4.5 STARS

"Our love feels like. . . freedom. The kind people give their lives for."

Be still my heart! 'The Roommate' is an adult romance that is sexy and funny and smart and fresh. Usually the forced proximity trope feels dull to me and just not all that interesting. But Rosie Danan takes the trope and turns it on its head in this book. This book is filled with realistic dialogue and actually creates a very positive picture of sex workers. I found the story and the characters to be intelligent and very developed. And Josh Darling. SWOON.

Clara has impulsively left her very neat and orderly life behind in New York for a chance to room with her longtime crush, Everett, in Los Angeles for the summer. The only problem is that Everett has other plans and rents his room out to Josh Darling, an adult film star. What on earth was Clara thinking? And how will she manage to create a life for herself in a new city with no friends?

Josh and Clara are opposites in almost every way. She makes lists and lives her life according to her wealthy family's strict rules. Josh is a caring and funny guy who basically stumbled into the adult film industry and has quite the reputation for his on-screen roles with his frequent co-star (and ex), Naomi. Even though he is a star in his profession, he still feels inadequate when it comes to a relationship with Clara.

‘If the world were fair, Josh would have been able to get into a ring and fight for what he wanted. If the world were fair, he would have a chance.’

Josh and Clara both push each other's boundaries in a positive way and their chemistry is absolutely electric. Clara's first impressions of Josh turn out to be wrong and they begin to develop feelings for each other in the most delicious, slow-burn way possible. But when all is said and done, Clara still feels she must hide Josh from her family for fear they would find out what he really did for a living.

‘Wanting him, she could handle. But anything deeper…anything more with Josh was impossible. Unacceptable.’

The chemistry between Josh and Clara was absolutely fantastic. Rosie Danan has a gift for creating characters I really cared about and for hilarious dialogue. Plus this book is HOT. And while Naomi could have come across as just a cookie-cutter, jealous ex-girlfriend, the author wisely avoids those stereotypes. Naomi is a wonderful supporting character here who is getting her own book! Yay!

If you are looking for a fresh and very sexy adult contemporary romance then you will love 'The Roommate'. It is a standout in the romance genre, and I congratulate Rosie Danan on what is sure to be a very successful writing career. I laughed out loud while reading this book and I fell in love with Josh and Clara and their sweet, sexy romance. Highly recommend!

This was HOOTTTT. And so much fun!! I pretty much was giggling through this entire read. Josh is an absolute sweetheart of a hero, if incredibly horny (I mean, he IS a porn star) and Clara is adorably awkward. I love the roommates trope but throw in the great sex/sex worker positivity and this made for a fantastic, entertaining read. I’m so impressed with this debut! If you love eager to please heroes who will do anything to give the heroine the best orgasms of her life, you have to read The Roommate.

A fun and flirty romance that doesn’t shy away from difficult topics - porn, sex work, body positivity.

Overall enjoyed the book, and really liked the chemistry between Josh and Clara!

This book was fun. It revolves around uptight socialite Clara and her porn star roommate Josh.

The banter was A+. The classic opposites attract with a side of roommates/forced proximity trope. It was thoroughly enjoyable.

My issue is the (romance genre wide critique) near the end of the book relationship conflict. I know it's coming, and it's just so formulaic and honestly boring. Everything is going well, so BAM, miscommunication = breakup = huge declarations of love.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was predictable, but the adult film industry was a new angle which is so needed, so it gets points from me.

I really, thoroughly enjoyed reading this. From the very beginning to the very end, I was sucked in and read it in one sitting.

The Roommate was steamy, exciting, funny, and unique. Following Clara's impulsive decision to leave her life behind in New York and chase love in LA, we find her face to face with a new face instead of the familiar one. Josh found the room up for rent on craigslist and did not imagine he'd be stuck with the little socialite he believes Clara to be. Oddly enough, despite the two being very different according to their first impressions, they find their rhythm almost right away. Their chemistry becomes hard to deny but there is a lot going on that makes living together dangerous.

I really loved it. Honestly, I didn't know what to expect and with a cover like this, I hoped it was great. But it could've also been stupid cheesy.... so I'm thrilled it ended up being great. Highly recommend.

I wasn't sure what to expect with book since the main male character works in the adult film industry, i.e. porn star, but it exceeded my expectations. It was funny & sexy (but not over the top considering what it was about), with interesting characters. Josh is a really nice guy, caring and fun, while Clara is awkward and clueless, but they fit each other. I read this book in 2 days and only work made me put it down.

Friends, this debut was SO GOOD. ⁣Hot, smart, sizzling fun! ⁣
⁣
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘰𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦 is a story with clever dialogue, forced proximity, tender romantic build up, and some seriously salacious steam. ⁣I'd describe this as a 'Spicy Romance with Heft'. The heft- the porn industry and fighting the mistreatment of sex workers. You read that right. It's not a topic I expected, but I think Danan knocked it out of the park in such a sex-positive way. In my opinion the phrase guilty-pleasure should omit the word guilt- no shame in the pleasure game.
⁣
𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃- I originally found this book when I stumbled across Rosie Danan's unboxing video on IG. Her genuine excitement is contagious and will cure whatever ails you. Plus- her earrings are EVERYTHING! Go watch it.

Well written, witty, and fun. The chemistry between Clara and Josh is mouthwatering, yet somehow not cliché. The characters are relatable and funny, Danan does an excellent job of narrating Clara's awakening both sexually and emotionally.

I purchased this book before I requested the galley and love it. I've already read it twice in one weekend. Danan skillfully writes her characters with humble emotion and a great balance of humility and heroics. I cheered for Clara. I cheered for Josh. It was more than just steamy scenes, though Danan is quite good at writing just enough to make things steamy without sounding crass or clinical.
I am looking forward to the next book about Naomi/Hannah ... and pretty much anything else Danan writes in the future.

FULL FIVE STARS

Clara sometimes gets overheated...by the nudity in Renaissance art. Josh is famous — one-million-followers famous! — for his dedication to prioritizing female pleasure. Throw this socialite and adult entertainer together and you’ve got a rom com that is equal parts sweet and steamy.
What a debut! Rosie Danan delivers on everything you want out of a rom com — a fun premise, relatable characters you can’t help but root for, giggle-inducing moments, and TENSION (so much tension!!) — while managing to avoid the genre’s main pitfalls. The Roommate is all about empowerment and self-discovery — and it is sooo refreshing to see common tropes be reworked to reflect what a modern-day healthy relationship should be!

Also, in a genre famous for its so-called “predictability” (ummm every genre has beats it needs to hit in order to be categorized as such and to meet audience expectations — so what if rom coms happen to have built-in HEAs? What’s wrong with wanting to be happy? [alrighty, rant done!]), Danan surprises. I never expected to learn about the struggles of sex workers or politicians when I picked up this book — but I did. It was grounded in reality. And the representation/inside look into these two worlds was AWESOME.

As someone who graduated from YA contemporaries to adult rom coms because I knew they’d be tamer than other books in the romance section (like Clara, I can only handle so much before I start squirming or turn a permanent shade of red), I took a chance on The Roommate...and I think it’s pretty obvious from this review that I absolutely loved this book. It may be more steamy than my usual, but it is also hilarious and full of heart! Only time will tell if this will be my gateway to the bodice-rippers I’ve steered clear from thus far... but I truly believe Danan has written a story that will appeal to all romance readers — no matter where your preferences fall between sweet and steamy. The Roommate is the perfect in-between!

And to any avid romance readers who still have their doubts, who often crave more heat in their rom coms.... I promise: this one’s spicy!!

AHHHHHHHHHH


bitch. I’m obsessed. Halfway through I looked up to see if there was a sequel with Naomi and there isssssssss THANK YOU!!
I love them. I love everything this stands for. All of it. The romance. The sex positive themes. The TENSION!!!! Amazing. I never thought a romance between a porn star and a new england socialite would be the thing that I'm obsessed with but here we are. Yes the romance was fabulous, but it was also so much more!! It talked a lot about the shortcomings of the porn industry and let our characters fight back. we love!

Please read this book!!! Idk if I’ve felt this strongly about a romance since I read the hating game?? Woof

A great read! I don't love the cover on this one, but you know what they say about books and covers. This one is great!

Rosie Danan writes with passion and humor, which made The Roommate erotic entertainment for sure! I see that Roommate is a debut, but based on the quality of the writing I will be adding Ms. Danan to my author's watch list. The complexity of the character profiles made for really intriguing characters. What could have been a caricature of the opposites attract trope was elevated by the quality of the dialogue and the respectful handling of the love scenes. I especially appreciated that the love scenes served to move the story along, they were integral rather than placeholders. I was thoroughly entertained. The author's humor reminds me of Shelley Laurenceston or Jill Shavis. I look forward to her next book.
I received my copy through NetGalley under no obligation.

This is. a cute feel-good rom-com and I enjoyed it for what it was. It did remind me a little of a wattpad book, but other than that I enjoyed it.

Unputdownable. Totally unique from other romance concepts I’ve read. I can’t stop thinking about Josh and Clara. This is one that creeps into your heart and won’t let go.

THE ROOMMATE is fresh, funny, and smart about the adult entertainment industry with a little Upper West Side posh, fish-out-of-water, and coming into your own power for good measure. If you’re looking for a fun romance that makes you question your own fears and shamed about your body and about porn, this is it.

My favourite thing about The Roommate, aside from the incredibly sexy sex scenes, is that these people are just so damn normal. Like, their dialogue is not heightened like other romances I’ve read. They’re just normal, twenty-somethings who watch action movies, eat pizza and, oh yeah, there’s a porn star and an Upper West Side rich girl, but they are still totally normal. And it’s just refreshing to see people who are kind of like you step it up and step into their selves. This is definitely a book about self-discovery, but it’s just couched in this incredibly unique situation of unrequited love, the adult entertainment industry, and politics, of all things. It goes left when you think it will go right and damn, that is hard to do in a romance.

So yeah, I’m putting this one on your radar as the Romance to Read This Fall. And seriously, watch out for Rosie Danan. This may be a debut, but it’s bold and confident, and I only expect the next book to be better.

Thank you Penguin Random House International for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Roommate is on my wish list this year and I'm glad I've finally read it! First of all, its cover is deceiving. I assumed this is a whole cute and fluffy story but it's unexpectedly STEAMY. I swooned and let me just savor the moment as I rave this book. 💖😭 I love it so much.

Clara Wheaton is a rich, demure, and smart woman. She defies her family by moving to L.A. for her childhood crush Everett hoping he'll see her more than just a friend. It's an unrequited love. Aside from this, she's still navigating her life. When he left her on his doorstep, she meets his roommate Josh Darling, who is an adult performer.

Clara and Josh are fascinating characters.You'll instantly recognize the spark between them and I love how natural it felt and the sexual between them flares. OH. MY. GOSH. I love their friendship started which makes the intimacy more authentic and sexier. I can't help gushing in the middle of the night and it's quite a slow burn. I swear, the characters have an AMAZING chemistry and I ship them so hard.

The best part of this book is Clara and Josh's character developments. They unapologetically shown their awkwardness and flaws. I love their quirks, intimate moments, flaws and all. As much as they hate confrontations, I love how they bravely stood up for themselves instead of saving each other. It was freeing for both of them and it makes me proud.

Side note: Naomi intrigued me. She's Josh's ex-girlfriend and fellow porn star. She has a strong personality and it's okay you might find her a little intimidating. I'm excited for her book which will be released next year.

To conclude this review, I have to say The Roommate is an outstanding debut novel. It went beyond my expectations and I enjoyed it so much. I'd like to thank my good friend Nick @ Infinite Limits of Love for recommending this book to me. Check out her review here. 💖

THE 411..
This sex positive story about two people who unexpectedly end up being roommates was a fun page turner. Clara has followed her childhood best friend in a move across country in a case of unrequited love. When they get there, her BFF gets notice of his band landing a gig and leaves her his apartment. There she meets Josh, the roommate she didn’t sign up for. Clara comes from a wealthy Manhattan family, her entire life goal has been to stay out of the rumor mill. After a few scandals she’s seen her mother weather, she doesn’t want to be a cause for more. This is why she decides to tough it out & not go running back home. Josh is pretty chill, described as a dreamy Zac Morris from Saved by the Bell type. He’s the polar opposite of Clara who comes across a bit uptight. There’s undeniable attraction when they first meet but a simple google search leaves Clara wide eyed. Josh works in the sex industry and is exactly the publicity Clara is trying to stay far away from however, running back to NYC just isn’t an option. Clara knows that would be the easiest route to take but in doing so, she’d be proving to her family that she’s driven by impulse and emotion. The family who has already cast aside her aunt as the black sheep of the family for a very public affair. Instead, Clara decides to indulge in her curiosity by sticking round and getting to know him a bit better.

WRITING & FINAL THOUGHTS...
I appreciated the discussion on the sex industry, specifically the negative stigma society has placed on sex workers. Also, LOVED the positive discussion on the female orgasm as well as body exploration through self pleasure. Although Clara and Josh come from very different backgrounds, they both feel passionately that women deserve better sex. We follow them as they join together to bring sexual awareness & empowerment to women by using their individual talents and knowledge. The chemistry is wicked intense, the steamy scenes are a 10 because Josh clearly appreciates and understand the female body. He’s super respectful while also confident and smooth which in turn helped Clara feel more at ease and step into her own power. We also get an inside look to the trash treatment many sex workers get in the industry and the fact that many of it isn’t talked about. Society has already deemed their profession something to look down on which makes it just as hard to want to speak up. One of my fave characters Naomi Grant who is an ex of Josh, has managed to get control of her narrative as a sex worker. She embodies confidence and body positivity but like Josh, is one of the few who have learned the ropes well enough to not let anyone low ball them. Relationships are also discussed since its is something many outsiders have wondered about…can a sex worker manage to have a successful relationship? I’d say the verdict is still out on that with it depending on the individual because at the start of it all Josh is having relationship/trust issues. If you’re looking for a read that offers a perspective we don’t often see, The Roommate delivers while also keeping it fun and sexy!

I won this book from Berkeley Romance. Thank you! This book was sexy, sassy and humorous at times. I loved how two totally opposite characters can meet and possibly make a go of it. Can’t wait to see what Rosie Danan writes next!

I think I went into this one with too high expectations. It was cringey in parts especially the end and I just didn’t buy it. Clara is as obnoxious and Josh was so unrealistic.

SUMMARY:
Clara Wheaton is part of a very wealthy family from Greenwich. Her family cares a lot about their image and has been known to cut off family members in the midst of a scandal. Clara just got her doctorate and is geared up to begin a promising career, when she decides to give it all up to move to LA and live with her family friend and lifelong crush, Everett, in hopes that he will fall for her too. She packs up and moves across the country, only to find out that Everett is going on tour with his band and has rented out his room to someone he found on Craig’s List. Clara now has no job, no friends, and a complete stranger for a roommate. She quickly notices that her roommate, Josh, is recognizable to the public. She looks him up online and realizes she may be living the biggest scandal her family has seen yet.

REVIEW:
I went into reading this book not knowing anything about the plot, just that I kept seeing great reviews everywhere. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but this book surprised me throughout. It is a quick, easy read and I feel like I came out of it with an unexpected new favorite.

Clara is in the middle of a crossroads in her life. She has always felt like she has to live this perfect life with a perfect reputation because her family has always put that pressure on her. She decides to risk everything by moving to LA to chase after the boy she has always crushed on. I think Clara is such an amazing main character because she grows so much over the course of the book. This is something I think we all strive to do, but it can be difficult to change your beliefs and opinions sometimes. It takes a strong person to be vulnerable and open to change.

Fair Warning: This book is RAUNCHY. Sex is discussed throughout and there are a few very steamy scenes. However, even if that is usually out of your comfort zone, I would still give this book a try because it isn’t going to be what you think. It is very women-centric and not degrading in the way that raunchy comedies can be.

FINAL THOUGHTS:
Wow, this book was so unexpected for me and I’m so glad I went into it not knowing much about the plot. I think I might have passed over it if I knew more before giving it a shot. So I’m not going to say too much about what happens, just that it is a cute and very steamy romantic comedy about giving up trying to have the perfect image and going after what you think is right for you.