"If you can't be good, at least be good at it."

This was my first time to read Christina Lauren. IKR? Where have I been? I have heard the buzz in the book world. And I've been meaning to check them out, but my TBR is neverending... Sound familiar? Well, I'm all out of excuses and plan to be a proper fangirl moving forward.

Holland grew up surrounded by music. Though she doesn't sing or play an instrument, she has a deep appreciation for music. She has a good ear and can recognize talent when she hears it. And when she runs across a talented street busker, she can't bring herself to walk past. She stops to listen, again and again, and again. Not only is he easy on the ears, he's easy on the eyes too.

The story is told in Holland's POV, so I was aware of her secret crush. But I didn't know how he felt about her. When she gets him an audition for a Broadway play, it was exciting to see him get the recognition he deserves. There was no denying his talent, and she was proud of herself for discovering him. But when they offered him a position, he was forced to admit that he was in the country illegally. He shared that the offer was a dream come true, but that he was unable to accept due to his citizenship issue.

This is where it gets exciting for me. Being inside Holland's head, I knew where she wanted things to go. But I also knew that she had a lot of doubts and insecurities. She knew that if she offered to marry Calvin she would be making a lot of people happy. But what about her own happiness? Would she be satisfied being his 'Roomie' but not a wife in the true sense of the word? Would being able to look but not touch the sexy man be too much to handle? Would she be able to keep her feelings to herself once they started spending time together? What would he think if he ever found out that she was pretending to not love him, instead of the other way around?

I'm a music lover myself, so I especially enjoyed that part of the story. I was totally invested and anxious to see how their fake marriage situation would play out. Would they be able to convince immigration officials to allow him to stay? Would pretending to be in love be difficult for them? How far would they take it? Would they progress from roommates to bedmates to soulmates? Well, there's only one way to find out, read Roomies!

Thank you Netgally for an ARC copy of this book. Loved this romantic read. You never know when or where you will find love. I though the plot was hilarious and intriguing at the same time. A must read

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!

As a long time fan of Christina Lauren's books, I was excited to read Roomies and I was not disapointed. Roomies is a cute, fun, romatic read with just enough angnst and a whole lot of laughs.

It took me a while to like Calvin as the hero and I also thought that Holland is portrayed a bit weaker than she needed to be but over all, I enjoyed the charachter and enjoyed their journey to find love together.

The supporting charcters were wondful and I wish I could read more about Uncel Jeff and Robert!

Another great read for fans of Christina Lauren!

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.