This was delightful but I wanted so much <i>more</i>!

The set-up is pure gold. Clara moves across the country to be the roommate of her friend Everett, who she is desperately in love with (he DGAF and it's irritating she doesn't realize this - come on, you're a grown ass adult woman) but he ends up ditching her, so she's left living with his subletter, Josh.

Clara is rich and uptight. Josh is an adult film star.

Shenanigans should ensue! For the first little bit, things are great. There's sexual tension, some banter, a good amount of sarcasm and wit. But when Clara and Josh end up joining forces on a business venture, things went off the rails a bit for me. There's no... <i>pining</i>. I wanted there to be lots and lots of pining - I mean, they LIVE together, so it's prime time for some angst. 

Regardless, the book is very entertaining and readable. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a frothy romance with the friends-to-lovers theme.

This was a DNF for me.

I struggled with the writing and the characters. I did not feel any kind of connection between the characters. Sure there was attraction and interest in sex, but that was it.. The spark, a real connection was missing. For a romance to work there has to be more than just sexual attraction. Also the characters needed more development, and the novel itself could have used more substance. Maybe a different plot. The pornstar premise didn't deliver, and felt like the author tried too hard.

I never expected to read and love an erotic romance that is partially set in the adult entertainment world, but Rosie Danan’s The Roommate managed to pull it off. Danan also got me to love and care about a rich white society princess, a group of people for whom I have extremely low sympathy in general. But I loved this book. I loved the complex characters and the realistic relationships and the swoon-worthy romance and the laugh-out-loud lines and the steamy sex and the fiercely sex-positive feminist culture of Josh and Clara’s world. This was one of my “hero books” that kept me reading during the dark pandemic year of 2020, and my only regret is that it fell victim to my inability to write reviews at the time, and I’m only just reviewing it six months later. Josh and Clara’s story deserved better.

Josh is sweet and thoughtful and enthusiastic. He thinks outside the box, and leans into what he is good at, for which he feels no shame…mostly. He does have some baggage of his own. But not nearly as much as the uptight and repressed Clara, or as Josh calls her early in the book, “a pint-sized, tightly wound socialite”. She’s got a whole cart of baggage. Hermes, probably. Together, though, in living situations, friendship, work, and more, they slowly grow together, into confidence and responsibility and communication and trust and confidence. It’s an incredibly tender and real connection that I very much enjoyed reading.

The supporting cast isn’t bad. It took me awhile to warm up to Naomi, but I suppose that’s rather the point of her character. Naomi’s carpenter friend Wynn was fun. Clara’s friend Everett, the person who kicked off this whole story, is annoying, but that seemed not only intentional but necessary for the story. Josh’s family is sweet, and Clara’s black sheep of the family aunt is tough and likable all at once.

There’s not a lot of diversity in this story. I did appreciate Clara’s strong Black female boss. I appreciated the sex positive attitude. And there were LGBTQ+ supporting characters. But everyone in their circle was remarkably able-bodied and conventionally attractive and mostly white. And mentions of mental health were mostly reserved for slurs, mostly employed by Clara as self-criticisms: “crazy”, “insane”, etc., but also used by Josh, however affectionately, calling her a “nutjob,” for instance. I hope Danan’s future books are more intentional about using inclusive language and depicting diverse casts of characters.

I absolutely loved the Roommate, and how not only Josh and Clara’s relationship, but also their own personal growth and actualization, their ability to defy the expectations of others, was central to this story. It was hot and tender and raw and real and sometimes hilarious. Josh and Clara were just the protagonists I needed to keep me reading during a difficult time. I look forward to more books by Rosie Danan, which will hopefully increase the diversity of representation, while retaining all the heat and heart and beauty of this one. Highly recommended if you want a sweet but filthy erotic romance.

Thank you to #NetGalley and Berkley for letting me read a free digital #advancedcopy of #TheRoommate in exchange for my honest review.

Let's talk about sex, baby! 😜 Going into this book I knew it was going to be HOT from what I heard and the fact that our main character works in the entertainment industry (aka porn.) And holy moly, it was. But it was also SO darn funny and cute. I LOVED it.

Right away, I was cracking up at Clara and Josh's interactions. It was so funny because they're so different. I've decided that the roommate trope is definitely one of my favs and way too underrated.

This book was so different from anything I've read before due to Josh's profession. These two had some SERIOUS sexual tension and I was allllll about it. 😍🔥 I thought their friendship and interactions were so cute. They're both such sweet characters. Once Josh's protective side came out. I was a GONER. See quote at the top! Swoon!! The shower scene! 😍 *Clutches pearls and fans self.*

This was just the light hearted book I needed. But I did want to note this probably isn't everyone's cup of tea and that's totally fine. Their is a LOT of sex talk so you definitely gotta be comfortable with that. I was brought up we didn't talk about sex AT ALL. 🙄 So this was so inspiring to see sex talked about in such a positive way! There is nothing to be ashamed of! 🙌

I will say the miscommunication, "I'm not good enough for them" conflict isn't my fav but it was still done well. Their relationship was more of a slowburn but still with some *VERY* hot moments which was wonderful to see their connection grow. But I do wish we had got to see them as a couple more. I would have been fine with the book even being a little longe. Overall, I absolutely loved this hot and fun story! Just prepare for some serious blush worthy scenes!

This one started so strong but, unfortunately, majorly fizzled around the halfway point. The tension was great when it was there, and I really liked the idea of a sex-positive romance novel. But... the characters were kind of.. flat? Clara felt like a parody of a character and Josh wasn't much better. They were cute and all but I honestly didn't see much chemistry between them. It felt more like a right place/right time sort of thing.
Overall, it was an interesting premise but I couldn't get into the characters.

Everything was a bit much and a little campy/ stuck in the tropes. Still fun and steamy, just more enjoyable if the stereotypes in romances were turned down a little. Also, why does this not come with a PDF from Shameless?

The Roommate definitely has a lot more steam than the average romance, so reader be aware. At times, this  qualified as soft core porn, it ultimately didn't really distinguish itself from other romances. The main character, Clara, is a "prude," yet somehow converts after meeting Josh, her new roommate, who also happens to be a porn star.

Josh is seemingly flawless in every way possible, something that drives me nuts about male characters in romance books. In fact, the whole conflict prior to the resolution was supposedly both of them, but really, I thought Clara was the most out of line. Josh was his true, perfect self the entire time, which I think was what bothered me. That and the fact that these two characters just fell in love basically at first sight, even though they had nothing in common whatsoever.

I loved the sex positivity in this book. I did enjoy reading about the porn industry and trying to normalize sex workers. There is a huge stigma against porn, but many of the people involved (not just the actors) are doing this because it is their job. It was definitely a different background to a predictable romance.

I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this book, but I’m glad I kept reading because it surprised me. At first, adult performer Josh seems kind of dim and academic socialite Clara is super uptight. But they subverted their respective stereotypes as they got to know each other and tried new things. By the end, I was rooting for both of them.

My one quibble: the pink-hearts cover with the floating couch really doesn’t do the book justice, and looks amateurish. I almost didn’t read the book because of it. Hopefully it’ll get updated sometime soon.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC to review. All opinions are my own.

Connecticut socialite Clara Wheaton, who has just completed a doctorate in Art History and is about to begin an internship at the Guggenheim, impulsively decides to move to Los Angeles when Everett, her longtime unrequited love, suggests she take the extra room in his house. She’s prepared a summer of seduction only for Everett to tell her on the ride home from the airport that his band is going on tour, and he’s rented his room to Josh Darling. 

Soon, Clara learns that Josh Darling makes his living as an adult entertainer, or porn star in common parlance. Although his job complicates their budding friendship, it also inspires her to take a stand about female sexual desire. Together, they might change everything not just for each other but for legions of women—if only they aren’t undermined by the expectations of Clara’s blue blood family and Josh’s unsavory production company, Black Hat.

It’s hard not to be enamored of Josh, who is so confident about his sexual performance but insecure in so many other areas, and I was pleased with his character arc. I also loved his frequent costar and hard-as-nails ex-girlfriend, Naomi, who is exacting and blunt but also caring. Clara, so uptight she brought a laminated move-in sheet to Los Angeles, made so many impulsive decisions that it almost seemed inconsistent with her personality. 

As you might expect from a book set in the adult entertainment industry, the book is full of steam—Clara said of herself she might need a fainting couch, and some readers may feel the same way. At the same time, it’s refreshing to have such a sex-positive book that is focused on female pleasure. Additionally, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘰𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦 addressed the harassment and substandard conditions often experienced not just by the performers but also the crew.

For me, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘰𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦 was a fun and entertaining read, refreshing for the energy and unexpected themes it brought to the genre. I’m looking forward to Rosie Danan’s next book, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘤𝘺 𝘌𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵, which focuses on Naomi.

This was really enjoyable—I appreciate the balance between sweet and spice. The landing didn’t quite stick for me for personal reasons, but overall I was delighted throughout my time reading.

⚠️⚠️Excessive heat warning 🌡🌡 in effect for entire length of this book! ⚠️⚠️

Sometimes I pick up these rom-coms so innocently. Perhaps naïve assuming they will be a fun, sweet read with a dash of romance to make me go..."awww”.

And occasionally I come away with a hot🔥 and spicy number that knocks my socks off. As you can guess this was one of those times!

Clara comes from a family with status and wealth. Raised in Connecticut she has always toed the family line. Never straying out of bounds. Until now. Clara takes the biggest leap of her life (at least to this point...as many more are headed her way). She is moving across the country to LA to pursue her lifelong crush.

Only prince charming leaves her stranded and alone within hours of her arrival. Ok, maybe not completely alone. He’s rented out the second bedroom of his apartment to someone from Craigslist. Now that should start the warning bells 🔔 right there!

This Roommate has one of the more shall we say, “interesting” careers. And despite her squeaky-clean upbringing, Clara is getting caught up in her new roomy and his so-called business.

This was a fun and sizzling rom-com. It won’t be for everyone, but for those who like it spicy I think you will enjoy!

The characters were presented well and we basically saw Clara grow up before our very eyes.

Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for an ARC to read and review.

Witty and realistic goes a long way for me in my romance reads. Danan wrote a strong debut here, with characters to root for and a completely unique premise.

GAH! I had nothing but love for Josh and Clara and everything about this book. The cinnamon roll porn star hero and the (at times prudish) and reserved heroine? Lord have mercy. Total perfection. It was smoking hot and super sweet and had me all up in my feels. I can't wait to read more from Rosie!

So I went into this book thinking it was going to be an adult romance. I wasn't expecting how the story planned out, but boy did I love it! This book is sexy with some great characters. I loved it so much!

This was such a refreshing read! Had never read a book with a main character who does porn. Loved it! Wish a website like that would actually exist, hehe.

Really enjoyed the obvious sparks between the characters, the sexual tension was so hot. Of course it was obvious they'd end up together like it is with every book like this, but it was still such an enjoyable, feel-good read. Can't wait for more from this author!

<em>The Roommate</em> is Rosie Danan's debut contemporary romance release from last year. I've heard nothing but good things about it so I was looking forward to reading it but the massive reading slump of 2020 got to me so I haven't gotten around to it until now. I was really engaged from beginning to end in what was going on with both Clara and Josh. Sure, there were times when I wanted to smack them both upside their stubborn heads but overall, they were great characters with great chemistry and I was rooting for them.

So this book follows Clara Wheaton, a socialite from Connecticut who leaves her life of privilege, responsibility, and expectations for the freedom of living on her own clear across the country. She ran away from the responsibilities of being a Wheaton to figure some things out while she rooms with the love of her life and best friend, Everett. But when she shows up in Los Angeles, determined to make Everett fall in love with her, he delivers some bad news. His band got asked to do a last-minute multiple-city tour and he's leaving...right now. But she's not to worry because he rented his room to someone else so she won't be alone and she can still have her summer of adventure. She just had to do it all without him.

Clara meets her new roommate, Josh Connors, when she gets home and while she had no intention of getting to know him, they talk and he convinces her to stick it out and find out what she's all about. Before Clara knows what's what, she's reunited with her estranged Aunt, she's got a job and she's developed a strictly platonic friendship with her roommate that she really enjoys. Everything was going pretty great until she finds out that her new friend and roommate, Josh Connors, is actually Josh Darling, a sexy porn star and the exact opposite of what her parents would approve of.

Josh is used to people not approving of his job and in extension, approving of him. He enjoys his work, he's free of strings and is living his life the way that he wants to but when he befriends his new roommate, Clara Wheaton, her opinion of him starts to matter, and then before he knows what is what, he's got a giant crush on her that can only end with his heart being shattered because he just knows she doesn't feel the same way. When they go into business together, things really heat up between the two of them but it doesn't come without its fair share of complications. 

Seeing these two battle their attraction to each other while trying to figure out their own individual issues made for a great romance. Rosie Danan's writing style flowed well and was easy to follow along with and I thought she told a really engaging story with a charming cast of characters. I'm glad that I read this book and I'm looking forward to jumping into her next book that I have for review.

<strong>4 out of 5</strong>

What a fun, fun read! I initially started reading The Intimacy Experiment, but decided I should go back and start with the first titles in the series. Boy am I glad I did! I loved getting to know Clara and Josh and their chemistry was great. I also really liked the way that Rosie Danan subverted some of the classic romance novel tropes and included information about how the porn industry is run. Can't wait to dive into Naomi's story in The Intimacy Experiment.

THIS is how you write a rom-com, folks! 🔥 ⁣
🙏 @berkleypub @rosiedanan #gifted⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁣
Clara Wheaton uncharacteristically abandons her socialite lifestyle on the East Coast and flies to LA to move in with her childhood friend, Everett, who she is secretly madly in love with. When Clara arrives, Everett announces that he’s going on tour with his band for three months and Clara will be sharing the apartment with a renter that he met on Craigslist while he’s gone. Her gorgeous new roommate, Josh, seems alright until straight-laced Clara discovers that he’s a popular adult film star. ⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁣
The steam factor in this opposites-attract novel is through the roof! I loved seeing the clash between prim and proper Clara and confident and candid Josh. Danan thoughtfully highlights the ins and outs of the adult film industry, societal stigmas, healthy intimate relationships and the importance of women’s pleasure. She pulls it all together with a super interesting plot and a heartwarming romance. The Roommate is a funny, charming, sex-positive read and I highly recommend it for you romance lovers. It’s out today so smash that add to cart button or mask up and run to your nearest bookstore!

The Roommate follows Clara, an overachieving east coast socialite who’s always lived life by the books. After moving to Los Angeles in a failed attempt to chase after her childhood crush, Clara finds herself suddenly roommates with Josh, a charming, laid back LA...porn star. 

I loved how this book had such thoughtful discussions about sex positivity and the importance of sex education. The adult entertainment industry is often seen as a taboo topic, and Rosie Danan skillfully validates the work of adult performers yet points out the power dynamics and toxic aspects that can leave performers vulnerable.

This book is told in dual POV, and I found Josh’s narration to be much more enjoyable to read than Clara’s. For one, his personal experience of fighting against the exploitation of sex workers in the industry was a much more interesting story arc than Clara’s coming-of-age journey. 

Secondly, Clara’s doe-eyed outlook and naivety just didn’t work for me. Coming from a rich family, she’s left her privileged life to find independence, yet I rarely felt invested in her character except for the moments where she interacted with Josh.

My biggest grievance with this book was the final fight between Clara and Josh that hinges on the miscommunication trope AKA my least favorite trope in the history of fiction. I didn’t find it necessary to move the story along, and despite the characters eventually reconciling, it stunted the romance and chemistry between the two.

While there were heartfelt and funny moments within The Roommate that made me smile, I kept hoping for more. Ultimately, the plot line had golden potential, but the execution of the story fell short of my expectations.

Enjoyed this but didn’t quite love it. The romance builds nicely but the conflict was built around avoiding one conversation - a tired and lazy ploy.

 Clara’s struggle against family expectations felt half hearted - since none of that is every experienced on page — unlike Josh with his confrontation with his mom. 

The political subplot felt rather flimsy. Definitely for fans of the Kiss Quotient - relates to sex workers, sex education, female pleasure. . Fun but not a personal favorite.  ★★★½