The Roommate by Rosie Danan Published by Penguin on September 15, 2020
Genres: Fiction, Romance, Romantic Comedy, Contemporary, Women
Pages: 336
Format: eARC
Source: Netgalley
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Goodreads
House Rules: Do your own dishes Knock before entering the bathroom Never look up your roommate online The Wheatons are infamous among the east coast elite for their lack of impulse control, except for their daughter Clara. She’s the consummate socialite: over-achieving, well-mannered, predictable. But every Wheaton has their weakness. When Clara’s childhood crush invites her to move cross-country, the offer is too tempting to resist. Unfortunately, it’s also too good to be true.
After a bait-and-switch, Clara finds herself sharing a lease with a charming stranger. Josh might be a bit too perceptive—not to mention handsome—for comfort, but there’s a good chance he and Clara could have survived sharing a summer sublet if she hadn’t looked him up on the Internet... Once she learns how Josh has made a name for himself, Clara realizes living with him might make her the Wheaton’s most scandalous story yet. His professional prowess inspires her to take tackling the stigma against female desire into her own hands. They may not agree on much, but Josh and Clara both believe women deserve better sex. What they decide to do about it will change both of their lives, and if they’re lucky, they’ll help everyone else get lucky too.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Why Did I Read?
A strict rule follower ends up rooming with a super attractive stranger who works in the adult entertainment industry. I was drawn into this premise from the beginning!
My Thoughts:
Clara is a straight laced rule follower who has never stepped a toe out of line. She’s determined to withhold the “proper” image her socialite family demands and because of this, has always colored within the lines. Her latest cross country move is the most daring thing she’s ever done and it’s to chase her long time unrequited crush to her childhood friend. This move doesn’t quite end up with the result she’s hoping for though as her friend takes off, leaving her to room with a complete stranger — Josh, who works in the adult entertainment industry. What could happen in the next few weeks? Everything, as it turns out.
I absolutely loved this book. Clara is someone who I could relate with – her determination to stick to the rules and have everything planned out is so me. She’s a little shy, a little awkward and would much rather stay in than navigate a party with strangers. When she meets Josh, sparks fly. Josh is such an adorable, charismatic and swoony man – it is no surprise that he takes Clara by storm. Josh is a fantastic character as well. I really appreciated his many layers. He is dedicated to his work and he’s also a genuinely kind hearted person, unwilling to bow to pressures of questionable things in the porn industry but at the same time, knowing his career and livelihood is on the line.
Rosie Danan does a great job highlighting issues that exist in the porn industry. I also appreciated the sex positivity and focus on being shameless. The message is so great especially with the sexist views society has when it comes to sex in men vs women.
The character arcs for both Clara and Josh are great. I loved seeing Clara progress and learn more about herself and figuring out who she is and what she’s capable of. Their relationship together progresses perfectly on pace. There are funny moments, sweet moments and the FIRE moments because the chemistry between these two is insane.
In Short…
All in all, this is a romance that should be on everyone’s list to read! I’m deeming it one of my favorites of the year. The fantastic characters, riveting relationship and off the charts chemistry makes for the perfect combination! The Roommate is simply so much fun. I love Josh and Clara and absolutely can’t wait for the next book!
Have you read this yet? Did you love it like I did? What are some other romances you have read and enjoyed this year?
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Yaay so happy you loved this one. I really related to Clara too!