Reviews with content warning for Biphobia - The Intimacy Experiment

What a charming romance. I checked out the audiobook on Libby while on the hunt for another title. Though I haven't yet read Danan's first novel (The Roommate), there was minimal crossover, so it was easy enough to keep up. Shoutouts to bisexual/Jewish/and former sex worker representation. I think that the topics of former sex work and belonging, as well as religious identity and community are handled very nicely. There are a few steamy scenes, but nothing too intense. I wish that we had gotten the chance to know more of the side characters a bit better, so this clocks in at a solid 3.5 stars for me.

Content Warnings

lanidon's review

Go to review page

medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

Jewish romance!!!! I've genuinely never seen a Jewish romance before, so this was very refreshing! This didn't grab me quite as hard as The Roommate, but that's a real tough act to follow so

One thing though,,, Rosie, darling, I'm begging you to have some non white characters in your next book

Content Warnings

jenkneebee's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Content Warnings

biblio_jordyn's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The Intimacy Experiment by Rosie Danan is a book that will stay with me for such a long time. I will look back on this book with love and I hugged it when reading so many times. I wish I could show every quote that made me love this novel so much, every moment that made me smile, every moment that made me feel empowered, but since this is an ARC I will just leave a list of all the things I love.

I love all the badass women quotes that will gave me strength and will give other women strength to love their whole selves, to have people love their whole selves, even the parts that they hate.

I love the Jewish representation. I felt I got to learn a lot about Jewish culture that I didn't know before and it felt so authentic.

I love that the Jewish representation was one of JOY. So many times, the representation only has to do with World War 2 and the Holocaust and I was so happy to see a book not rooted in trauma.

I love the in depth discussion about identity. The idea that you can be multiple different things at once, like being a sexual being and intelligent, being strong but also needing to lean on others sometimes, and so much more.

I love the continuation of the SEX POSITIVE discussion of her first novel in this series. So many young girls and young adults who grow into women are taught to hide themselves, to feel ashamed of their sexual desires and wants, to feel as if they must maintain this sense of innocence. This book crushes all these ideals that society tries to pressure on women.

I love that between all the serious topics and moments, there is this relationship between Naomi and Ethan that is both sweet and fluffy, but also powerful.

This book is completely bingeable and made me smile and feel empowered the whole read! I highly encourage everyone to read this book that not only tries to empower you, but shows JOY in the Jewish community.

Content Warnings

utopiastateofmind's review against another edition

Go to review page

Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.75

(Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)

This dual POV stole my heart. I knew I was going to love Naomi's story, but what I enjoyed was how much I got to know her. The Intimacy Experiment is about, you guessed it, intimacy. Being vulnerable with someone, sharing the flaws and jagged edges. Naomi, who is used to getting naked with people, but needs to figure out how to be comfortable with her own vulnerability. The chemistry between Naomi and Ethan was steaming. The ways someone can see the truths, our mistakes, and our fears so plainly.

Our bisexual queen, Naomi skyrockets The Intimacy Experiment above The Roommate for me. Her strength, power, and compassion as she deals with the sexism from men and in her professional life. She reminded me of "Peace" by Taylor Swift, the ways her past has strings attached that she doesn't have control over. Even if we don't believe in the lies and the expectations of others, the sexism and double standards have insidous ways.

Content Warnings

More...