A review by lindsaymck
The Roommate by Rosie Danan

emotional funny lighthearted fast-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

4.25

Forced proximity isn’t a new trope to me, but forced proximity when the FMC’s new MMC roommate is a porn star is DEFINITELY new to me! This story was such an entertaining will-they-or-won’t-they as they push the boundary from roommates to friends to business partners to…everything. 

First things first - I liked how the book started off with the Connecticut socialite, Clara, pining for her childhood best friend, Everett. Her description of the anticipation, pining, and pain of unrequited love was relatable and leads to her eventual realization that he is nothing special beyond his butt chin and his family’s connection to hers. 

Josh Darling (Connors), however, IS something special. The *duality* of this very horny - occupational hazard? - but incredibly thoughtful and supportive man was so endearing. I loved that he could be so open on a physical level, but never push Clara into territory she wasn’t comfortable with while appreciating her beyond the superficial. He never made her feel inexperienced or insufficient, which is especially impressive considering his career choice, and truly treasured being given the privilege to touch and love her. 

Clara’s desire to do right by her family but also find her own path made for good character development, but she never had the reconciliation with them that Josh had with his and it could’ve been stronger if that conversation was included instead of simply alluded to as something to come in the future. 

I appreciated Clara’s journey toward her sexual awakening - WHAT A TOUR GUIDE she has! The creation of Shameless as a platform for sex education without the stigma and shame often associated with sex work makes me wonder why something doesn’t exist like this outside of fiction! 

Clara’s epiphany that love doesn’t have to hurt is so important. “Loving you is like sinking into a warm bath after a lifetime of feeling cold down to my bones.” That is what I want and that I’m so happy Clara got. 

She also realizes that when given the choice between living up to your family’s expectations and having a loving, loyal partner whose happiness depends on getting to touch and pleasure and appreciate you, the choice is simple