A review by dogoodwithbooks
The Roommate by Rosie Danan

funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Closed Door Mods: Chapter 8 (some parts), Chapter 19 (some parts), Chapter 21 (some parts), Chapter 27 (some parts), Chapter 36 (some parts)

While The Roommate was not everything that I thought it would be when I first got it, I do think this rom-com of embracing who you are and finding people who can accept that is a worthwhile read. 

Danan does a good job with developing the relationship between our two main characters, Clara and Josh. The meet-cute worked well and I liked how Danan focused on the personal growth that Clara and Josh go through because of their relationship. Despite his reputation, Josh really is a nice guy and throughout the book he learns how to challenge people’s misconceptions about him as well as challenge himself to try new things. On the other side of the coin, Clara is able to step outside of her comfort zone and abandon the preconceived notions that her family has in place for how she should live her life. That being said, you get some really solid character development as well as a well-developed relationship in Danan’s debut rom-com. 

Another thing I want to point out is that The Roommate tackles a lot of topics relating to intimacy. Yes, there are a lot of spicy chapters, and I’m not really a fan of books with a lot of spice in them, but I did enjoy Danan’s messaging behind the topics of intimacy her book addresses. 

Now, I really did enjoy Danan’s writing style. Her signature blend of humor/satire and heartfelt moments made The Roommate an enjoyable read. Tying in the complex topics of love and intimacy with humor and in a eclectic group of main and side characters, The Roommate does provide the comedy and tender moments needed for a romantic comedy. 

Even though there were some things in The Roommate I wasn’t a huge fan of, I did think it was a good read. If you like your rom-coms on the spicier side but want a romance with solid character development and you like the roommate romance trope, you definitely should give The Roommate a try.

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