks (there's really no other word for a certain part, also a spoiler so I am not telling) things up, and more than once, to varying degrees.

I also love how self-aware this book is, and by default it's heroine. There is a part where Holland realizes that she is a cliche, and that she hates it in books when the characters do something, but that all of a sudden she understands why authors write that. I loved that, the idea that the authors, and their characters, are aware of when they are acting like characters in a book. It gives depth to a story, it makes them real, and it gives the characters on the page a real connection to the reader.

Fake relationship books can work, and they can work really well. But, in order for them to work, there have to be a couple of people you believe want to be together. I love that not only do you believe this, but at the end, when it all falls apart and real feelings emerge, I love how the little clues and glimpses about how they both have felt this whole time work their way so perfectly into the inevitable "where do we go from here" conversation that happens in any fake relationship book.

I enjoyed this book, a lot. I am looking forward to the next title by this author duo, and I am thinking I may just need to read their previous releases.

Book Review: 5+++ Stars

Roomies was an awesome sweet romantic comedy with the high quality seal of Christina Lauren.

Holland and Calvin’s story is addictive, romantic, funny, sexy and amazing. They met in the best/worst/weirdest/luckiest circumstances ever. She’s been watching him from afar from quite a time now. Well, more than listened to him playing guitar in a subway station. He was talented and Holland knew it and when her uncle needed a replacement for the main musician in his play in Broadway, Holland convinced him to go listen to him play his guitar and that was it. Holland’s uncle was in love with Calvin’s music and offered him the job but there was a little problem…. Calvin’s visa expired years ago, so he couldn't be hired. It was a hopeless case... Unless Holland listened to her boss—who was an asshole if you ask me—about she and Calvin getting married so he could get a green card and with that his dream job, and that’s what Holland did. And what started as a marriage of convenience, fastly became into something more heated and sweet and romantic. But there were secrets, from both sides, that caused so much drama, heart aches and misunderstandings for both Holland and Calvin.

This story was amazing since the beginning. I fell in love with Holland first. Her selfless personality, her love for her family, her willingness to do sacrifices for others who she loved dearly, captivated me, and I also loved her for her flaws, she was selfish—in a good way, I mean, wouldn’t you want to have your crush shirtless in your living room, sleeping in your couch and then in your bed? I would so want that too *grins innocently*—and insecure and hasty to take decisions. Everything about her made her a great character, more human, more relatable, more loveable. And then I fell in love with Calvin. Well, I gotta admit, at first I fell in lust with him, but I loved his his music from the beginning. I felt like I could listen to his guitar in my head with how Holland described him playing, his entire surrender and introspection in his music was amazing. But then, when their arrangement turned into more than just a fake relationship, I fell in love with Calvin, with his Irish accent, with his texts—the dirty ones and the romantic ones—with his passion for his career. With all of him. My weakness was when he called Holland “mo stóirín” because it felt like true love, and then he explained what it meant and I was a goner.

“My grandad used to say it to my granny. It means ‘my little darling.’”

And then, the drama came and my heart was aching and I couldn’t stop reading because I needed for Holland and Calvin to be fine so my heart could be happy again. And I read until 4am on a work day, and it didn’t matter that I was going to be a zombie the next day, because I stayed late reading yet another amazing book by Christina Lauren and my heart was soaring of happiness for Holland and Cavil.

*deep sigh*

Now I wish there was more of Holland and Calvin, but I’ll listen to the audiobook and I’ll relive their amazing story and I’ll melt with the Irish accent and I’m sure I’ll love it as much as I loved the book.

Now go get your copy and fall in love you, too. 100% recommended.

4.5 stars!

“You’re too beautiful to be inexperienced in love.”

Roomies is a charming book that sneaks up on you and grabs your heart! Holland has had a crush on subway musician Calvin for months who then saves her when she gets attacked on the subway. Recognizing his musical talent, she is able to get him his big break in broadway. There’s only one problem, he’s from Ireland and has been living in America illegally for the last four years.

Holland finds a crazy solution, she decides to marry Calvin so he can be in the show. Marriage of convenience turns into lovers, and maybe something more. But how can either of them know if this relationship is real?



I loved this book. It started off a bit slow at the beginning, but this is a story that BUILDS. By the end I was so in love with this couple and wanted them to find their happiness. I see a lot of reviews calling this book sweet, and I totally agree. But it did have small doses of angsty bits that gave my angst whore self the hit I needed to bring this rating up!

Holland was an amazing heroine, unsure of where she was in life and yet not at all annoying. She didn’t see herself clearly, others around her did and Calvin always wanted what was best for her, trying to put her needs before his as much as he could. To me this was also a slow build romance, starting out strangers then friends then lovers, then finally more. You need to have the patience for this couple because it’s well worth it.

This is a story you savor, one you think about when you set the book down and continue to think about once you’ve finished it. I highly recommend roomies, it’s a perfect book to curl up with.

“I think you might be the best girl there ever was.”
“I think you’re the best boy there ever was, too.”

ARC provided by the publisher via netgalley. All/any quotes in this review came from an advance unedited copy and may be subject to change in the final product.