by Christina Lauren
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating:
Heat Level:
Marriages of convenience are so…inconvenient.
Rescued by Calvin McLoughlin from a would-be subway attacker, Holland Bakker pays the brilliant musician back by pulling some of her errand-girl strings and getting him an audition with a big-time musical director. When the tryout goes better than even Holland could have imagined, Calvin is set for a great entry into Broadway—until he admits his student visa has expired and he’s in the country illegally.
Holland impulsively offers to wed the Irishman to keep him in New York, her growing infatuation a secret only to him. As their relationship evolves from awkward roommates to besotted lovers, Calvin becomes the darling of Broadway. In the middle of the theatrics and the acting-not-acting, what will it take for Holland and Calvin to realise that they both stopped pretending a long time ago?
Are you looking for a standalone romance that makes you swoon and laugh? Roomies by Christina Lauren delivers a romance with the arrangement trope that had me laughing and swooning in the Big Apple. Filled with passion, awkward moments, and rich characters Roomies gave me all the feels.
Things You’ll Love About Roomies
- Holland Bakker is a smart, kind-hearted wannabee writer, who works for her Uncle on Broadway. While not musically inclined she has a passion for music. I adored the setup regarding a talented young Irishman and could identify with her on so many levels. Lauren allowed us to be a part of this young woman’s growth and I cheered from the sidelines.
- Calvin McLoughlin is a gifted musician whose passion is evident with each strum of his guitar. An Irishman with an accent that will melt your panties, and a shyness that makes him endearing I loved how Lauren peeled back his layers.
- While both characters grabbed my interests neither is perfect and both have secrets which made the arrangement trope work wonderfully. It isn’t often we see the marriage arrangement in modern-day romances, but Lauren made it not only work but feel real. I loved seeing these strangers go from awkward to sizzling. Lauren allowed their relationship to slowly develop giving it depth and friendship. In doing so she allowed the reader to experience all the firsts and fall in love right along with them.
- Secondary characters added humor, warmth, interference and were well developed. This combined with the settings of the music house, subway, coffee shops and a tiny New York apartment brought the story to life. The performances were wonderful and my only regret is that we couldn’t hear the performances, but Lauren gave us all the feels.
- The conflict(s) felt realistic and with them, we saw character growth.
- This is a standalone romance so the reader is rewarded with a resolution in their quest for happily ever after.
Brilliant from beginning to end, Roomies provided all the elements for that romantic book high we all crave. I have no doubt this will rank among my favorites.
Filled with passion, awkward moments, and rich characters Roomies by Christina Lauren gave me all the feels. Share on XLoveable Quotes
“This is a conversation. Holy shit, I’m having a conversation with the stranger I’ve had a crush on for months.”
“Do you have cats?” I blink. “Cats?” “I’m allergic.” “Oh.” I frown. This is really where his brain goes first? Mine went straight to bare skin and sex sounds. “No cats.”
“There is a high that comes from live shows, a collective energy in a large group of people all gathered for one reason. The beat slices through the melodies and then drops; the crowd bounces and undulates like ripples of water.”
“I catch a flash of bare ass and find religion.”
Sharon - Obsession with Books
I love it when the secondary characters are just as well developed as the MCs, this sounds great Kimba!
A wonderful review. Sharon – Obsession with Books
Angie @ Ba_BAMB
As a matter of fact, I AM looking for a swoony, funny romance! I have heard nothing but good things about this book. I really need to dive in.
Great review!
Jennifer
I really enjoyed this one on audio. I’ve loved every book I’ve read/listened to by this author duo.
Blessie (Mischievous Reads)
I enjoyed this book so much! Calvin is just too cute. <3
Wattle
Ah this sounds like good fun! I love the marriage of convenience trope lol definitely adding it to my TBR!
Trish @ Between My Lines
I catch a flash of bare ass and find religion – LOL! Sounds like a fun read, and I love that it feels realistic and has great characters. Adding to my TBR immediately!
Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews
I’m so happy you enjoyed Roomies as much as I did, Kim 🙂 I just loved all the feels 🙂 Great review!
Cyn
Okay, you’ve convinced me! My favourite trope, a 5 star read/listen and awesome quotes, sounds like this is a must read for me haha. Glad you loved it so much!! Great review, Kim!
Tanya @ Girl Plus Books
I haven’t seen one single bad (or even lukewarm) review of this one. Everyone raves about Roomies! I’ve never read anything from Christina Lauren but this one is definitely on my radar. And I already like the sound of Calvin. 🙂 Great review, Kim!
Melanie Simmons
I haven’t tried this author duo yet. I met both of them at RT17. One of them was on the panel, the other showed up in the audience. She didn’t think she would make it, but came anyway. They were a lot of fun.
Aleen @ Lampshade Reader
Sounds really cute. I’m a sucker for Irishmen heroes. LOL.
Nereyda Gonzalez
I really liked this one too. I heard it on audio. It was so different from their other books but a good different
Carole @ Carole's Random Life in Books
This sounds wonderful! I wasn’t sure that I would like this one but after reading your review, I think I would. So glad you enjoyed it, Kimberly!
Tyler H. Jolley
Sounds steamy!
Angela Adams
I got a kick out of those quotes! Thanks for the post.
Jenea's Book Obsession
This sounds wonderful! Definitely something I would enjoy too! I am going to have to get it now…
Jo
The quotes really make me wanna read the book!
Quinn @ Quinn's Book Nook
I so want to read this! I’ve never read a book by Christina Lauren, and I think this is the perfect place to start. I’m so glad you loved it. I wonder how the audiobook is. I would love to hear a great Irish accent!
Blodeuedd
Must try Lauren!
Lover Of Romance
Oh this book sounds so wonderful here!!I do love this author and I can’t wait to read this one. I love the funny and swoony reads.
Nina
I love that you really liked the secondary characters in the story! They can totally be annoying and not that interesting. 🙂
Heidi
I put this book on hold at the library right after I finished Autoboyography in November. I should be getting it soon. I hope you will try Autoboyography by this duo. I thought it was an amazing read, and I can’t wait for this one.
Melliane
I heard different things bout this one so I wasn’t sure but I want to try more by the authors
Geybie
Wow, fantastic review, Kim. Glad that you loved this book. I did enjoy it. ❤️
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)
I can’t wait to listen to this one! Nice review.
Jonetta
I can’t wait to listen to this one! Nice review.
Debbie Haupt
Ok thanks Kim for filling up my 2018 cart already LOL. This sounds fab and I bet the narration is great with a sexy Irish accent
Melissa
You had me at Irish accent! Love when an author can dust off an old trope and really make it work.
ShootingStarsMag
That’s great the arrangement trope worked in this one, and that the conflict all felt realistic and just helped the characters more. Sounds like a winner!!
-Lauren
Ailyn Koay
yes.. religion can sometimes be in the ass… but hey a good booty is godsend right?