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chiarob's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
The good
- The trans representation felt very real. Some people might find Diego a bit unlikable in certain parts of the story, but personally I found his struggles realistic
- The (queer) found family was amazing
- The first part of the book with the two MCs getting to know each other was very lovely
The neutral
- There are various time jumps in the story
The bad
- Because of the time jumps, there was a lot of telling instead of showing, which I think made me feel less connected to the MCs in the second half of the story
- The trans representation felt very real. Some people might find Diego a bit unlikable in certain parts of the story, but personally I found his struggles realistic
- The (queer) found family was amazing
- The first part of the book with the two MCs getting to know each other was very lovely
The neutral
- There are various time jumps in the story
The bad
- Because of the time jumps, there was a lot of telling instead of showing, which I think made me feel less connected to the MCs in the second half of the story
lindseymiddlemiss's review against another edition
4.0
Gorgeous story with fantastic LGBTQ rep
They Were Roommates is a gorgeous story with fantastic LGBTQ rep.
The storyline is just gorgeous and the main characters are freaking adorable and I felt for them so much.
The trans rep in particular is very good, and it's rare to have an MC dealing with gender affirming surgeries during the story (nothing gory, though some of the realities of wait-times and recovery are discussed). Diego is an incredible character and his journey during the book is heartfelt, believable and wonderful.
However, whilst I found it an easy read, there was way too much telling not showing for my liking. It read to me like a good storyteller was telling me the story of Frankie and Diego, rather than it unfolding in front of me.
In this you'll find:
They Were Roommates is a gorgeous story with fantastic LGBTQ rep.
The storyline is just gorgeous and the main characters are freaking adorable and I felt for them so much.
The trans rep in particular is very good, and it's rare to have an MC dealing with gender affirming surgeries during the story (nothing gory, though some of the realities of wait-times and recovery are discussed). Diego is an incredible character and his journey during the book is heartfelt, believable and wonderful.
However, whilst I found it an easy read, there was way too much telling not showing for my liking. It read to me like a good storyteller was telling me the story of Frankie and Diego, rather than it unfolding in front of me.
In this you'll find:
asteroula_t's review against another edition
3.0
I liked reading a book where the lgbtqiaplus representation is so much more diverse and inclusive.
Reading books like that one makes you a bit more aware of what is happening in the community, especially a "dinosaur" ally like me.
It was quite refreshing reading about all these diverse and unique characters. Everyone is quite sweet, open-minded, and accepting people. As it should be... but I digress...
The story got a 3 star rating because even though the abovementioned is true, the writing was exhausting.
The MCs' relationship is the slowest burn I have ever read. I totally understand that there are situations that need to be smoothed over and everyone involved needs to be patient, but that takes a long long time.
Let's not forget that these two are becoming best friends and they are everything to one another. How is it possible that there is miscommunication on that level?! We are talking about years not days or months.
After they get together, Diego is not exactly the best partner ever. Even though in his head and towards other people is fair and kind, he is a bit rough towards Frankie!
That's understandable of course to some extent, but a bit unexpected from a person who knows how it is to be judged, to judge his best friend and boyfriend so unfairly.
That's enough for me not to love this book and the writing.
Thank you @gay.romance.reviews for the copy!
Reading books like that one makes you a bit more aware of what is happening in the community, especially a "dinosaur" ally like me.
It was quite refreshing reading about all these diverse and unique characters. Everyone is quite sweet, open-minded, and accepting people. As it should be... but I digress...
The story got a 3 star rating because even though the abovementioned is true, the writing was exhausting.
The MCs' relationship is the slowest burn I have ever read. I totally understand that there are situations that need to be smoothed over and everyone involved needs to be patient, but that takes a long long time.
Let's not forget that these two are becoming best friends and they are everything to one another. How is it possible that there is miscommunication on that level?! We are talking about years not days or months.
After they get together, Diego is not exactly the best partner ever. Even though in his head and towards other people is fair and kind, he is a bit rough towards Frankie!
That's understandable of course to some extent, but a bit unexpected from a person who knows how it is to be judged, to judge his best friend and boyfriend so unfairly.
That's enough for me not to love this book and the writing.
Thank you @gay.romance.reviews for the copy!
punkrockromance's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
i_readsandbujos's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
They were friends, they were business partners... and they were roommates.
I was super excited to receive an ARC of They Were Roommates by Dawn Cutler-Tran I loved reading this book and following the journey of Frankie and Diego from classmates to friends to business partners to lovers. Diego's shy unsureness and Frankie's outgoing playfulness are enjoyable to read. Even though they must deal with Diego's transphobic family, they have each other and a great queer found family to rely on. I can't wait to read the other book on this series.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I was super excited to receive an ARC of They Were Roommates by Dawn Cutler-Tran I loved reading this book and following the journey of Frankie and Diego from classmates to friends to business partners to lovers. Diego's shy unsureness and Frankie's outgoing playfulness are enjoyable to read. Even though they must deal with Diego's transphobic family, they have each other and a great queer found family to rely on. I can't wait to read the other book on this series.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
paranormerbookcorner's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
tofi_15's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ARC REVIEW
.
Where do I start? This was everything I wanted and needed ❤️. Not only it was extremely cozy story about friendship, super queer found family and coffee shop (I absolutely love everything set in coffee shops - it's my comfort place 🥰) but there was so much important things mentioned!
.
Where do I start? This was everything I wanted and needed ❤️. Not only it was extremely cozy story about friendship, super queer found family and coffee shop (I absolutely love everything set in coffee shops - it's my comfort place 🥰) but there was so much important things mentioned!
.
Firstly, communication between Diego and Frankie - they talked about everything, okay sometimes it took them longer to open up, but at the end they always did and it was so refreshing to see that 🥹. Secondly, the queerness of whole story! Loved it! Loved the omnisexual representation. Loved the trans representation and all that comes with coming to terms with one's gender identity. I adored Diego's and Frankie's found family - they were all such sweethearts ❤️. That's the next thing I wanted to mention - sometimes the family you were born to isn't there for you... but you can find your own just like the MCs of They Were Roommates.
.
And the next thing - this story was quite spicy and there's a lot of on screen communications about that. (Also extremely important and I loved to see that. 🥰) As well as Frankie's hookups and zero sl*t shaming 👏✨! Definitely one of the most appreciated qualities of this book was how open it was about these things.
.
So to wrap this up... go read this book, it's worth it ❤️.
mxbluet18's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Trigger warnings for They Were Roommates include: internalized and external homophobia and transphobia. There is also a full chapter dealing with the death of a parent.
☆
☆
I loved Frankie and Diego. I really thoroughly enjoyed the whole book. I loved the dynamic they had with each other, and with everyone else. And it was fun to watch their relationship evolve over years.
~
In one particular scene I got really worried. Because it's a book with trans characters, I got concerned that one particular theme would come up, as it often does in fiction with transgender representation. Especially when Frankie found Diego putting shoes on in the middle of the night. I won't go into more detail as I don't want to spoil any scenes for anyone, nor do I want to trigger anyone.
~
Finishing this book was the perfect way to start my November off. It was the perfect blend of fluffy and domestic, but also important and serious.
•
Thank you to author Dawn Cutler-Tran for sending me an ARC copy of this book.
☆
☆
I loved Frankie and Diego. I really thoroughly enjoyed the whole book. I loved the dynamic they had with each other, and with everyone else. And it was fun to watch their relationship evolve over years.
~
In one particular scene I got really worried. Because it's a book with trans characters, I got concerned that one particular theme would come up, as it often does in fiction with transgender representation. Especially when Frankie found Diego putting shoes on in the middle of the night. I won't go into more detail as I don't want to spoil any scenes for anyone, nor do I want to trigger anyone.
~
Finishing this book was the perfect way to start my November off. It was the perfect blend of fluffy and domestic, but also important and serious.
•
Thank you to author Dawn Cutler-Tran for sending me an ARC copy of this book.
chelsw's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
They Were Roommates by Dawn Cutler-Tran
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Ok guys this book was so good! It follows the MMCs over a several years, from meeting at college, to living apart for a year to starting a business and living together. There is some interest on both sides the whole time and you get to experience that through a dual POV.
This book was a journey in so many ways, a beautiful look into the world of gender expression and sexuality. The highs and lows of living as your true self and the importance of found family!
This book was a journey in so many ways, a beautiful look into the world of gender expression and sexuality. The highs and lows of living as your true self and the importance of found family!
Out November 2nd 2023, Preorder now!!
This book is a prequel to An Epic Construct, which is Penelope’s story and I can’t wait to read it!
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