Review: Roommate by Sarina Bowen
SYNOPSIS:
Wanted: One roommate to share a 3-bedroom house, split the rent, and ideally not be the guy I can’t stop thinking about.
I’m a man with too many secrets, so the last thing I need is a new roommate with a sexy smile and blue eyes that see right through me. Eight years ago, Roderick left town after high school. We’re not friends. I owe him nothing. But back then, I let one of my secrets slip, and he’s the only one who noticed.
Part of me knows I should run far, far away. But the other part wants him to come upstairs and spend the night. But if I let him in, I could lose everything.
Seeking: A room to rent in town. I’m tidy, have no pets, and I will feed you homemade bread.
I should probably add: Gay AF, and has no filter. It’s no wonder my new landlord is so wary of me.
A smarter man would ignore those hot glances from Kieran Shipley. The broody lumberjack wants more from me than another homemade pretzel, but if I push my luck, I’ll end up back on the street.
Too bad I’ve never been smart with my heart …
REVIEW:
Well this book was an absolute delight. I had a good feeling when I saw the cover reveal for this story a few months ago…and I was right. The book was the perfect balance of steamy/sexy and tender/sweet, I couldn’t get enough.
Kieran and Roderick are a perfect contrast. Their unconventional history sprinkles the story with plenty of awkwardness, which was endearing. Kieran is all order, structure, routine, a little boring, and very little talking. Roderick is the complete opposite, a wicked hot mess with a smart mouth. Together they had my heart soaring. Once they can put their awkwardness behind them, Roderick brings Kieran out of his shell. In exchange, Kieran provides the steady constant Roderick never had. The sexual tension in this story provided for the most delicious slow burn. And while they dance around and insist on avoiding their feelings, they actually form a solid friendship.
The Vermont setting had the perfect small-town quaint charm I was anticipating. Unfortunately, it also held those small-town prejudices we are all too familiar with. Roderick’s family is the absolute worst. And honestly, Kieran’s immediate family wasn’t much better. Even after the story concluded, I was still lukewarm at best towards them. But there was hope from an adorable coffee shop and a surprise priest, Kieran and Roderick do have people in their corners.
Over the course of the story, I think my favorite thing was how each character grew so much. Roderick gets closure on his past and is truly able to start fresh. Kieran’s character arc was inspiring and he definitely grew the most throughout the book. By the end of the story, he had me swooning endlessly with his courage and heart. I think my only complaint is…I want more!
LINKS:
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
